New Emirates flight opens Perth opportunities

Last week saw the inaugural flight of the Emirates service from Dubai to Perth in Western Australia. This is the first direct flight from the Middle East to Australia and the first new flight into Perth for five years.

It was fitting, therefore, the Emirates really rolled out the red carpet to celebrate this event. And a glittering night saw over 600 local VIPs and business leaders mark the airline's third destination down under. AMEInfo was also in the media party.

For a new direct transport link opens many doors. There is two-way tourism for starters. Perth hotels and restaurants offer excellent value for Middle East expatriates and nationals who want to try something different, and safe. Likewise Dubai is an interesting stop-off for residents of Perth, perhaps on what is now the most direct route from their city to Europe.

However, business opportunities also open up. And Perth food and beverage producers have been quick off the mark to see a new outlet for fresh produce and quality products in the Middle East.

From the other direction Middle Eastern visitors to Perth will note that real estate investments are available at modest cost in this sunshine city. There are also cultural exchange opportunities with Perth's excellent schools and universities offering an alternative to United States where students from the Middle East often now feel unwelcome.

Perth premier Dr Geoff Gallop spoke eloquently at both the official celebration and at the ceremony to mark the arrival of Emirates flight EK430 in Perth, and has committed $1 million to develop the route. Perhaps one of the world's most isolated cities feels a little less isolated now, at least from the Middle East.