British Ambassador Mr Edward Hobart: “Art becomes a bridge of diplomacy”

On September 24, Heriot-Watt University Dubai hosted a remarkable session of the “Provost’s Business Briefings”, a series designed to bring valuable insights on business, finance, and leadership to the university’s students. The event was hosted by Dame Professor Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, in collaboration with the Business Society, student-led club with the remarkable activities history.

This time, the honored guest was His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mr Edward Hobart. With over three decades of service in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, including key diplomatic roles in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, Ambassador Hobart shared invaluable perspectives on career, leadership, and navigating the complexities of global affairs. His candid advice reminded students that success is not always linear, fulfillment matters as much as financial reward, and flexibility is key in building a meaningful career.

– First of all, thank you, Mr Ambassador! Your speech was not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking, giving us valuable insights into both diplomacy and personal growth. You have graduated from the University of Oxford, Faculty of Modern History. Could you please share with us your path into diplomacy, and which subjects proved to be the most essential for you?

– Thank you! During my university years, I had the chance to meet several diplomats, and their work immediately resonated with me. That encounter shaped my path – I realized I was far more drawn to diplomacy than to other fields. What fascinated me most was the extraordinary variety it offers: the opportunity to live and work in different countries, to experience diverse cultures, and to take on a wide range of responsibilities, often within a single posting.

Over time, my role has extended beyond traditional diplomacy to areas that are closely connected to business. Within the Foreign Office, I have frequently managed large-scale projects with significant budgets—ranging from the delivery of new buildings to IT transformation programs. This has meant working with suppliers, managing human resources, and overseeing areas of internal management on a scale that goes beyond the classical definition of a diplomat’s work. Aligned along with the formal project management trainings, my experience has also come from practice and responsibility. This blend of skills, part diplomatic, part managerial, has been invaluable.

I can say with conviction that my career has been deeply fulfilling. The strengths I bring to supporting business lie in the broader strategic understanding: knowing who you need to influence, grasping the dynamics of a market, recognizing the interplay of political economy, and understanding factors such as taxation or policy shifts that will shape outcomes. In short, it is about seeing the bigger picture. Macro-economics combined with political insight, that allows diplomacy to complement and strengthen business engagement.

– About the culture and diplomacy. Art is often called the second language of diplomacy. What role does it play in your life including your activity as an ambassador?

– I would say that culture, taken in its broadest sense, is one of the United Kingdom’s most significant exports. It is both financially valuable and an immensely powerful tool of soft power. If we think of culture not only in terms of fine art, but also in sport and music, from the Premier League to music bands like Coldplay, the global reach and influence are undeniable. This cultural presence not only generates economic benefit, but also ensures that almost everyone in the world knows something about the UK through its creative expression.

As for the fine arts, they have always been a particularly meaningful part of diplomacy. My first posting as a British Ambassador was in Cuba—a country that was, at the time, very controlled and constrained. Yet it was also a country with a rich artistic heritage, and art became one of the most effective ways of connecting with communities there. It allowed us to engage in conversations that might otherwise have been difficult or even sensitive, but through art they became more approachable.

Even today, in my official residence, I have devoted a section to art that reflects the cultural ties between the UK and the wider European and international community. These works by British artists, many of whom have connections with Europe or even with this region, embody the spirit of dialogue and exchange. In this way, art is not simply decoration. It becomes a bridge, a medium through which understanding and diplomacy can flourish.

– What advice or suggestions would you give to young people, students, and those starting their own careers or businesses?

My main advice would be: do not worry if you do not get your career path right the first time. Be open-minded, be flexible, and give yourself space to explore. I have worked in diplomacy for over three decades, and while it has been one career, it has offered me enormous variety. At the age of 18 or even 25, it is almost impossible to know exactly what will be fulfilling for you in the long term. Careers rarely follow a straight line, and there is no single “right” path.

I would also add that it is not all about money. Of course, it is important to provide for yourself and to take care of your family, that responsibility is fundamental. But beyond that, you must also feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose in the work you do. True success is not only measured in financial terms, but also in whether your career leaves you feeling rewarded and motivated.

So my encouragement to young people is this: be curious, take opportunities, and don’t be afraid if the direction shifts along the way. What matters most is finding a balance between responsibility and meaning in the work you choose to do.

– Thank you!

Interviewed by Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine