UK firms make further gains.

(From Gulf Construction)

Having gained a reputation for quality in all spheres of the construction sector - right from designing to manufacture of ironmongery - British firms continue to penetrate the market and avail of the ample opportunities the region has to offer

Booming construction market and the advantage of having traditionally strong links with the Middle East continues to spell success for British firms who have already maintained a stronghold on the market as well for those new companies venturing into the region to explore the abounding business opportunities on offer

British firms have gained a foothold on various segments of the construction industry right from providing highly specialised designing and engineering skills to the supply of an array of high-quality products and services, ranging from adhesives and fixings to furniture and fittings and waterproofing products to roofing membranes

Statistics Trade statistics recently released by the UK's Department of Trade and Industry show that combined UK exports to the UAE rose by 30 per cent in 2004 to Dh18.9 billion (GBP2.7 billion - $5.15 billion), making the UAE the UK's largest export market in the Middle East. The UAE also moved up to 13th place globally from 17th in 2003, ahead of the likes of China, Hong Kong, India and Australia. UK exports to the UAE account for almost 50 per cent of all the region's exports to the GCC

"It is very encouraging that British companies are taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities in Dubai," says British Consul General, John Hawkins. "But we will not rest on our laurels. Dubai is an open market and the competition is tough. We will be working harder than ever in 2005 to encourage more British companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to come to Dubai, to invest here and to use Dubai as a base from which to target the markets of the region." In terms of construction products, UK exports to the Middle East were worth GBP498.09 million last year, with Dubai being the largest market by far at GBP98.713 million, up 19 per cent from GBP83.217 million in 2003 (see table)

"The boom in Dubai has had a ripple effect throughout the region which is offering immense opportunities for British companies. The market is growing stronger for British companies and Dubai, in particular, continues to offer excellent opportunities for business," says Michael Ankers, chief executive ...