Scottish businesses expand their horizons to Dubai

Over 15 Scottish companies were given first hand insight into how to take advantage of business opportunities in the Middle East last week when they met with members of Scottish Enterprise’s influential GlobalScot network in Dubai.

Companies met with over 20 locally-based  senior GlobalScots, many from the construction and energy sectors, to learn more about what business opportunities are available in the area and how best to access them.

As many markets contract during the economic downturn, it is hoped that the event will give Scottish companies the opportunity to investigate how to establish or grow their operations in the Middle East.

As well networking with locally-based businesses, attendees also heard from GlobalScot, Peter Riddoch, Chief Executive Officer of DAMAC  Properties, and had the chance to ask questions of a panel of experts made up of GlobalScot members and local business practitioners.  

Among the panel was Derek Shepherd, Managing Director of Aggreko International, and John Wright, a Non Executive Director who has over 43 years international experience in Commercial banking, including over seven years as Chief Executive of Oman International Bank.

Attendees also spoke with GlobalScot Guy Crawford of the Dubai-based Jumeirah hotel group, which recently announced plans to open a 5-star luxury business hotel in Glasgow in 2011.

The event was being organised by Scottish Enterprise in conjunction with Scottish Development International (SDI). SDI has offices in over 20 countries across the globe and has recently established a presence in Dubai to ascertain what business opportunities are available for Scotland and Scottish companies in the Middle East.  

Gary Gallagher, Managing Director of Glasgow-based scaffolding and access specialists, Turner Access, attended the event.

He said: “Dubai has a strong construction sector and meeting with GlobalScots from across the area will give us an understanding of what opportunities there are, as well as helping us to build relationships to help take full advantage of them.”

Irene Johnstone, Director of Global Relationships and International Networks at Scottish Enterprise said: “We have a large number of hugely influential GlobalScots in Dubai and the Middle East who have the potential to help Scottish companies looking to establish or expand their operations in the area.

“Thanks to their exceptional knowledge, contacts and experience they can help Scottish companies access markets and opportunities that otherwise would just not have been possible, as well as giving Scottish companies the insight and expertise to tap into any ongoing business opportunities.”