Dubai business leader says British companies can build bright future in Dubai

Sameer Al Ansari, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai International Capital, part of Dubai Holding, was speaking as a special guest of the British Business Group at a members' event.

He acknowledged the significant role that many British companies - some of which were represented at the event - have had in helping Dubai grow.

"Some of these companies have been here since the 1960s and played an instrumental role in creating 'modern' Dubai," said Al Ansari. "Our ports, roads, bridges and much more were built by British companies. We still value the contribution British companies continue to make to the growth of our economy."

Highlighting why Dubai is increasingly attractive from an investment point of view, he told BBG members: "Given the expansion and growth potential of Dubai, as set out in His Highness's Strategic Plan 2015 for Dubai, which he shared with us in February this year, you have every opportunity to continue to grow your businesses very successfully."

"After ten years of phenomenal growth, we still have a long way to go as a region, and Dubai is undoubtedly the gateway to the region."

He added:

"Dubai is now firmly established as the most important financial centre in the region, with a regulatory environment modelled on London and New York, and with the appeal to attract high-quality management and finance executives from around the world."

"The current negotiations with NASDAQ have the potential to raise Dubai's status as an international hub to a much higher level."

Mark Beer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the BBG, said; "Sameer is an example of a true leader, who trusts his instincts and strives for excellence. He spoke of his biggest challenge, finding and retaining exceptional people to work with, an issue which was raised at a recent BBG forum for Chief Executive Officers.

"We were thrilled to welcome him and I know the BBG members were impressed with his honest and open question and answer session."

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary year, the BBG has undergone huge growth in recent years and now has almost 1,000 members. The group, which is widely recognized as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf, holds around 80 networking events, forums and seminars each year, attracting high profile and influential business leaders and speakers from around the world.