Serco's USD795 million Dubai Metro deal reinforces commitment of UK companies in development of emirate

Newly elected BBG chairman Mark Beer said that the deal announced today shows the extent to which expertise developed in the UK can support the development of the Emirate.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has named UK support services firm Serco as the preferred bidder to operate and maintain the first two lines of the Dubai Metro. The £400 million (US$795 million) contract begins this summer with a pre-launch consultancy phase and runs over 12.5 years.

"British companies have historically been involved in a broad range of industry sectors in the Emirates and have built a reputation for quality, expertise and reliability, with the Serco deal the latest example of this," said Beer. "British business is proud to have played a major role in the development of the Emirate and its infrastructure to where it is today, a truly dynamic and inspiring place."

He said other examples of British influence in the UAE include UK company Hyder Consulting's involvement in landmark projects such as Burj Dubai, City of Arabia, Emirates Towers and Ski Dubai and the plans by Norman Foster, the architect behind London's iconic 'Gherkin' office tower, to expand his architectural business in the region.

The British Business Group's main remit is to encourage the development of British business in the UAE and build links between the two countries. Due to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, the group is recognised by the UAE authorities as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.