The Middle East Association (MEA) exists to foster productive relationships and create opportunities for engagement between governments, embassies, businesses, NGOs, academic institutions, think tanks, other organisations and individuals interested in the UK’s relationship with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
The MEA works by convening, facilitating and partnering across a wide range of sectors, including business, culture, environment, education, and development. Part of that involves hosting regular social events, private briefings and more bespoke events and activities, which are enjoyable, educational and add value. The aim is to fill an important space and create an environment where dots can be joined and synergies explored by potential partners who might not otherwise have the chance to engage.
Our Activities
Private Business Briefings:
Exclusive sessions where industry leaders and experts share insights and updates on the Middle East.
Annual Gala Dinner and Ambassadors Reception:
Prestigious events that bring together senior people to celebrate and strengthen bilateral ties.
Sector-Specific Meetings:
Facilitating targeted discussions and engagements with stakeholders across various sectors, including business, culture, environment, education, and development.
Workshops and Seminars:
Collaborative and educational sessions with other organizations to explore new partnership opportunities and learn about the region.
Key Functions
Engagement Opportunities
The MEA hosts a series of diplomatic and business events throughout the year, including private business briefings, our Annual Dinner, and Ambassadors Reception. These events are designed to deepen understanding and partnerships between the UK and the Middle East. The MEA facilitates meetings and engagement with key stakeholders across various sectors and levels.
Neutral Platform
The Middle East offers a neutral and safe space to discuss issues and hold events. We provide a platform for practitioners and interested observers, including journalists, politicians, and other influential actors to share their insights, create synergies, and foster opportunities for partnership. The MEA supports open dialogue and collaborative approaches to the challenges and opportunities of the region.
Adapting to Change
The Middle East landscape is evolving, and the MEA is committed to driving sustainable growth and cooperation amid these changes. We work with other organisations and institutions to address barriers, ensuring our members are well-prepared to navigate and deal with the region.
Upcoming Events
15 September 2025 – Cambridge Tech Week
MEA delegation connecting with leading UK tech innovators.
23 September 2025 – Libya–UK Business Conference
Half-day conference hosted with the LBBC, featuring senior Libyan business leaders from banking, infrastructure, telecoms, and logistics.
25 September 2025 – Syria Briefing
Briefing with James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, following his recent visit to Syria, with a panel discussion and Q&A.
13–14 October 2025 – Jordan–UK Tech Innovation Summit
High-level roundtable co-hosted with the Jordanian Embassy, bringing together UK and Jordanian tech leaders.
27 November 2025 – MEA Annual Gala Dinner
Our flagship black-tie event brings together senior leaders from business, diplomacy, and academia for an evening of networking and celebration.
January 2026 – Annual Cross-Parliamentary Reception
A key MEA event uniting parliamentarians, diplomats, and business leaders to strengthen UK–Middle East relations and foster dialogue across party lines.
Membership Benefits
Joining the Middle East Association connects you with one of the UK’s most established networks dedicated to building business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with the MENA region.
As a member, you will benefit from:
Networking Opportunities:
Direct engagement with a diverse community of UK and MENA decision-makers across business, government, and academia.
Opportunities to raise your profile within MEA’s network and contribute to thought leadership on UK–Middle East relations.
Access to Insights:
Policy and market briefings on regional developments, delivered by experts and practitioners.
Updates on trade, investment, and sector-specific opportunities across the region.
Event Invitations:
Invitations to high-level events, briefings, and roundtables with ambassadors, ministers, and senior executives.
Priority access to MEA’s flagship occasions including the Annual Gala Dinner, Parliamentary Reception, and regional delegations.