A delegation led by David Burt, the Premier, has travelled to the United Arab Emigrates to take part in a private fintech roundtable and the World Government Summit.

A Government spokeswoman said Bermuda was invited to the Satoshi Roundtable, a private invitation-only event from which the media is banned, in recognition of the island’s leadership in digital finance.

The spokeswoman added that after the round table, Mr Burt will join hundreds of heads of government, minister and leaders at the WGS to “discuss future-forward approaches to governance”.

She said: “The Premier’s participation reflects Bermuda’s growing profile as a jurisdiction that contributes meaningfully to global conversations on financial innovation and public-sector modernisation.

“The Premier will be speaking at the Government Services Forum and will lead a fireside chat with CNN’s Eleni Giokos.”

Mr Burt has also been invited as a special guest and speaker at the Arab Fiscal Forum, which brings together a dozen finance ministers and central bank governors from the region, along with the managing director of the International Monetary Fund to discuss fiscal policies.

The spokeswoman added: “While in the region, the Premier will also travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain to advance bilateral engagement and strengthen ties between Bermuda and Bahrain.”

All airfare and accommodations for the delegation are being covered by the Government of the UAE.

Mr Burt said: “Returning to the Satoshi Roundtable and participating in the World Government Summit reflects Bermuda’s continued leadership in digital finance and our commitment to engaging at the highest levels internationally.

“This visit also provides an important opportunity to continue strengthening relations with partner countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, including the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to advance cooperation that supports economic opportunity for Bermudians.”

The delegation also includes Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, and Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, along with Alexia Hefti, Bermuda’s special representative for the Middle East and Africa.