HRH Prince Andrew visits the UK pavilion at Arab Health

The UK is represented in strength at the exhibition and has more than 115 companies participating. The UK pavilion is located in Hall 8 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Prince individually met a large number of UK exhibitors at their stands and spoke to them about their products and services at length. He also asked them about their plans going forward.

Notable amongst the exhibitors who met Prince Andrew include representatives from the Guys & St. Thomas' and the HCA International Hospitals, high-technology medical equipment manufacturers Eschmann and Kimal, anti-decontaminant manufacturer Sentinel International and Perfection Plus. Other exhibitors he met with included Huntleigh Healthcare, Meditrak, Amba, Flexicare, Albyn and OES Medical.

He had an involved conversation with John Wilkinson, Director General of the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) about issues facing smaller British companies and means of encouraging them to spread their wings abroad.

Appreciating Prince Andrew's deep understanding of the British Healthcare industry and his empathy with small manufacturers and service providers, John Wilkinson said, "The Prince's visit and informal meetings at Arab Health 2006 have encouraged emerging British healthcare companies whose presence here has grown every year. The ABHI has been an enthusiastic participant at the exhibition for the last 15 years and will continue to expand its role of providing complete support to emerging British companies in their bid to venture outwards."

According to John Hassett, Exhibition Director, Arab Health 2005,

"The year-on-year growth of the UK pavilion at the Arab Health is indicative of the emergence of its healthcare industry. We are pleased to welcome them here and will provide all the support necessary for them to build relationships and strike deals with their customers in the region. I am sure that we will see many success stories coming out of their participation at this year's exhibition."