A major UK presence at the Airport Show in Dubai

Most of the exhibitors will be located at the UK pavilion, organised by the British Airport Group and supported by the UK Trade and Investment. The British Airports Group has recognised the opportunities in this rapidly growing marketplace and has supported UK industry at the event since 2003.

The Middle East has more aviation infrastructure, airport and air traffic projects than any other region in the world. These represent real opportunities for UK suppliers across the spectrum of the industry, from consultants, designers to equipment suppliers and operators.

The UK airport industry has been at the forefront of airport development since the early days of flight. It has long been recognised as the world leader in the commercial development of airports, with a proven track record on airport projects such as John F Kennedy, Chek lap Kok, Madrid and many others. British companies now export their knowledge, experience and products to some of the world's major airport projects and are capable of addressing the challenges created by the changing nature of the air transport industry.

Rashid Khawaja, Trade and Investment Advisor at the British Embassy in Dubai said that for decades, the British businesses have realised the rapidly maturing economy of the UAE market in almost all sectors. The UAE market nowadays is witnessing the arrival of globally British brands, like Virgin, Christie's and Harvey Nicholas, which are capitalising on the benefits of doing business in the UAE.

The tremendous increase in trade between UK and Dubai is reflected in the day to day activities of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Section at the British Embassy in Dubai. In 2006 the UKTI team assisted over 600 UK companies at 32 supported exhibitions held in Dubai, up from 26 in 2005.