Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has embarked on a significant diplomatic and fundraising mission to Dubai, where he engaged with United Arab Emirates ministers and sought financial support from wealthy British expatriates. This two-night visit marks his second trip to the Gulf state within just two months, following a previous £10,000 excursion hosted by Abu Dhabi to attend the Formula One grand prix.
Building Diplomatic Bridges and Securing Backing
Farage's ability to secure meetings with foreign government ministers represents a notable evolution in his political outreach. Historically, his diplomatic connections have been predominantly centred around Donald Trump's administration in the United States. Speaking at a GB News event commemorating the network's fifth anniversary, Farage revealed he had conducted a "very good interview" with an unnamed UAE minister on Wednesday.
The event, held at the prestigious Aura Skypool—a 50-storey venue featuring the world's highest infinity pool—was attended by prominent figures including Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE industry minister who also serves as chief executive of the state oil company Adnoc and formerly chaired the UAE's national media council.
Engaging with the Expatriate Community
During his stay, Farage actively conversed with numerous British expatriates residing in Dubai, aiming to secure their backing for Reform UK. He noted that many expats expressed a desire to return to the United Kingdom, citing taxation policies and crime rates as primary factors influencing their decision to live abroad.
"There's loads of expats in Dubai. Many of them would like to come back to the UK," Farage remarked, adding that he had spoken to "loads of people like that." However, he tempered expectations by suggesting the trip was unlikely to yield immediate donation announcements.
Exclusive Events and High-Profile Connections
Farage participated in two invitation-only events on Tuesday, including a private lunch opposite the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. Bloomberg reported this gathering was supported by Indian billionaire Sunny Varkey, a Dubai resident with an estimated net worth of $4 billion according to Forbes magazine, who owns the prominent schools operator GEMS Education.
When questioned about whether Varkey—whom Farage described as a "nice chap"—had suggested donating to Reform UK, the politician declined to comment, stating: "Even if he had, I wouldn't discuss it."
Notable Attendees and Financial Backing
The GB News anniversary event attracted several distinguished guests, including former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi—who recently defected to Reform UK—alongside his wife Lana. Senior GB News figures such as owner Paul Marshall, along with local businesspeople and financiers, were also present.
Farage, who humorously claimed his primary reasons for visiting Dubai were "sunshine" and supporting GB News, delivered a brief speech praising the news network. Recalling his remarks in the European parliament following the Brexit referendum, he declared: "They all laughed at us. They're not laughing now, are they?"
Financial Context and Political Aspirations
This fundraising effort follows Reform UK's receipt of the largest single donation ever made to a UK political party in December, when expatriated crypto investor Christopher Harborne contributed £9 million. Additionally, parliamentary records reveal GB News—whose financial backers include Dubai-based investment company Legatum—paid Farage over £200,000 last year for hosting a weekly show on the channel.
Farage expressed admiration for the UAE's approach to governance, highlighting its low crime rates, entrepreneurial environment, "sensible" taxation policies, and ban on the Muslim Brotherhood—an organisation the UK government has resisted proscribing.
"These are all the things that we're going to do in the United Kingdom," Farage asserted confidently. "We're going to win the next election. And many of you who have come to Dubai will suddenly find London a more attractive place to be."
This Dubai visit underscores Farage's expanding international diplomacy and his determined efforts to bolster Reform UK's financial resources ahead of forthcoming electoral challenges.
