Dubai, 26th May 2012 (WAM) -- Dubai FDI, the foreign investment office of the Department of Economic Development (FDI), in association with The Links Group, organised a roadshow in the UK to highlight the robust investment environment and growth opportunities in Dubai as well as provide an overview of the trends and patterns in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The Opportunities Dubai roadshow toured London, Edinburgh and Derby between May 21 and 25.
"Working in an expanding network of trade associations and investment promotion agencies enable Dubai FDI to reach out to investors worldwide. Such partnerships facilitate exchange of vital business knowledge while the member agencies competitively bid to attract FDI into their respective territories," said Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI."Investors from the UK constitute a significant share of the enterprise community in Dubai. We are keen to enhance their role and continue communicating Dubais strengths in creating, growing and retaining investment to the new generation of entrepreneurs and businessmen in the UK," Al Gergawi added.
David Harris, Director International Logistics Services at the Investment Support & Promotion Division of Dubai FDI, in his presentation highlighted the advantageous location, infrastructure development plans, core economic sectors and business principles which Dubai has successfully combined into a sustainable growth formula.
"Dubai offers the most efficient link to a 1.6 billion strong population living across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA), the second fastest-growing emerging market in the world. The emirate has also won consistently high rankings across all key economic performance parameters and attracted US$2.19 billion in foreign direct investments as per 2011 estimates," Harris said.
In 2012, Dubai was ranked 33 in the World Banks Doing Business Report and 27th in the global Competitiveness Report for 2011-2012. The remarkably high levels of competitiveness and efficiency in Dubai have also added to the emirates business appeal as is evident from the emirate being ranked seventh among Global Office Locations in 2011.
"Businesses have varied options in Dubai, to set up onshore or in specialized free zones and enjoy unique advantages such as 100 per cent ownership and zero tax, in addition to being in a comprehensive growth ecosystem that offers world-class logistics and transport infrastructure, distinguished lifestyles, and access to a diverse talent pool," Harris added.
Harris added that Dubai FDI has pioneered several emerging sectors in Dubai, including green technology, education and healthcare, with strong government support and private sector partnerships.
Participants in the roadshows were also able to conduct one-on-one meetings with the delegates to learn about opportunities in specific sectors in Dubai and the procedures involved in business start-up and relocation.
The programme drew an enthusiastic response from businessmen and investors in all the three host cities. The Edinburgh roadshow was supported by Scottish Development International, the international investment promotion agency of Scotland, while the Derby programme had the backing of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC).
John Martin St. Valery, Founder and CEO of The Links Group, said: "It is a great honour for The Links Group to work with Dubai FDI, and promote the emirate as a business hub in the GCC. There are so many opportunities for UK companies, and the UAE really attracts strong capital flows from around the world, into numerous industries from healthcare and education to construction and tourism.
Hosting Opportunities Dubai has been a great way for us to build relationships with companies throughout the United Kingdom. The response has been tremendous, and we feel that this roadshow will definitely attract new business into Dubai." "Dubais GDP is expected to grow between 4% and 5% in 2012, according to Dubais Economic Council. This is proof that the emirate is back on top, due to the strength in its trade sector and non-oil economies. The Links Group looks forward to aiding more companies set up shop in the emirate and supporting their expansion into the region," added Joe Hepworth, Commercial Manager at The Links Group.
Dubai FDI and the Links Group have been working together to fast-track business start-ups in Dubai. The innovative public-private partnership allows businesses to avail of the local knowledge and expertise of the Links Group in company formation to set up in Dubai and aim for further growth.
Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.
