Princess Beatrice has made an appearance at a business conference in Abu Dhabi, merely a day after being photographed at an event in Saudi Arabia.
The royal attended the UAE-UK Business Council’s fifth anniversary celebration on October 30, where she participated as a speaker at the Plenary Conference.
Academic Professor Eman Gaad shared a photograph with the princess on the social media platform X, confirming Beatrice’s attendance at the event.
The professor, who advocates for disability rights in education and society, represented The British University in Dubai at the gathering.
Princess Beatrice continues Gulf tour as family tensions escalate over Royal Lodge
|
X: DR EMAN GAAD / UAE-UK BUSINESS COUNCIL
The conference featured a panel discussion addressing inclusivity within business and trade sectors, which Professor Gaad described as “very thought provoking” in her social media post.
The anniversary event brought together prominent figures from both nations to outline strategic objectives for the coming five years.
According to the organisation’s official website, the conference aimed to establish the Business Council’s vision for future UAE-UK commercial relations.
Notable attendees included the Council’s Co-Chairs, His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh and Lord Udny-Lister, as well as senior Government representatives.
Princess Beatrice was one of the speakers at the panel event
|
UAE-UK BUSINESS COUNCIL
His Excellency Fahad Al Gergawi, Acting Undersecretary at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, participated in the discussions.
The gathering also featured His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, who serves as Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of Mubadala Investment Company.
Both nations’ ambassadors were present, with His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul representing the UAE in the UK and Edward Hobart serving as the UK’s Ambassador to the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi appearance follows Beatrice’s participation at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh just 24 hours earlier.
Princess Beatrice speaking on stage in Abu Dhabi
|
UAE-UK BUSINESS COUNCIL
During her Saudi Arabia visit, she represented Purpose Economy Intelligence Ltd, a company she co-founded and in which she maintains a 45 per cent ownership stake.
The princess holds a directorial position at the firm whilst also serving as a strategic advisor for artificial intelligence company Afiniti.
She previously held the role of Vice President of Partnerships and Strategy at Afiniti until June 2025.
Her Middle Eastern business engagements occur whilst she remains absent from Britain during ongoing tensions surrounding her parents’ residence at Royal Lodge.
Princess Beatrice and Professor Eman Gaad pictured at the UAE event
|
X: DR EMAN GAAD
The princess’s professional commitments have taken her across the Gulf region within two days. Her business activities in the region coincide with reports of family tensions regarding accommodation arrangements at Windsor.
Sources close to Prince William have refuted claims that he threatened to strip his cousins of their titles if Prince Andrew refused to vacate Royal Lodge.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson face pressure to relocate from their current residence, where they have reportedly not paid rent for over two decades.
Alternative properties under consideration reportedly include Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage, both situated within Windsor Castle’s security zone.
A friend of Prince Andrew acknowledged that “the writing is on the wall” regarding their departure from Royal Lodge, suggesting the couple require “a fresh start” following a challenging year.