Business relationship continues to strengthen through strong bilateral trade links with the UAE and wider region

Dubai, UAE – November 28, 2021: Scotland will host a series of events and activities at Expo 2020 Dubai that will celebrate St Andrew's Day, the country's national day on November 30th, along with the strong business, tourism and trade links with the UAE.

The occasion will include a reception that will be hosted in the UK pavilion along with dignitaries, VIPs, representatives from the business community and media.

The celebrations will include a special collaborative performance from the Scottish Association Dubai Pipe Band, an international blend of pipers that includes drummers from Scotland, and the Dubai Police Band. There will also be an unveiling of a new international nation brand campaign for Scotland, showcasing the country's welcoming spirit, values and credentials to prospective international investors, visitors and students.

The series of St Andrew's Day celebrations has taken inspiration from the way Scotland celebrates its national day at home, which is to bring people together to  take part in cultural and community events and share kindness with one another.

Ivan Mckee, Scotland's Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, said: 

“Scotland is an open, welcoming, friendly and inclusive nation built on values of kindness and compassion, and we want to share with the world what kind of nation we are and aspire to be in the future.”

“We have adopted a values-led approach to international trade that will guide how we do business around the world and ensure that people, businesses and other governments know who we are and what we represent as a nation. 

“We are delighted to bring Scotland to this World Expo in Dubai to showcase the very best of what we have to offer in areas such as Net Zero, Space, Health and Wellbeing.  We are also excited to celebrate Scotland's national day of St Andrews at this global event and share our culture and friendship with the people of the UAE.”

A trade delegation that includes Scotland's leading companies across its major industries will also be in attendance during the St Andrew's Day celebrations in Dubai.

The UAE is Scotland's 12th largest export market (excluding oil & gas), accounting for 2% of Scotland's total exports. The main export sectors are food and drink, engineering and advanced manufacturing, and financial and business services.

The Scottish Government's vision for trade published in January this year sets out five principles which will guide all future decisions on international trade: inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, Net Zero and good governance.  These have been be applied to 11 of today's biggest trade challenges affecting Scotland's economy, people and the planet.