Edward Hobart CMG
Biography
Edward Hobart took up his appointment as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in May 2023. He has previously served as Consul General in Dubai, from 2012 to 2015, a role which included leading Trade and Investment work in the UAE, [at the time] the UK’s fourth largest export market outside Europe. He spent a year previous as Deputy Ambassador in Abu Dhabi.
Ed’s previous role was as Director Estates, Security and Network in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2017 to 2023. Ed was responsible for managing and developing the FCDO’s portfolio of 6000 buildings around the world as well as the security of our staff, assets and information.
He served as the FCO’s Migration Envoy, representing the UK Government internationally and working across the UK government to develop and delivery policy on migration between 2015 and 2017. He headed the FCO’s Libya Unit in 2011. In previous roles he has been responsible for the FCO’s IT and Information Management, led major IT driven change programmes, and developed the FCO’s first digital and on-line presence.
Ed joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1993. In addition to the UAE, he has also served in Cuba and Malaysia.
He is co-founder of the West London Free School, one of the first new ‘Free Schools’ in the UK.
British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
The Ambassador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the embassy and its consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.
Previous roles in government
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Director of Estates and Security
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British Consul General to Dubai