David Cameron's Gulf mission is a conspicuous attempt to calm relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both vital trading partners, after spats caused by the changes during the Arab spring and fears over the growing strength of Islamist groups in the Middle East.
The trip is part of an ongoing effort to smooth recently ruffled feathers in the two autocratic states and ensure that billions of pounds worth of defence sales and other UK economic interests are not affected.
Problems on the prime minister's agenda include sudden difficulties over renewing a key BP oil concession in Abu Dhabi, the largest of the Arab emirates, and worries about a £7bn fighter aircraft deal with Saudi Arabia. Both countries are bristling over criticism of their human rights records – though little of it is from the British government. UK trade with the Gulf is worth £17bn a year.
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