Last week, Malachy took the opportunity to catch some winter sun, and headed to the UAE for the Department of International Trade’s Meet the Buyer event at the Grand Sheraton in central Dubai. Meet the Buyer events are designed to help UK businesses export and grow in overseas markets, bringing them together with business networks in export markets.
With locals excited about enjoying the rare rainy weather (yes, really!), Malachy unfortunately hadn’t checked the weather forecast and was forced to pack away his beachwear in favour of his usual shirt and trousers combo for the rest of the trip!
The week kicked off with a visit to the British Embassy in Dubai to find out more about projects in the construction pipeline across the Middle East, including opportunities available for UK companies at Expo 2020, a 6-month world expo involving 133 different countries.
Throughout the week, Malachy also made it a priority to meet with our clients in the area, including Ramboll and Multiplex, to support the progress of current projects. And never one to turn down an opportunity for a chat and a pint, he also met up with many old colleagues and friends who are now working in the area. Food is always a talking point in the AWD office, so you can imagine our disappointment when Malachy told us he went to Dubai and ate at Nando’s and Subway! You can take the man out of Kilmarnock…..!
The Meet the Buyer event itself was a highlight of the trip, with the opportunity to network with colleagues across the construction sector throughout the UAE, as well as to showcase AWD products and services to a new audience. Scottish Development International and the Department of International Trade have been vital resources in helping AWD identify opportunities at these events, which led to several opportunities for work on new projects for the AWD team.
The week was rounded off by the inaugural meeting of the Middle East Temporary Works Forum, hosted by AWD at our Dubai office at Al Moosa Towers. You can read more about this first meeting here.
Overall, it was another highly successful visit to the UAE for AWD, and we look forward to returning soon. Find out more about our work in the Middle East here.
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