UAE-Scotland Ties to Strengthen, says Edinburgh's Lord Provost

Dubai UAE, November 12, 2015:  The Lord Provost of Scotland’s capital city is touring the UAE in a trade and culture mission, to strengthen ties between the two countries and meet with officials regarding new projects, arts and culture opportunities and talent sharing.

As part of the four day visit, the Scottish equivalent of a Mayor, the right honourable Donald Wilson, donned traditional Scottish highland dress and the civic chains of Scotland’s capital to the visit the Etihad Airways Innovation Centre and the walk-through reconstruction of the new A380 and B787 aircraft cabins. 

Speaking at the Etihad Airways Innovation Centre, which was completed under project and cost management services of Edinburgh-headquartered firm, Thomas and Adamson, Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “We have some fantastic Scottish talent working in Abu Dhabi helping build the visions of this rapidly growing and dynamic country and Thomas and Adamson is a perfect example of this. The organisation’s partner-working with Etihad and various Government entities underlining the importance of ties between our two capital cities and countries. 

“In addition, the leaps and bounds being made throughout the country in terms of arts and culture over recent years, has been just as impressive as the construction and development and is a topic close to my heart.

“I am the chair of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and there are ongoing talks to take one of the biggest cultural shows on earth to the region, which may well happen in the wake of its success February 2016 in Wellington New Zealand and Melbourne Australia, after the military ceremony of 1200 music and entertainment performers march into Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, for the first time. Attracting an annual television audience of 100 million, the show features a full size replica of Edinburgh Castle and would be something spectacular for the people of the UAE to witness.

“Developing relationships with the Middle East through culture and business is incredibly important for the City of Edinburgh. The interest has been fostered since 2012, when the Edinburgh International Festival signed a memorandum of understanding for a cultural link and potential cultural exchanges. Now direct flights between the capitals is only making the connection easier in terms of reciprocal business and tourism.

“Scottish Development International, an arm of Scotland's enterprise agencies, support companies to export and generate strong international relationships. As the City of Edinburgh Council, visiting successful UAE-based Scottish firms, such as Thomas and Adamson gives us the opportunity to recognise home grown business talent playing a real part in strengthening the relationship between countries.”

Thomas and Adamson’s regional director, Zander Muego, said: “The expansion of Thomas and Adamson into the UAE has been a key strategic step in its the development into a truly international consultancy. We welcome the support of the Lord Provost and City of Edinburgh Council as we continue to grow within the UAE and the wider region.

“The idea of bringing the Tattoo to the UAE is also an exciting one for our firm, as we have an longstanding relationship with its chief, Brigadier David Alfrey, that the local project management would be undertaken by our UAE office, given we previously delivered the new facilities on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.”

The Lord Provost is also visiting Abu Dhabi Science Festival; Heriot Watt University campus, as part of its ten year anniversary, and Sharjah Book Fair. Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi started on June 8, 2015.