Transparency data

Gulf Strategy Fund summary 2023 to 2024

Published 27 March 2025

Overview

The FCDO Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) operates as part of the FCDO’s International Programme. It is an entirely non-ODA workstream. In 2023 to 2024, 6 country programmes were funded in the Gulf region:

Bahrain

Supports Bahrain-led and owned reform and capacity building programme to deliver long-term security, stability and foster science, technology and prosperity links with Bahrain.

Project areas cover:

• supporting the implementation of the restorative justice law for children
• supporting the implementation and development of alternative sentencing best practices
• supporting migrant domestic workers rights
• supporting criminal justice reform
• capacity building on human rights report writing and communication skills
• supporting environmental and biodiversity resilience
• research skills and training for journalists
• supporting space science cooperation
• capacity building on food security and agricultural-technology.

Kuwait

Supports UK objectives around Kuwait’s Vision 2035 by fostering collaboration around economic diversification, human capital development, climate, sustainable development, women’s empowerment and public administration reforms.

Projects cover:

• raising awareness of cyber security threats through education, training,  research and building networks
• collaboration between UK and Kuwaiti universities on green architecture and reusable energy and water
• technical partnerships and youth engagement to combat marine litter, and promote climate, health, and environmental resilience
• developing new techniques for harvesting energy
• developing Kuwait’s public sector anti-corruption ‘code of conduct’ and enhancing strategic communications capability
• building awareness among the younger generation about climate action and diplomatic skills
• supporting future women leaders in sports, including through safeguarding training.
• research on women’s rights and safety in Kuwait, and training for women on financial empowerment and leadership
• research collaboration on greater transition to wind farm energy

Qatar

Contributes to UK objectives via advanced cooperation in areas such as precision healthcare, food security, and Artificial Intelligence.

Projects cover:

• precision healthcare research to accelerate the detection and prevention of common and rare diseases
• development of scalable high value agriculture food production
• health and environment resilience, including anti-microbial resistance, biodiversity and climate
• sustainable waste management on zero waste concept using AI Machine Learning and Lifecycle Assessment
• support to VAT implementation and improved official statistics and data collection
• showcasing British leadership on environment and sustainability at the UK Pavilion at the Qatar Horticultural Expo
• training in public policy making, and workplace safety

Oman

Supports UK aspirations to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Oman in line with the Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship, and deliver the goals of Oman’s Vision 2040 to ensure mutual resilience and prosperity.

Projects cover:  

• a specialised package of technical assistance regarding economic and structural reforms, including continued evolution of the Strategic Advisory Group
• empowerment and advancement of women and youth, including a regional coaching and mentoring initiative for Omani female graduates and support to the SME sector
• strategic communications support for priority social and economic policies
• supporting green finance initiatives and sustainable wastewater treatment

Saudi Arabia

Delivers UK objectives that align with Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ agenda for modernisation, economic diversification and energy transition. Enhances mutual prosperity by promoting inward investment, developing bilateral collaboration, and creating opportunities for UK companies across various sectors.  

Projects cover:

• enhancing UK-Saudi engagement in the energy sector, including renewable energy, clean hydrogen, and minerals
• strengthening the UK-Saudi partnership in counter-terrorism, security, and justice sectors
• supporting the development of a high-value and modern financial services sector
• deepening UK-Saudi technology partnerships
• building Saudi Arabia’s tax administration and statistical capability
• strengthening growth and reform in the education sector by matching UK expertise against Saudi ambition and reducing barriers to qualification recognition
• supporting the development of KSA’s culture, sport, and tourism sectors
• enhancing national climate, biodiversity, and health resilience
• supporting the transformation of the healthcare system and promoting cooperation in life sciences
• increasing Saudi’s technical capabilities to become a more effective aid donor
• improving consular resilience

United Arab Emirates

Supports work to deliver joint UK-UAE prosperity. In the 2023 to 2024 financial year, specific focus was placed on projects linked to the UAE’s COP28 presidency, supporting a strong portfolio of projects delivering against the UK’s Net Zero goals and the UAE’s presidency goals.

Projects cover:

• work to tackle climate change and support the Net Zero transition, including work between UK and UAE institutions on:
  • food loss and waste mitigation
  • mangrove restoration and preservation
  • Net Zero mitigation and resilience solutions
  • agricultural-technology partnerships
• support of UK-UAE partnerships on education, culture, and sport
• work with the UAE to build its capacity and capability in federal tax administration
• capacity development with customs authorities to improve the detection and interception of illegal goods and products

Gulf Strategy Fund programme allocation for the financial year 2023 to 2024

The Gulf Strategy Fund was allocated a budget of £8.85 million.