His Excellency Edward Oakden shared his first impressions of the UAE during his speech at a dinner hosted by the British Business Group (BBG) in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai and afterwards mingled with the 90 BBG members and guests.
Mr Oakden took up his appointment in August and succeeded former Ambassador Richard Makepeace, who was transferred to another Diplomatic Services role.
Nick Dutt, Chairman of the BBG, said: "It was good to meet Mr Oakden and very gratifying that he recognised the importance of the BBG in Dubai by coming to speak to us so soon after taking office.
"In his speech he made the very important point that although Britain has historical links with the UAE we certainly can't afford to rely on this when it comes to building and maintaining business links with the Emirates today."
The Ambassador's comments echo one of the BBG's main remits, which is to encourage the development of British business in the UAE and to strengthen ties between the UK and local businesses.
Mr Oakden has served the British Government since 1981 in various roles in the UK, Sudan, Iraq and Spain. Between 1995 and 1997 he was Private Secretary to former British Prime Minister John Major. Most recently he was Director for Defence and Strategic Threats at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a role that encompassed counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation and organised crime.
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New British Ambassador meets British Business Group
- United Arab Emirates: Monday, November 06 - 2006 at 12:12
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The new British Ambassador to the UAE outlined what he saw as the main challenges of his role to an audience of British Business Group members at one of his first speaking engagements since taking office in August.
His Excellency Edward Oakden addresses members of the British Business Group in one of his first speaking engagements since taking office.
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Posted by Janeta Novakovic, Assistant News EditorMonday, November 06 - 2006 at 12:12 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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The British Business Group, Dubai & Northern Emirates, more usually known as the BBG, was set up in 1987 to encourage the development of British business in the UAE. It undertakes a wide range of activities from communicating with decision makers and testing British goods to sharing best business practice and arranging networking events for its members.
The BBG is led by an elected committee of members and operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It is recognised by the UAE authorities as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Since its inception the BBG has undergone huge growth and now has more than 850 members and holds around 70 networking events, forums and seminars each year. It is widely recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf and is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
Its activities include a cost-effective Product Testing Service that allows British companies to identify how their product or service would compete in the regional markets. The BBG is also the official body for provision of British Standards in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The BBG's events include regular monthly working luncheons, dinner and breakfast meetings and networking sessions, which provide a forum for members and guests to discuss their views and frequently feature guest speakers from the British and UAE business worlds. Its monthly Special Interest Groups provide a forum for members with a common interest and include Banking & Finance, Construction, Education and Real Estate.
For further information, contact:
Doreen Cameron
Office Manager
British Business Group
Tel: 04 3970303
Fax: 04 3970939
For further press information please contact:
Lucy Wray / Bridie Probert
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
The BBG is led by an elected committee of members and operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It is recognised by the UAE authorities as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Since its inception the BBG has undergone huge growth and now has more than 850 members and holds around 70 networking events, forums and seminars each year. It is widely recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf and is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
Its activities include a cost-effective Product Testing Service that allows British companies to identify how their product or service would compete in the regional markets. The BBG is also the official body for provision of British Standards in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The BBG's events include regular monthly working luncheons, dinner and breakfast meetings and networking sessions, which provide a forum for members and guests to discuss their views and frequently feature guest speakers from the British and UAE business worlds. Its monthly Special Interest Groups provide a forum for members with a common interest and include Banking & Finance, Construction, Education and Real Estate.
For further information, contact:
Doreen Cameron
Office Manager
British Business Group
Tel: 04 3970303
Fax: 04 3970939
For further press information please contact:
Lucy Wray / Bridie Probert
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
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