Jersey to Partner on Blockchain and crypto opportunities in UAE

The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst hosted a webinar on growth and partnership opportunities between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jersey. The UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, joined Senator Gorst to discuss the UAE’s plans for post-COVID economic recovery.

The webinar advised Jersey companies on how to do business in the UAE, and on the commercial opportunities available as its economy begins to rebuild following the Covid crisis.

Following the webinar, the two governments announced joint initiatives to boos investment flows in both directions over the long term, the Government of Jersey has worked in partnership with the UAE Embassy, London, the Ministry of Economy, UAE to set up a business-to-business matchmaking service to help Jersey companies enter the market. 11 companies have already signed up, and several others have expressed interest in joining the programme, and others.

The webinar focused on on financial services, the digital industry (particularly fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrencies) and food and drink, offering practical advice on market entry.

Several Jersey companies from a range of sectors are aiming to expand their presence in the area, and the recently established Jersey Diaspora Group is aiming to create a stronger sense of community among Jersey Expats in the UAE. Jersey Finance have their Middle East hub office in the Dubai International Finance Centre, and there are 26 Jersey financial services firms operating in the UAE. More than 40 companies do business in the UAE by making regular visits to the country.

The panel of speakers at the webinar include Joe Moynihan, CEO Jersey Finance; Richard Teng, CEO ADGM; Tony Moretta, CEO Digital Jersey; Arif Amiri, CEO DIFC; Marwan Alzahrouni, CEO Dubai Blockchain Centre; Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman of the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Group (under Dubai Chamber); and Graeme Smith, CEO Jersey Business.