Dubai, 10 June 2015: Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), along with the British Centres of Business (BCB) initiative of the UK Government has supported leading export management company Tudor Rose International (TRI) open a regional office in Dubai as part of expanding in the fast-growing Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets.

Tudor Rose International represents many of the best-known FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) brands from the UK in overseas markets. The UK-based company has been working with partners in the Middle East for 30 years and opening a regional office in Dubai is a strategic move in line with TRI's international expansion plans.

Ibrahim Ahli, Director of Investment Promotion Department at Dubai FDI, said TRI moving to Dubai underlines the continuing growth trend in Dubai's retail industry and the emirate's significance in the business development strategy of multinationals.

"Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities who have clear brand choices. Last year, a report by CB Richard Ellis placed Dubai second among the most important international retail destinations for the third year in a row, underlining the city's pre-eminence as a business and tourism destination too," said Ahli.

Hamad Al Abdooli, Senior Manager, Investment Support at Dubai FDI, added: "Dubai is also a vantage point for businesses looking at expanding internationally, particularly in the fast-growing markets in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent."

TRI helps UK companies looking to export their brands to gain in-depth understanding of the market and provides a range of logistics and marketing services relating to transportation, storage, export documentation, compliance, and brand promotion. The move to Dubai is aimed to leverage existing opportunities to grow the business, expand partnerships and bring in more brands.

George Halim, Regional Director, MENA for TRI said they decided to base the MENA office in Dubai due to the facilities the city provides to investors and the lifestyle it provides to its residence.

"As we aim to be the undisputed leaders in the export and development of great British Brands, we understand the need to be closer to our customers in the region. Our first choice was to work with Dubai FDI and the British Centres for Business due to their continuous support and help to make the process of starting the business smooth and efficient," added Halim.

Susie Isaacson, Business Operations Manager of BCB, said: "The BCB, in partnership with Dubai FDI, are delighted to support Tudor Rose International as it establishes a permanent footing in the region. Having built a strong reputation locally supplying UK brands to the UAE, TRI were ready to go to the next stage in their international development and set up a foreign branch. The BCB programme offered a practical solution with hands on support for the first year."

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About Dubai FDI:
The Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), works to promote investment opportunities in Dubai and support international investors to establish a presence here whilst taking advantage of Dubai's strategic location to access the MENASA region.

Dubai FDI assists in the identification of sector specific opportunities, provide connections to a network of both government and non-government partners, and provide support throughout the investment lifecycle from setup to growth.

For further information, please contact:
Faisal Shamsudheen       
Government Communication Division,
Department of Economic Development         
Tel: (971 4) 445 5927
Email: faisal.pathiasseri@dubaided.gov.ae

© Press Release 2015