Capitalise on the growth of the UK-UAE business relationship

As the UAE economy grows in 2022, what is your outlook for the year? How do you see the UK business community benefiting from this?
With the increased interest from UK companies in discovering companies in the UK business group Dubai and the Northern Emirate through the British Chambers network and through social media and referrals, we are seeing an increase in interest in Dubai from UK companies looking to expand their business, which is really exciting. , and demonstrate the positioning of the area as a great place to do business and live.

Like me, many British expats living here would have seen a similar influx of “new business blood” into the market in the past, but felt very different. In all the time I’ve lived and worked here, I’ve never seen such an integrated, responsive and hospitable environment for UK public limited companies, established entrepreneurs and even those just starting their careers so attractive. Existing Dubai businesses should see this wave and growth as an opportunity to showcase the country’s established UK business ecosystem.

With the UK and GCC agreeing to speed up their free trade agreement, how will this boost UK business interests in the UAE?
Free trade agreements (FTAs) aim to understand and protect what works – and there are many – and to find areas of change that can benefit all parties. It’s simple: it means fewer barriers, making transactions easier, and it goes both ways, as the BBG also supports the Department for International Trade’s activities around investing back into the UK – which more and more of our members are doing. We are working closely with our counterparts in the GCC and British Chambers of Commerce in Abu Dhabi to support the FTA advisory work.

What recent initiatives are helping to attract more British businesses to the UAE?
With so many progressive and strategic changes announced by the UAE government in the past 12 months alone, the UAE’s response to the pandemic will naturally attract more interest from UK businesses. With increasing numbers of UK expats – as evidenced by our members in real estate, financial services and education – there is now more demand than ever for UK products, services and standards – we are seeing This is reflected in the diverse new entrants in the restaurant industry, entertainment industry and lifestyle.

You were recently awarded the OBE. Tell us about your experience with this honor.
It was this – an honour to receive – that surprised me last December when I was notified by Her Majesty the Queen’s Trade Commissioner and the Consul General of Dubai at the embassy grounds. I was not allowed to tell anyone and kept it private until it was publicly announced and released on New Year’s Day. I am enjoying my last term as Chairman of the British business group Dubai and the Northern Emirate after six years and more than 20 years as a member.