Edward Hobart appointed UK ambassador to UAE

Career diplomat will take over in May after previous roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Edward Hobart has worked for more than two decades at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Photo: UK government

The UK has announced career diplomat Edward Hobart will replace Patrick Moody as the ambassador to the UAE.

Mr Hobart, who spent more than 20 years at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has served in high-profile roles.

He brings experience of diplomatic, consular and administrative roles to the post, having spent the past six years as director of the estates, security and network directorate at the FCO.

He served as migration envoy from 2015 to 2017 and held positions within the FCO, including head of the Libya unit and acting chief information officer.

Mr Hobart also served as Consul General in Dubai from 2012 to 2015 and as deputy head of mission in Abu Dhabi from 2011 to 2012.

Mr Hobart also spent four years in Kuala Lumpur as head of the political, economic and public diplomacy team, and two years in Havana as the third and later second secretary.

Before joining the FCO in 1993, he worked as an assistant desk officer in the Africa Department (Southern) and held various roles within the Information Department and Public Services Directorate.

He is expected to represent the UK on global challenges including co-operation on climate change and energy security.