Speaking during a trip by 70 British companies to the region, UK Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business Lord Davies said British expertise had an important role to play in further developing the UAE's economy, a fact reflected by the two Governments last year committing to increase bilateral trade to £12 billion by 2015 - a 66% increase on current levels.
Lord Davies said: Dubai is the natural hub for the Middle East and the UAE remains our number one trading partner across the region. The size and scope of the delegation indicate the UK's enthusiasm to explore new business partnerships.
Area in Dubai - Picture Tony Harkén
The group includes representatives from the education, mass transport, security, power and water sectors, with each of the companies spending a day in Dubai and a day in Abu Dhabi in the hope of fostering valuable links and promoting inward investment in the UK.
The delegation will meet with contacts established through the UK/UAE Joint Economic Committee, which aims to strengthen trade between the two countries, at a series of meetings hosted by the British Business Group (BBG), Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The UAE is keen to invest in the companies and has offered an attractive range of packages, including favourable rates and start-up help, in return for their consideration.
BBG Chairman and CEO Mark Beer said: "The BBG is playing a pivotal role in promoting trade and investment from the UK into the UAE and vice versa. This high-level delegation underscores the UK's continuing interest in the Emirates as a vital trade and investment partner.
UK exports to the UAE have remained steady throughout difficult trading conditions, with the country buying £3.6 billion of UK-made goods and services in 2009.
Tony Harkén