The British Council has appointed a new Country Director for the UAE, who will work to strengthen educational and cultural relations between the UK and the UAE, and create opportunities to build British-Emirati connections.

Martin Daltry leads a dedicated team of 200 staff working in the British Council’s centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, offering high quality English language learning and testing, education, arts and cultural programmes.

Daltry has worked with the British Council for over 25 years in Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Algeria and, most recently, as Director in the Occupied Palestinian Territories since 2018. 

He has led its work with Palestinian, UK and international partners to support education, culture and heritage in the West Bank and Gaza, building skills, resilience, networks and opportunities for young people.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role in the UAE, a dynamic international hub for education and innovation, culture and the creative industries,” said Daltry.

“I am look forward to collaborating with partners here in education and culture to develop talent and skills for employability and respond to global challenges such as the climate crisis, building on the historic and myriad connections between our two countries.”

Edward Hobart, UK Ambassador to the UAE, said: “Since 1971, the British Council has served as a vital bridge between the UK and UAE, fostering mutual understanding and trust between our two nations by empowering youth through education, culture, and the arts.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin as the new British Council Director, whose wealth of regional experience and knowledge will undoubtedly make him a great asset in strengthening our long-standing partnership.” – TradeArabia News Service