(London) – UAE British Business Women Forum was held at London hosted by Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (A-BCC), in partnership with the Emirates Business Women Council.
A-BCC secretary general and chief executive officer, Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby opened the event with a warm welcome to the guests. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the UAE to the United Kindgom, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee; Shaikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, First Secretary, Embassy of the UAE; and Dr Shaikha Hind Abdulaziz Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Emirates Business Women Council.
Dr Shaikha Hind Abdulaziz Al Qasimi while addressing the audience said: “As the UAE marks its 40th anniversary, we all share in the celebration of its enormous achievements, not least of which is its rapid social and economic development… We warmly applaud the fact that women’s contribution towards the country’s development and prosperity are now highly valued and women are regarded as essential to the continuing success and transformation of the UAE.” Paying tribute to British co-operation, she said: “The United Kingdom has always appreciated the achievements of the UAE. From the start they have been with us hand in hand. There is a strong relationship between the two nations, exemplified by the volume of trade.”
Hamad Abdullah Al Mass, executive director, International Economic Relations Sector, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi, in his speech said: “We consider the UK home away from home”. Describing the drive to transform Abu Dhabi from an oil-based to a knowledge-based economy, he added that: “The UAE is focusing on attracting foreign direct investment; not for the money, but for the technology and know-how. It’s an advantage for companies wanting to export to the Far East to have their manufacturing in the UAE. We have excellent ports and airports; we are a transport hub for everyone travelling from west to east. Currently, the UAE is the biggest market in the Middle East for British exports”.
His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the United Kindgom, noted the remarkable development of education in the UAE. Back in the 1970s, he observed, there were no universities, while today there are 54 universities and colleges.