**Abu Dhabi**: A new Scottish energy transition hub launching in Abu Dhabi aims to support Scottish clean energy firms entering the UAE market by offering business setup, mentoring, funding advice, and collaboration with leading UAE energy entities like Masdar and ADNOC.
A new Scottish energy transition hub is set to launch in Abu Dhabi, positioning itself at the heart of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) energy sector. This initiative aims to support Scottish businesses operating within the clean energy industry by providing them with direct access to the expansive UAE market.
The development of this hub represents the second phase of a strategic programme initiated by Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency. The programme’s primary objective is to generate increased international export sales for Scottish companies by facilitating their entry and growth in key overseas markets. Businesses participating in the hub will have the opportunity to establish their UAE base for a period of 12 to 18 months. During this time, they will benefit from a comprehensive range of services, including guidance on company setup, mentoring, and coaching tailored to the local business environment. Additionally, participants will receive advice on funding opportunities and practical insights into conducting business within the UAE. Support will be provided by Scottish Enterprise’s international team alongside in-market specialists to ensure tailored assistance.
Currently, precise details regarding the hub’s facilities, location within Abu Dhabi, partnerships with local UAE organisations, and official opening date are being finalised. During its inaugural year, the hub is expected to host five to ten Scottish companies that are entering the UAE market for the first time with their energy transition products and services. A significant advantage for participating companies will be direct engagement with prominent UAE entities leading efforts in the energy transition, such as Masdar, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). In addition, these companies will connect with key local stakeholders including government departments, business support agencies, supply chain partners, and potential investors.
This announcement coincides with a visit to the UAE by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, and Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise. During their visit, the pair are engaged in a series of meetings aimed at enhancing trade relations between Scotland and the UAE. This visit also overlaps with the inaugural UAE Scotland Week, taking place from 14 to 17 April, a platform designed to deepen collaboration between the two nations.
The initial phase of the programme occurred in Scotland where 12 Scottish companies collaborated with business experts from both the UAE and Scotland. This phase involved explorations into regulatory requirements, cultural business practices, and the development of market entry strategies, alongside practising pitching scenarios. From this group, seven companies have accompanied the Deputy First Minister and Chief Executive to the UAE as part of the trade delegation. These companies are Apollo Engineering Consultants Limited, Aqualution Systems Ltd, Cygnas Solutions Ltd, Dundas Consultants, Peterson (United Kingdom) Limited, Precision Impulse, and TenzorGEO Ltd.
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie commented on the initiative, saying: “This innovative approach will help ambitious Scottish companies take their first steps in the UAE. We’re intentionally locating the hub in Abu Dhabi to be near businesses at the forefront of UAE’s energy transition, such as Masdar, ADNOC and TAQA. Helping Scottish companies identify new opportunities and partnerships outside of Scotland is vital to our future economic success. It’s been a productive visit so far with our companies making incredibly useful connections that will help them further develop a strong presence in UAE when the Scottish energy transition hub opens.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes added: “Scotland’s unique strengths, expertise and innovation in clean energy are recognised around the world. From offshore wind to hydrogen to energy storage, Scottish businesses are at the vanguard of many of the technologies that will support the global energy transition and our future energy security for decades to come. The UAE Energy Hub presents Scottish businesses with an excellent opportunity to capitalise on this position and develop the partnerships, the collaborations and the investment opportunities that are ready to be unlocked.”
Trade between Scotland and the UAE is significant, with goods exported from Scotland to the UAE valued at £548 million in 2023. The establishment of the energy transition hub in Abu Dhabi is expected to further strengthen economic ties and support the growth of Scottish clean energy companies on the international stage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/news/scottish-energy-transition-hub-abu-dhabi – Confirms the launch of a Scottish energy transition hub in Abu Dhabi aimed at supporting Scottish clean energy businesses entering the UAE market, aligning with Scottish Enterprise’s strategic programme to boost international exports.
- https://www.energyconnects.com/news/renewables/2023/october/scottish-companies-set-to-showcase-world-leading-energy-transition-innovations-at-adipec-in-abu-dhabi/ – Supports information on Scottish companies actively showcasing energy transition technologies in Abu Dhabi, highlighting partnerships and trade delegations including the involvement of Scottish Development International and the emphasis on clean energy innovation.
- https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/learning-zone/research-evaluation-and-insight/2023/uae-hydrogen-clean-energy-incubator-scoping-study – Details a scoping study commissioned by Scottish Enterprise to explore the creation of a clean energy incubator in Abu Dhabi, supporting SMEs in Scotland to access the UAE market with relevant clean energy and hydrogen solutions.
- https://www.bedigest.com/NEWS/275080.aspx – Reports on the launch of an energy transition centre/hub in Abu Dhabi with technical expertise in renewable energy and decarbonisation, reinforcing the strategic importance of Abu Dhabi as a hub for clean energy transition initiatives.
- https://www.gov.scot/news/uae-scotland-week-2025/ – Confirms the timing of UAE Scotland Week from April 14-17, 2025, during which Scottish officials including the Deputy First Minister are engaging with UAE counterparts to deepen trade and collaboration, consistent with the article’s description.
- https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/about-us/leadership/our-leadership-team – Provides official information about Adrian Gillespie as Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, corroborating his role and involvement in the energy transition hub initiative and trade mission to the UAE.
- https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxNQldCdUlDNENURERnb1FmZkRoekhKMWZlOGFOZFRzM3RTWEpoRlhSb0E1M1o2WlludVNLRGFldnJfel9lWURrbFB6Z2lfX2N3NnJRMjBwMUN1NG9iUHloeFZiLVdmNHhXNlZHNGlKYzJqektOeVppcG5GOExXQkVFb3F2U2k2YUV3SUlMOC1STFlOZkpMR0htekV5M2FnNkV0ZWprRW9aV2haWi1XT2dlLVAzZjdYaDR5Rm9QajkxR2RZdi1F?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions a specific event (UAE Scotland Week, 14-17 April) and references ongoing planning, indicating recent developments. No evidence of content recycling found. While not explicitly a press release, the announcement aligns with government-backed programme updates, which typically require freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Quotes from Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes are credible given their roles. No prior matching quotes found online, suggesting original statements tied to the UAE visit.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a Google News-linked article without clear attribution to a named publisher. Key entities mentioned (Scottish Enterprise, UAE organisations) are credible, but lack of direct source verification affects scoring.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims align with Scotland’s clean energy focus and UAE’s energy transition goals. Collaboration with Masdar, ADNOC, and TAQA is plausible given their prominence. Specific programme details (e.g., 12-18 month timelines) reinforce credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative demonstrates strong alignment with credible institutional agendas and recent events. Quotes appear original, and the initiative’s structure matches typical government-backed trade programmes. Confidence is moderated by the absence of a named publisher.
