REPRESENTATIVES from the Isle of Man recently attended a number of meetings in the United Arab Emirates.

The chief executive of the Island's Department of Economic Development Colin Kniveton visited both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and attended meetings with the Dubai Economic Department, UAE Insurance Authority and the Central Bank.

Mr Kniveton was received by the Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development His Excellency Sami Dhaen Al Qamzi and discussions included how levels of co-operation between both countries could be enhanced.

He was joined at meetings with various companies in the finance sector by Greg Ellison, chief executive officer of Boston Group Ltd and John Batty, head of pensions at BW Oakfield.

Mr Kniveton said: "The meetings were very productive and we were well received.

"We have identified the Middle East as being a key area for economic development and I look forward to a positive and prosperous working relationship between both countries going forward."

Mr Kniveton paid tribute to the economic model created by the UAE and said that the welcoming economic and investment policies of the UAE provided many incentives to foreign companies wanting to establish themselves in the Middle East.

He highlighted the significance to the Isle of Man economy of several Isle of Man companies that are already based in the UAE and the aspirations of others who wish to obtain licenses to extend their business activities in the region.

Those companies already established in Dubai are thriving and provide significant economic benefits to both the UAE and the Isle of Man.

The Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development Sami Dhaen Al Qamzi welcomed the visit by Mr Kniveton and said they would encourage Isle of Man companies looking to establish a presence in the UAE and assured them of all possible co-operation.

The Director General was assisted by Deputy Director General Khalid Al Kasim, and the CEO of the Dubai Investment Office, Mr Fahad Al Gergawi and senior International lawyer Dr Mansour Ahmed Malik.

The Isle of Man's Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "I am pleased that the visit went well, the UAE is an important country with which to further develop business relationships and I am encouraged by the positive reaction to the Isle of Man by the UAE authorities."

Left to right, Dr Monsour Malik, Colin Kniveton, Deputy Director General Khalid Al Kasim, CEO of the Dubai Investment Office, Mr Fahad Al Gergawi and Director General Samil Dhaen Al Qamzi