Sir Keir Starmer is visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to build closer economic ties with the two Gulf states. The north of England is expected to benefit directly from these trade ties. Graphene Innovation Manchester has announced a new deal with Saudi Arabia to use its product in a major construction project, aiming to generate £250m of investment and research in Greater Manchester and create over a thousand skilled jobs. Sir Keir has also faced calls to raise the issue of human rights in Saudi Arabia during his visit.