The city of Birmingham in the UK and Abu Dhabi’s municipal government have signed an agreement for co-operation in the development of local government in Abu Dhabi.

The ‘Memorandum of understanding’ (MoU) was signed between the leader of Birmingham city council, Mike Whitby, and Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) at the council house in Birmingham city centre.

The MoU is the latest step in a growing relationship between Birmingham and Abu Dhabi, said a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Birmingham city council will offer support, advice and consultancy to help for the the DMA to set up and develop a local government structure in Abu Dhabi.

In exchange, officials from Abu Dhabi will offer Birmingham direct support in facilitating meetings and introductions, and advising and advocating credentials, to some of the most important private and state backed investors across the UAE and the Gulf. 

The city of Birmingham is keen to showcase itself as an investment friendly city to rival London, the statement said.

Whitby said: “This partnership offers fantastic opportunities for Birmingham to gain direct access to some of the most ambitious investors in the world. Though this is based on mutual benefit, the MoU has been signed with genuine warmth and friendship that will be the basis of its success.”

Hajeri said: “We’re keen to show the world how we’re transforming Abu Dhabi and working to make our 2030 vision a reality.  By this partnership, we can learn from their experiences to inform and drive our ambitious plans and achieve recognition for our accomplishments so far.” - TradeArabia News Service