Scottish Development International (SDI) inaugurates Dubai offices
Dubai, UAE - 19 May 2010: Seeking to capitalise on its already rapidly developing business and commercial relationships in the region, Scottish Development International (SDI) has launched its office in Dubai.
The new set-up will assist Scottish companies seeking to establish a foothold in the region as they look to new avenues for investment opportunities and business alliances. It will also aim to drive inward investment into Scotland, putting the Middle East at the heart of the nation's growth strategy.
Citing the rise in the value of exports from Scotland to the UAE from GBP 210 million in 2004 to approximately GBP 360 million in 2008 - increasing the UAE's ranking among Scottish export territories from 20th - 13th place in four years - SDI's newly appointed Middle East manager, Colin Crabbe sees this as a prime example of the strengthened ties and increasing growth in trade between the two countries.
"It is no secret that Scottish companies are seeing the Middle East as an increasingly important source for investment. We feel that creating a local presence in Dubai will help form a gateway for Scottish companies looking to explore exciting new opportunities in the Middle East"
"This relationship works both ways - Scotland has seen significant inward investment from the Gulf region in recent years, due to the significant opportunities it offers in key sectors such as renewable energy, oil and gas, financial services, construction, education and training. We see our presence in the Gulf region as a fantastic opportunity to grow the longstanding relationships already in place, and to exploit the undoubted potential of Scotland's unique character and identity," added Crabbe.
UAE investments in Scotland include Turnberry Golf Course which was bought by Dubai's Leisurecorp, the Jumeirah Group's development of a five star hotel in Glasgow city centre that is scheduled for completion in 2011 and the strong growth of TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, in Aberdeen.
There are also more than 30 regional GlobalScots who actively support Scottish companies looking to enter the market by providing strategic counsel and sharing their regional expertise. These include Gordon Boyle, CEO of BMMI in Bahrain, Guy Crawford, chief executive of the Jumeirah Group and Derek Shepherd, managing director of Aggrekko.
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About Scottish Development International
Scottish Development International (SDI) works to attract inward investment and knowledge to Scotland to help the economy grow. It also helps Scottish companies to do more business overseas and promote Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business. It is jointly operated by Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government, and its work is guided by the Scottish Government's strategy for economic development in Scotland.
For further information visit www.sdi.co.uk
For more information on Scottish Development International (SDI) in the Middle East, please contact:
Wajih Halawa
Account Director
Fleishman-Hillard Middle East
Phone: +971-50-1576857
Wajih.Halawa@fleishman.com
© Press Release 2010
