British Business Group of Dubai and Northern Emirates poised for growth and UAE partnerships

Mark Beer, Chairman and CEO, said:

"With the breadth of experience and diversity of talent represented on the committee, the BBG has never been better placed to support the British business community and to build on the partnerships it has successfully developed in the UAE."

For the first time in the 22 year history of the BBG, two UAE nationals have been elected to the Group's committee.

Adel Al Awadhi becomes Director Government Relations while Lubna Qassim assumes the role of Director UAE Relations.

"Both Adel and Lubna have close ties with Britain and a deep understanding of the issues facing British businesses in Dubai and the Northern Emirates," Beer commented. "They will make an important contribution to developing the BBG's relationships with the UAE and emirate governments, in forging partnerships and alliances with the local community and in fostering cultural understanding."

"In 2009 the BBG's role as a forum for business people, providing effective networking opportunities and encouraging the development of British business links, is more important than ever," Beer continued.

"With the energy and experience of our new committee we are well positioned to grow as one of the largest and most active business groups in the UAE and to deliver real bottom-line benefits to our professional members," he added.

The voting process for this year's BBG committee was conducted entirely online and has seen a number of changes to the committee line-up.

Mark Beer has once again been re-elected as Chairman and CEO, as have fellow committee members Jonathan Davidson (COO), Eesh Aggarwal (Director Finance), Peter C White (Director Legal and Secretariat) and Nick Pearson (Director Membership).

Andy Marshall has been re elected as Director Events, a post he previously held before leaving the UAE in 2007. Other new appointments include Sue Wheatley (Director Business Development), Adel Al Awadhi, (Director Government Relations), Lubna Qassim, (Director UAE Relations), David Burns (Director Focus Groups) and Petra Harmer-Shrowder (Director Brand).