David Stringer-Lamarre, within his role as Chairman of the Institute of Directors, City of London, was pleased to be the Event Chairman for this event with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

During his opening remarks he spoke about the existing close relationship between London and Dubai and noted that in the light of the result of the Brexit referendum UK firms were looking to engage more with non-EU countries. A good time perhaps to look at Dubai.

Gautam Sashittal, CEO, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, spoke about Dubai being the ‘crossroads of commerce’ noting the entrepreneurship was at the heart of Dubai. He noted that for businesses interested in Asia and Africa Dubai was very well located.

Speeches were made by Krysta Fox, Executive Director, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) who stated that there were 1000+ companies in the DMCC Freezone, and Oliver Cornack, Regional Editor, Oxford Business Group, who noted that Dubai displayed an ‘opennes to trade’.

Allie Renison, Head of Europe & Trade Policy, Institute of Directors, was the Panel Chair. The Panel members were:

• James Bernard, Director of Business Development, DMCC Free Zone
• Oliver Cornock, Regional Editor, Oxford Business Group
• Elliott King, CEO, MintTwist
• Gavin Maude, CEO, Pemberton Partners

The evening ended with a business card draw for a 4 night trip to Dubai.