DMCC, the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, today announced that the Scottish Business Network (SBN), an international membership organisation for Scottish entrepreneurs and business leaders, will open its representative office in Dubai in DMCC’s Free Zone.

The announcement was made during the close of the Scottish International Week (SIW), a joint venture between the Institute of Directors in Scotland and SBN. SIW held 50 events across 12 locations in Scotland and comprised peer lead events with the aim of promoting UK-wide and international opportunities for Scottish businesses from every sector in the economy. James Bernard, Director of Sales at DMCC, attended SIW and discussed the opportunities Dubai has to offer and the benefits of setting up in the DMCC Free Zone.

Commenting on the office opening, James Bernard, Director of Sales, DMCC, said: “We are pleased that the Scottish Business Network has selected DMCC as its home in Dubai. This move is testament to our international appeal, and ability to attract, facilitate and drive global trade. Centrally located at the heart of a vibrant commercial and residential district, DMCC will connect SBN with a thriving business and trade community, locally, regionally and beyond. This is an important moment for our relationship with Scottish business community, and showcasing to the world the ease of doing business in Dubai through DMCC.”

The Scottish Business Network is an organisation created to facilitate greater communication and connectivity between a network of the leading Scottish diaspora in order to proactively assist and support Scottish based companies expand internationally.

Russell Dalgleish, SBN Co-Founder, said: “In 2017, we expanded from our London base to hold events in the U.S. and Middle East. In Dubai, we found a very supportive and strategic partner in DMCC. A number of our members already operate in the UAE and broader region, and we believe the provision of soft-landing support, including desk space and company set up, will encourage more trade between Scotland and the Middle East.”

The UAE is Scotland’s 11th largest export market with direct Scottish exports totalling over GBP 1 billion. A growing number of Scottish companies have long had a base in the UAE, and a number of Scotland firms have received Emirati private and institutional investment, including Emirates Airline, Masdar and TAQA.

In December 2017, Scotland appointed its first trade envoy to the UAE as part of Scotland's plans to expand its commercial reach internationally.