I am delighted to be able to report a steady increase in the number of Members and Associates joining the British Business Group in Abu Dhabi. This is due in part to the quality of our events and that of Capital Letter, and we are particularly pleased that this issue includes contributions by HRH The Duke of York and by the Secretary- General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, providing an overall view, from their particular perspectives, of the developing relationship between Britain and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

That growth in membership of the BBG is also, however, a result of the increasing level of British direct investment in Abu Dhabi. Britain is playing a key role in the Emirate’s drive to diversify its economy away from oil and gas into areas such as industry and tourism, where it is supplying both investment and expertise. All of us can play our part in ensuring that Britain takes full advantage of the many opportunities for business that are now available, both within our own organisations and by making sure that business leaders and politicians in the United Kingdom are aware of what this hub has to offer. Your Group is playing its part and this edition of Capital Letter, now being widely distributed here and in Britain, tells you more.

We are, of course, always keen to attract new members for the Group, whether recent arrivals or those who have already spent time in Abu Dhabi. The Group has much to learn from all of them and, at the same time, is pleased to hear any suggestions of what we can do to facilitate their life and work in Abu Dhabi.

We next publish in the autumn and, in the meantime, I hope that you have a thoroughly enjoyable summer with time for a short break.

Peter Michelmore
Group Chairman
British Business Group - Abu Dhabi