Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform Party, recently delivered a keynote speech at a private gathering in Dubai, where he expressed admiration for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its leadership. The event, hosted by GB News, took place on the rooftop of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel and was attended by roughly eighty guests, including prominent Emirati officials.
During his remarks, Farage highlighted his desire for his constituency in England, Clacton, to emulate the UAE’s development, stating, “Look around at the palm. I want Clacton to look like this.” He also praised the UAE’s decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, asserting that a Reform government would pursue similar policies.
Strengthening Political Alliances
Farage’s visit comes as the Reform Party seeks to strengthen ties with the UAE, a relationship that aligns with both parties’ shared opposition to political Islam. Sources indicate that Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, was present at the party, underscoring the growing alliance between the two entities.
Farage emphasized the friendship between the UK and the UAE, saying, “We recognise you are our friends. A Brexit London, a Reform London, will remember you.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend as the UAE aims to cultivate relationships with right-leaning political groups in the UK.
The event also included notable attendees such as Laila Cunningham, Reform’s mayoral candidate for London, and Nadhim Zahawi, the former Conservative Chancellor who recently joined Reform. Zahawi is known for spending time in Dubai, where he owns property.
Context of the Muslim Brotherhood Debate
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Cairo in 1928, is viewed with suspicion by many governments in the Middle East and North Africa due to its political aspirations. Despite its claims of peaceful democratic engagement, the group has faced bans in several countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Farage has previously advocated for a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in the UK, citing the actions taken by various Gulf states. In January 2025, the UAE designated eight British organizations as terrorist groups over alleged connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, despite these groups not being found to have violated any British laws.
According to reports, the Emirati leadership’s interest in engaging with the Reform Party stems from a mutual stance against the Muslim Brotherhood. In a recent update, it was noted that Farage sought to arrange a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, indicating a desire for further collaboration.
This developing relationship raises questions about the influence of foreign governments on British politics and the implications for domestic policy regarding immigration and political ideologies. As Farage continues to advocate for his party’s agenda, the support from Emirati officials highlights the intricate dynamics at play in international political alliances.
