Edward Hobart took up his appointment as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in May 2023. He has previously served as Consul General in Dubai, from 2012 to 2015, a role which included leading Trade and Investment work in the UAE, [at the time] the UK’s fourth largest export market outside Europe. He spent a year previous as Deputy Ambassador in Abu Dhabi.
Ed’s previous role was as Director Estates, Security and Network in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2017 to 2023. Ed was responsible for managing and developing the FCDO’s portfolio of 6000 buildings around the world as well as the security of our staff, assets and information.
He served as the FCO’s Migration Envoy, representing the UK Government internationally and working across the UK government to develop and delivery policy on migration between 2015 and 2017. He headed the FCO’s Libya Unit in 2011. In previous roles he has been responsible for the FCO’s IT and Information Management, led major IT driven change programmes, and developed the FCO’s first digital and on-line presence.
Ed joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1993. In addition to the UAE, he has also served in Cuba and Malaysia. Retired from playing, he now enjoys coaching rugby. Along with his wife, he is a founder of the West London Free School, one of the first new ‘Free Schools’ in the UK.
The British Embassy Abu Dhabi maintains and develops relations between the UK and the United Arab Emirates.
We work closely with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in many areas of political and practical co-operation. In September 2021 the UK and the UAE launched a new ambitious Partnership for the Future framework that will strengthen the deep and historic relationship. The Partnership will ensure both countries work closely together on shared global challenges, promote prosperity and security in the region, and expand the exchange of knowledge, skills and ideas.