The third meeting of the UK-UAE Business Council in Dubai yesterday [5 November] heard from ministers from both countries that plans to increase trade volume between the states to £12bn by 2015 are on track.

Among opportunities for UK firms are potential opportunities in the £1.4trn construction and infrastructure programme underway in the country, and its healthcare sector, which will be worth £7.4bn by 2015.

The UAE is already has over £5bn invested in UK critical energy, infrastructure and regeneration sectors throughout the regions.

UK minister of state for trade and investment Lord Green comments: “The UK is committed to making it quicker and easier for British businesses and Gulf States to do business together.”

Samir Brikho, co-chair of the UK-UAE Business Council, also the chief executive of engineering consultancy Amec, says: “With each Business Council meeting we are creating deeper relationships and developing broader opportunities for trade and investment between the UAE and UK.

“The Prime Minister’s endorsement today of the Business Council’s objectives demonstrates the UK’s commitment at the highest level to the long lasting relationship between our two countries.”

Founded a year ago, the council was previously known as the UK-UAE CEO Forum.