Abu Dhabi four and a half years ago was a vastly different place to the Abu Dhabi of today. Back then you could park at Spinneys, eat at Vasco’s without booking and get the kids to school in a few minutes. A cappuccino was Dhs 5 and a curry Dhs 20. The change has been dramatic, even in my limited time here, and to old hands it must be even more sensational. Four years ago, who would have thought that we would be seeing Elton John, Bon Jovi, Shakira and a host of others, including, I believe, Lulu and Christine Bonds’s magician at the BBG Christmas lunch. Just a few that stick out. Even Brazil came to town and oh yes, George Bush and some Europeans.

Over my time here we have seen visits by two British Prime Ministers, Lord Mandelson twice, the Lord Mayor of London three times, Lord Davies, the Foreign Secretary twice, Alistair Darling and a host of other senior dignitaries, many of them accompanied by large business delegations. We also had the memorable visit of Prince Charles a couple of years ago and the regular visits of the Duke of York. Between 2006 and 2008, the number of business visitors to the Commercial section in the Embassy has gone up by 300%. Our chargeable enquiries have risen by 267% last year alone. The pace of life has increased significantly and, talking to many of you, I know that weekends are becoming a prize asset. The influx of expatriates to Abu Dhabi has brought its own pressure, notably in the schooling and housing areas, not just dining and shopping.

The skyline has changed beyond recognition, from the new airport developments, Aldar’s new HQ and the Grand Mosque to Saadiyat Island with the Louvre and Guggenheim, Reem Island, Raha Beach and the vast number of projects around town. Traffic, once a minor nuisance, has now reached almost Dubai proportions, aided fully by the Salam Street project.

The BBG, of course, has felt the effect of the dramatic development by the record numbers of new members over the past few years, and at this point I would like to say a huge thank you to the BBG, in particular the two Chairmen with whom I have had the pleasure of working , Robert Schwarz and Peter Michelmore. Both were of enormous help to me and gave me a lot of guidance in my first years (and continue to do so), as did Nick Cochrane- Dyet. Given the number of Commercial Secretaries they must have seen in and out, I am grateful for all their help, and indeed friendship. I will also mention the late Charles Moncrieff, who was also a particular help to me. The BBG committee has met monthly over the length of my tour and I have been a regular attendee. The meetings have always been productive and lively. Well almost always! Margaret too has been a great support as have the committee members, past and present, who are too numerous to mention. They really do give a lot of their own time and effort in shaping the BBG. I also have to mention our Editor, Peter Hellyer, who has cracked the whip and shaped Capital Letter into the cutting edge media it now represents, each issue eagerly anticipated in high places.

I have always been aware that it is you, the readers and business community, who are in the commercial world and that I can never attain your expertise. What I have tried to do, however, is to gather the benefits of your collective wisdom and to pass this on to the many business visitors I get looking into doing business here. I have no doubt that it has been invaluable – proved by the number of companies that have set up here over the years. Relationships, relationships, relationships is the main theme. I must also mention my team at the Embassy, present and past, who have worked hard and long to cope with the increased pressures and each have brought their own dimension to the job, with Dorothy an able deputy.It is so valuable to have dependable and knowledgeable colleagues. On a personal note, a big thanks to my wife Rosalind who has balanced her own very busy job as PA to the Ambassador and at the same time supported the family during my frequent soirees with the BBG and others, maintaining her humour always, albeit with a drink now and then!

I feel I am rambling on and boring you (so what’s new!). I have now left the job and my successor, Frances Moffatt-Kouaidio arrives in late September. If she gets half the support and welcome that I received then she will be off to a flying start. I myself have started a new regional consular job and happily will be based for some time yet in Abu Dhabi and hope to continue my friendship with many of you over the forthcoming months.

Once again, a huge thank you to you all.

Gordon Brown has just ended his term as UKTI representative and Commercial Counsellor at the British Embassy