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Published 9th Aug 2012

North East firms are being invited to get on the fast track to Dubai by entering a special competition to celebrate the launch of Emirates’ new Boeing 777-330ER service from Newcastle to Dubai.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Emirates Airline and Rotana Hotels have joined forces to run the competition to mark the launch of the new service, which starts on 1 September providing a significant increase in passenger capacity along with a greatly improved in-flight experience.

The competition – Fast Track Dubai 2012 – is open to all North East-based companies which are new to the Dubai market and offers the chance to win a place on a Market Visit to Dubai to be held from 23-30 November 2012.

Four winning companies will be chosen and the prize includes return flights with Emirates from Newcastle, hotel accommodation at the Al Ghurair Rayhaan and Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana and up to £1,000 towards market research through UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

The winners will also be able to benefit from the services of a UKTI International Trade Adviser both before and during the visit, take part in a reception at the British Embassy in Dubai and have a series of meetings arranged for them during the visit.

The prize cannot be used in conjunction with other UKTI services but the OMIS element of the prize can be used as a contribution to a larger market research project for Dubai.

David Coppock, UKTI’s Regional Director for the North East, said:

“The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the UK’s largest export market in the Middle East with around £4.7bn worth of goods exported there every year. Dubai is one of the key business destinations in the UAE and with the improved airline services it’s even easier for North East companies to access this market.

“Many of the region’s companies are already successfully exporting to Dubai and other markets around the globe and UKTI and its partners in the North East are working hard to help create 500 new exporters by 2015.

“We hope that this competition will help inspire more to take up the international trade challenge and would encourage companies to send in their applications.”

Denise Holmes, Emirates’ Sales Manager Scotland and North East England, said:

“Our daily flight from Newcastle to Dubai stimulates trade links between the North East and markets across the globe and Emirates is pleased to be supporting this important initiative.”

Mark McCarthy, general manager, Al Ghurair Rayhaan and Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana, said:

“We are very pleased to partner up with Emirates Airline and UK Trade & Investment to celebrate the launch of the new Boeing 777 service from Newcastle. Trade relations between the two countries are very strong and similar initiatives will benefit all parties as well as the hospitality industry.”

Companies have until 29 August 2012 to submit their entries, which should include details of their proposal to export product or services to Dubai, how they would establish a route to market and how it would enhance the company’s export strategy.

In choosing the winners, the judges will take into account experience of the market, market entry strategy, export growth potential and any evidence to support export sales growth.

More information

For more details contact Ken Cuthbert on 0191 497 8576 or email: ken.cuthbert@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.

Download an application

Dubai Fast Track 2012 Application

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