Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

INTERVIEW

An interview with Edward hobart, CMG (Corfe, 1985-1989) Ed’s appointment as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in May, 2023

This interview was carried out in August 2023

E d Hobart was appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in May 2023. Ed

The UAE are hosting COP28 this year. How are you involved in this important global event?

I work with the UAE to increase investment in renewable energy and reduce emissions.This includes raising finance and connecting the UAE with experts and facilities in the UK. As we prepare for COP28, my role is to enable the UAE and UK to collaborate effectively by identifying opportunities and connecting our countries as well as influencing others.The UAE is one of the largest hydrocarbon producers, but it is also one of the largest developers of clean energy.We must use COP28 to help us develop other energy sources as well as reduce emissions.

studied History at the University of Oxford before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Congratulations on your appointment as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.What has the new job entailed? It is an interesting time to be working in the UAE. My role covers a broad range, including trade, investment, helping British nationals, and regional security. I arrived as conflict broke out in Sudan, so I found myself working with the UAE to respond to this, but much of the role is about supporting the huge business connections between the UK and UAE. Before becoming Ambassador to the UAE, I worked as Consul General in Dubai so know the country. I have been in the UK since, so it is great to be back working abroad. Just after Teddies

Climate change and the Energy Transition will be a key focus of my current and future roles. It will affect all aspects of our lives – ignoring climate change in business is like ignoring the internet! Can you highlight a particularly memorable moment or achievement during your diplomatic career that you feel has had a significant impact on international relations?

Climate change and the Energy Transition will be a key focus

I have been involved in a wide range of work –

from being a liaison between the UK and Cuba during an eight-tonne cocaine seizure off the Cuban coast, to leading the UK team negotiating the Global Migration Compact in 2017. I most recently looked after the UK government’s overseas property, and by selling excess land we managed to raise around £1.2 billion. Selling land in Bangkok alone allowed us to open 14 new embassies globally.

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