‘That’s the way the city works’: how the UAE changed the face of Andy Burnham’s Manchester

The Guardian reports that the story of the emirates’ presence in Manchester winds from the Arab Spring to some of the most deprived places in England – with complicated results Emirati-linked firms’ ownership of Manchester land ‘up 39%’ in 10 years When Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s long-ruling dictator, was toppled from power in the Arab spring protests of 2011, his downfall sent shock waves across the Middle East.

It also helped change the face of modern Manchester.

This politics story centres on the United Kingdom. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Andy Burnham’s Manchester, UAE and Manchester.

Why it matters

Developments in politics can affect laws, budgets and public trust, which is why they draw close scrutiny.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

25 Oct 2026, 11:30 IST

Key names

Andy Burnham’s Manchester, UAE, Manchester, Arab Spring

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘That’s the way the city works’: how the UAE changed the face of Andy Burnham’s Manchester 25 Oct, 11:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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