The Ministry of Economy and Labour has revealed its minister’s itinerary after he travelled to the United Arab Emirates to strengthen economic ties with the country.

Jason Hayward met Abdulla Lootah, the Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, to discuss “capacity building and leadership opportunities”, according to a ministry statement.

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, had meetings at the UAE ministry during COP28.

Mr Hayward also met Khalfan Belhoul, the chief executive of the Dubai Future Foundation, where he was taken to the foundation’s Museum of the Future to learn about Dubai’s plans for innovation.

The minister met Douraid Zaghouani, chief operating officer of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, and Eric Milne, general counsel at the corporation.

During the meeting, Mr Hayward highlighted Bermuda and the ICD’s mutual interests and potential for collaboration as the country looks to expand its investment opportunities.

Finally, Mr Hayward met Fahad Al Gergawi, the chief operating officer of the Dubai Investment Development Agency, and told him about Bermuda’s potential for investment in the hospitality industry.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Economy and Labour said: “Minister Hayward's visit underscores Bermuda's commitment to deepening bilateral relationships in the UAE and broader Gulf region, driving forward our economy through new strategic partnerships and investment in Bermuda.”

The exact dates of the meetings and the minister’s travel were not disclosed in the statement.