Swindon businesses are being urged to explore the benefits of doing business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by taking part in a trade mission to the fast-growing country.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South West will be leading a visit to the capital Dubai from March 13 to 20 to enable businesses to explore commercial opportunities and gain experience and insight into the lucrative market. 
With a population of more than 9m, UAE’s economy continues to grow and diversify. Dubai specifically is regarded as a regional hub for the Middle East, North Africa and beyond and a key market for re-export to other countries.
During the eight-day visit participants will attend a briefing at the British Embassy, take part in networking events, meet the British Centre for Business and have access to vital market research to help identify appropriate opportunities and develop a market entry strategy.
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “Doing business overseas can often seem daunting but with our world-wide network and range of established services, we can help make international success a real possibility for businesses in the South West.
“With good preparation and follow-up, market visits can be great door-openers and participants can often achieve sales and sign contracts on a first visit if they have done their homework well. Such visits also provide invaluable business contacts, partnership possibilities and the opportunity to access hands-on and up-to-date market information and research.
“Our network of experts in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates around the world is pivotal to the organisation of a market visit. Their input is invaluable, bringing local language skills, market knowledge and extensive political and commercial contacts.”
The visit is designed for companies that are either completely new to this potential export market or businesses with an existing foothold that they wish to develop further. It will be preceded by a briefing event to ensure participants are fully aware of the business culture, documentation guidance, logistics and personal security.
UKTI trade adviser Nick Field, who is leading the market visit, added: “Market visits provide participants with unique access to high quality information, business contacts and officials that it would be virtually impossible to achieve alone. They also provide participants with an opportunity to benefit from the knowledge, contacts and experience of others travelling with them.
“There are already over 5,000 British companies doing business in the UAE. Dubai in particular is a sophisticated and promising market, offering a combination of a well-developed economic infrastructure with a vibrant economy and provides significant opportunities for UK companies across a range of sectors including healthcare, construction, energy and education, to name just a few.
“There is simply no substitute for a personal visit to these valuable markets. If you are serious about doing business in the UAE, you have to go there, meet the people and build contacts – solid relationships are key to doing business in the Middle East.”
The visit coincides with UKTI’s ‘GREAT’ week in Dubai, which includes a series of events and conferences around key themes including creative industries, the economy, construction, infrastructure and mass transport. The ‘GREAT’ Week programme will also include meetings with key tourism authorities, leisure companies, developers and airlines.
For further information on the market visit, contact Nick Field at nick.field@uktisouthwest.org or on 07718 782 690. To book a place, visit www.visitdubai2015.eventbrite.co.uk
