British politician Nigel Farage praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a private gathering in Dubai, highlighting the strengthening ties between his Reform Party and Emirati officials. The event took place on the evening of October 25, 2023, at the luxurious rooftop of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, attended by approximately eighty guests, including Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Farage, known for advocating stringent immigration policies, delivered a keynote speech where he expressed admiration for the UAE’s political stance. He remarked, “Look around at the palm… I want Clacton to look like this,” referencing his constituency in England. Sources from the event noted that he praised the UAE’s ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, suggesting that a future Reform government would adopt similar measures.
In addressing the Emirati officials present, Farage stated, “We have a lot to learn from you, my dear sirs,” emphasizing the mutual recognition of friendship between the UK and the UAE. He added, “A Brexit London, a Reform London, will remember you.” This alliance may seem unusual to some, but it reflects a shared opposition to political Islam, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been a point of contention within Middle Eastern politics.
In September 2023, Farage called for the UK to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, pointing to similar actions taken by several Gulf states. Just last week, The Financial Times reported that he sought a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of the UAE. Farage has expressed discontent with the current state of affairs in Britain, stating he admires the UAE’s vision for the future.
The event also featured Laila Cunningham, the Reform Party’s mayoral candidate for London, and Nadhim Zahawi, a former Chancellor who recently joined the Reform Party and is known to spend significant time in Dubai. The party was attended by affluent donors based in the UAE, highlighting the financial dimension of the relationship.
Farage’s recent visit to Abu Dhabi, funded by the UAE government, underscores the growing engagement between his party and Emirati leadership. According to The Financial Times, Emirati officials are keen to connect with the Reform Party due to their aligned views on political Islam.
The Muslim Brotherhood, established in Cairo in 1928, is one of the most prominent organizations advocating political Islam. Although it presents itself as a peaceful entity aiming for democratic participation, many autocratic regimes in the Middle East and North Africa view it as a significant threat. The group has been banned in various countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In January 2025, the UAE designated eight British organizations as terrorist groups due to alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood, despite none being found in violation of British law. Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that the UAE engaged a private intelligence firm to undermine the UK’s largest Muslim charity, Islamic Relief Worldwide, by attempting to associate its officials with extremist ideologies.
As Farage and the Reform Party continue to cultivate their relationship with the UAE, the implications for UK politics and international relations remain to be seen. The growing ties suggest a potential shift in how the UK engages with Middle Eastern nations, particularly regarding shared political ideologies and strategies in combating political Islam.
