Recent events have made it apparent that Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE are not immune from the effects of the current global economic difficulties, though the decisions taken by Government to maintain confidence in the local market, particularly in the banking and property sectors, are to be applauded. Despite the difficulties, however, development will continue, albeit at a slower pace in some sectors, and the excellence of Britain’s products and services means that it is well placed to take advantage of the focus on key projects with professionally prepared and viable business plans.

In this context, I repeat the gist of two points I made at one of our recent events. As well as having responsibilities within our own organisations, we are all ambassadors for Britain. Each of us should be alert to opportunities for British business, whether here or within the U.K. If you see opportunities which we are missing, or delivery of which could do with a helping hand, then let us or the Commercial Section at the British Embassy know.

Many Group members earlier this year heard Digby, Lord Jones, Britain’s Minister for Trade and Investment, in a speech reported in our last edition, address the Group about ‘Brand Britain’ and about Abu Dhabi being at the hinge of the world. It was an inspirational talk and his retirement is a great loss. Finding another like him to take his place is vital.

The number of members and associates of the BBG continues to grow and now stands at a record 300. We still want more, particularly new arrivals and younger members of the community, to help to maintain the Group as the dynamic and relevant organisation which it is. Looking forward, we have a number of high profile visitors and speakers in the offing and we will also induct H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan as the Group’s first Honorary Member. We will actively be promoting further sponsorship of the Group and there will be more of our successful breakfast meetings for newer members.

I want to record my thanks to your Committee Members and to the BBG’s office staff for their continuing help and support. They are instrumental in ensuring that we take every appropriate opportunity to promote Britain and its interests in Abu Dhabi and the UAE and to identify opportunities to develop our mutual interests in partnership with each other.

Chairman’s Foreword CONTENTS Chairman’s Foreword 1 Making Public-Private 3 Partnerships Work A Pledge on Future 6 Partnership Energy 8 Jersey builds on 11 Gulf connection Coutts come to Abu Dhabi 12 Partnership in Sport 14 Property 17 Employment 18 An Embassy View 19 Environment 20 Members’ Corner 22 News In Brief 24 We must continue to evolve and improve what we do and we will undertake a small membership survey this autumn designed to obtain your ideas in this respect. I hope that you will respond positively. In the meantime, I commend to you this first rate edition of Capital Letter.

Peter Michelmore,
Group Chairman