The aim of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is to promote internationally the interests of the United Kingdom and to contribute to a strong world community.  This - and the FCO's more detailed objectives - are achieved through the work of policy makers in the FCO in London and the work of diplomatic missions overseas.  These missions are known as Embassies, except in Commonwealth countries where they are called High Commissions.  Britain also has delegations accredited to the EU, the UN and other international organisations.

The FCO has some 5,800 UK-based staff, around 2,400 of these are serving in 221 UK posts overseas.  Staff must be prepared to work anywhere in the world, from Abu Dhabi to Zagreb.  UK-based staff are supported in overseas missions by locally engaged staff, who provide essential continuity and knowledge of their countries.  The Ambassador is appointed by the Queen to represent Britain in the host country.

The work of Britain's diplomats is wide and various. Political and Commercial work forms the basis of most Embassy activity.  This involves negotiating, lobbying, analysing and reporting on local developments, while building up links with people and organisations of influence.  The aim is to promote understanding of Britain and to foster relations with the host country, and thus advance British interests.  These activities are backed up by a press and public affairs team, and by management staff.  Missions also provide Consular assistance and passport services to British Nationals, and issue entry clearance visas for entering the UK.

The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai represent Her Majesty's Government in the United Arab Emirates.  The Embassy in Abu Dhabi is the focus for bilateral relations between Britain and the Federal Government.  The Embassy in Dubai supports the bilateral relationship but with a strong focus on developing trade and economic ties between Britain and Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Our work in the UAE is split between the following individual sections of the Embassies:

Political section

Commercial section

Press and Public Affairs section

Consular section

Visa section

Defence Section