Business leaders trade mission to Saudi Arabia and Bharain

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has begun leading a delegation of business leaders from the region for a trade mission to Saudi Arabia and Bharain.

The delegation flew out for a six-day mission to the Middle East which will see visits to the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Riyadh before heading on to Bahrain.

The mission has been organised after the two countries were identified by Chamber members as markets they would like to explore trade opportunities with.   

Leeds Bradford Airport has signed up as headline sponsor for the mission, which will see firms involved in tech, education, professional services and manufacturing all travelling to the Gulf state to explore new relationships with firms in the two countries.  

The mission will include meetings with Saudi Airlines, the British Embassy in Riyadh, the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

The visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain follows on from previous successful missions to the United Arab Emirates and the United States, with more trade missions planned for 2026.  

James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “At a time when the cost of doing business is so high, it is more important than ever to explore new avenues for doing business.  

“We asked our members where they would like to see a trade mission arranged for and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were a clear standout.   

“We look forward to welcoming all of our delegates and are grateful to Leeds Bradford Airport for signing up as lead sponsor as it seeks to increase the number of routes it serves globally.”