It’s just three months since I arrived in Abu Dhabi. It’s been (I’m told) relatively quiet over the summer. But it’s clear already that the next few years here are going to be pretty interesting for all of us.

It’s not just the contrasts in Abu Dhabi and the UAE – old and new, rich and poor, Emirati and expatriate – that strike the newcomer (a “microcosm of globalisation” to quote a diplomatic colleague). It’s also the sheer ambition of government and business planning, embracing everything from arts to airlines, islands to infrastructure, and motor sports to maritime.

Statistics abound but, by any reckoning, this should mean plenty of opportunities for British business. And we’re clear that it’s our job at the British Embassy – working in partnership with the BBG - to help you pursue and take advantage of these.

Advice, research, introductions and lobbying – that’s our offering. We have access to government decision-makers at every level. We’re also more than ready to tackle barriers to entry and operations facing British businesses. It’s up to you how and how much you want to use our services. You will know best how we can help you. If you’re not sure, then do get in touch with our Trade & Investment Team to talk it over.

And, on the other side of the coin, we’re ready and willing to help Emirati companies and businessmen too. Perhaps there’s a need to find a new supplier in Britain, or to get an objective assessment of a potential partner, or a list of addresses of potential customers. We’re happy to help there too: the business relationship between Britain and Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE, is, after all, very much a two-way process.

Whether or not you think we can help at any given time, we encourage you to stay in touch with us, and to let us know how you’re doing. Share tips and insights with our Trade & Investment Teams, and the chances are that, one day soon, you’ll also benefit from the insights of others.

We’d like to know how we’re doing, too. Have you had good or bad experiences with the Embassy? Are there additional services that you’d like us to offer or existing things that you think we can do a whole better? Please let us know: we promise to listen.

You can get in touch with us directly - either in person (many of you will already know members of the Trade & Investment Team – led by Gordon Brown - in Abu Dhabi) or via e-mail (uaefeedback@fco.gov.uk). Alternatively, contact us via the British Business Group – which plays a vital role in reaching out to and assisting the British business community.

British Embassy staff, from the Ambassador downwards, are regular attendees (and sometimes hosts) at BBG events. I know that the BBG has some great events planned for the autumn (outlined elsewhere in Capital Letter) and I look forward to seeing you soon at one of these.

Ian Wood is Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Previously posted in Paris (OECD), Brussels (NATO), New Delhi and Melbourne, Ian holds an MA from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is married and has two children.