British Business Group throws exclusive party for international sporting stars

The BBG is throwing the glamorous party at The Fairmont Dubai hotel while the sporting stars are in town for the Nakheel Middle East launch of the Manchester United Opus taking place next week. The epic 850-page limited edition book charts the fortunes of the renowned English Premiership football club with features and never-before-seen images commissioned from some of the world's top sports photographers and writers.

At the cocktail event, which takes place in the Cin Cin bar on November 28, BBG members will get a chance to hobnob with a host of celebrities, which will also include UK celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, Supermodel Caprice and UK TV star Angus Deayton.

Weighing in at a massive 36kg and measuring half-a-metre square, the Manchester United Opus costs more than Dhs 20,000 and has a limited print run of 10,000 with each copy personally signed by Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

It recounts the entire history of the club and features exclusive editorial, including interviews with Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and current star players Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. It contains more than 400,000 words and 2,000 photographs, researched from over 2 million images.

The BBG's VIP cocktail evening is sponsored by BBG member, the Links Group of Companies and is one of a series of events taking place during a three-day celebration of the Opus, which culminates on November 29 with a Manchester United Opus Gala Dinner at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

BBG Chairman, Nick Dutt, said: "We're very proud that the British Business Group is hosting this event to coincide with the Nakheel Middle East launch of the Manchester United Opus. This is a stunning book which promises to become a collector's item for fans and investors alike. Our members will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet some of the best known Man United legends along with a whole host of other international sports stars and celebrities at an event that will also raise the profile of the BBG and the important work that we do."

The BBG has more than 850 members and aims to strengthen ties between the UK and local businesses in the Emirates and 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.