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.

Please note we are only accepting one participant per member company.


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

International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.

With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.

A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.

She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.

Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.

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

She is a frequent traveler and a marathon runner.

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

Read lessmore

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/

Read lessmore

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

Latest news and insights 

Learn more and get involved

 

International Policy and Trade updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our International Policy and Trade programme.

 

Here are the five reasons to join the International Policy and Trade Programme

Download

Join techUK groups

techUK members can get involved in our work by joining our groups, and stay up to date with the latest meetings and opportunities in the programme.

Learn more

Become a techUK member

Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.

Learn more

Meet the team 

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

International Policy and Strategy Lead, 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