The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, travelled to the UAE on 26 November-7 December to lead the Bermuda delegation and participate in the Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
COP 28 is one of the most important environmental and diplomatic events of the year, and it was vital that Bermuda was well represented.
A key highlight was the Premier’s meeting with officials from the Mubadala Investment Company and Masdar in Abu Dhabi to discuss renewable energy and infrastructure investment opportunities in Bermuda. This meeting built upon previous discussions the Premier held with Mubadala, Managing Director and CEO, earlier in the year.
In addition, the Premier also met with His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, the Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs responsible for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, to discuss the Government Experience Exchange Programme. This also builds on discussions held earlier in the year regarding this programme.
A milestone was achieved during Abu Dhabi Finance Week with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA). This MOU is part of Bermuda's initiative to attract high-net-worth family offices and establish a physical EFOA branch in Bermuda within 12 months.
The Premier attended a reception focusing on Women Climate Leaders & Small Islands Developing States following a formal invitation from the Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland. This event allowed the Premier to discuss Bermuda's role as a hub for climate finance and to engage in discussions with global leaders. His Majesty, King Charles III, also attended the reception.
Meetings with key stakeholders in Bermuda's insurance industry were also held, including with Aon Global’s President, Eric Anderson, and Bridget Gainer, Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy to discuss advancing Bermuda’s climate risk finance goals.
The Premier met with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to discuss support for renewable energy projects in Bermuda. This was complemented by a tour of Dubai's Sustainable City and hosting Bermuda Day at the SEE Institute, showcasing Bermuda’s commitment to sustainability.
At COP28, the Premier delivered a keynote address on the Island of Hope Stage, highlighting Bermuda's sustainability initiatives and its role in climate risk finance. Additionally, the Premier hosted a lunch at the DMCC in Dubai, addressing delegates on environmental and economic topics.
The trip concluded with a meeting with His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Foreign Trade, discussing economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the UAE and Bermuda, particularly in hospitality and infrastructure. This was a follow-up to discussions held with His Excellency during the Premier’s visit to Abu Dhabi earlier in the year.
Throughout the visit, the Premier participated in remote meetings, including the weekly Cabinet meeting, the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers’ quarterly board meeting, and the December meeting of Bermuda’s Financial Policy Council. In addition, I held media engagements with local and international news, including interviews with Bermuda Broadcasting, Dubai TV, and Insurer TV.
The trip to the UAE for COP28 marked significant advancements in Bermuda's global partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and climate action on the international stage.