Social Beat as part of the trade delegation organised by British Business Group Chennai visited Dubai between 25/28 January 2014. On 28th January, Social Beat representatives along with other trade delegates were joined by David Burns of BBG Dubai and very well received at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a formal meeting with their Senior Director, Atiq Juma Faraj Nasib and Madhi Al Mazim, Director - Member Relations. Atiq Nasib opened the proceedings, speaking of the Chamber's long and close relations with BBG Dubai. Madhi Al Mazim then related all the functions and sectors of the Chamber and offered all help to delegates in making trade contacts.
The Chamber has an elegant building and from 12th floor Conference Room, overlooking the scenic Dubai Creek and the old areas Burdubai / Jumeriah. The Chamber has a vast membership data-base of over 153,000 and have offered to make connections with their relevant members for the entire delegation. In appreciation of the meeting, Christie presented Atiq Nasib with our 2012 Conference folder and in turn Atiq Nasib presented him with the Chamber's memento.
In the evening, BBG Dubai Committee hosted the delegates over drinks at Rodent's Return, the club at the British Embassy, where we met Focus group Heads, UKTI's Ian Gibbons and Karen Williams amongst others including Joe Hepworth, the newly appointed CEO of Brit Biz Centre UAE.
On 28th January, the delegation attended the BBG Dubai monthly breakfast meeting at Al Murooj Rotana and networked with 60 members. Chairman Jonathan Davidson opened the meeting, introducing Christie Cherian and invited him to say a few words on the trade mission. Christie introduced his delegates and briefly spoke of BBG Chennai and other BBGs in India. Jonathan Hepworth then spoke about his appointment as CEO of Brit Biz Centre and it's role and functions / relations with BBG Dubai and expressed how lucky they have been to have ready-made premises in Deira at Dubai's own Business Incubation Centre, thanks to the co-operation extended by UAE Government's Department of Economic Development. David Burns closed the meeting with a presentation to the Chairman. Formal meeting was followed by networking, A brief wrap-up with follow-on actions closed the mission - altogether a very eventful trade mission.