We’re organising a member-only business and innovation-focused delegation to the Gulf from 13–16 October, with a packed agenda spanning Dubai and Riyadh. This is an opportunity to explore two of the region’s most dynamic markets, connect with leading industry figures, and learn about commercial opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.


Agenda:

13–14 October – Dubai & GITEX Global

Our first stop is Dubai, where we’ll attend GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events. Delegation members will have access to the exhibition complex as part of the trip.

If you would like to attend the GITEX Global Conference, we can arrange a discounted pass for selected conference tracks taking place while we are in Dubai:

  • 13 October – GLOBAL Realignments and AI for Developers
  • 14 October – Future Frontiers and AI

These sessions bring together global tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss frontier technologies, industry disruption, and future market trends.

15–16 October – Riyadh Engagements

Late on 14 October, we’ll travel to Riyadh for a series of engagements with the Saudi government, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. This will be a chance to hear first-hand about Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving market and the significant opportunities emerging as part of its Vision 2030 transformation.

Key Dates and Logistics

  • Arrival in Dubai: Sunday 12 October 2025
  • Delegation programme: Monday 13 October – Thursday 16 October 2025
  • Departure: Afternoon/evening of Thursday 16 October onwards
  • Travel & accommodation: Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.

techUK will organise the official agenda, provide briefings and materials, and coordinate on-the-ground logistics throughout the programme.

Who Should Attend?

This delegation is open to techUK member companies and is particularly suited for:

  • C-level executives (CEOs, Founders, Managing Directors)
  • Heads of policy, public affairs, or regulatory affairs
  • Companies with an existing presence in the Gulf or concrete plans to expand into the UAE and/or Saudi Arabia markets

Costs

The participation fee is £300 per delegate. This contribution helps cover the additional costs of running international delegations and supports techUK’s ability to deliver more overseas market access opportunities for members in future.

Registration Deadline

  • Register byCOB on 19 September 2025
  • Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you should have any questions, please contact:

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.

Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.

As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.

Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+32 473 323 280
Website:
www.techuk.org

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Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.

Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-newton-8ab444239/

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techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities

techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.

 

 

Upcoming events

17 – 18 September 2025

techUK Delegation to the WTO Public Forum 2025

Geneva, Switzerland
23 – 25 September 2025

techUK Delegation to Washington DC 2025

Washington DC, USA
13 – 16 October 2025

techUK’s first ever Delegation to the Gulf: Dubai & Riyadh

Dubai & Riyadh, Gulf

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Meet the team 

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK