Join us at emita’s major daytime event of the year to explore one of the world’s most dynamic and potentially rewarding regions with which to trade, The Middle East.

The recent series of uprisings in the Arab world has resulted in dramatic changes in the region and this event will provide you with a lowdown on the very latest developments, the implications on international trade and where the business opportunities will lie for UK companies over the coming months and years.

We are pleased to announce this year’s keynote speaker will be Fawaz Gerges, Professor of Middle Eastern Politics and International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Professor Gerges has given scores of interviews for various media outlets throughout the world and most recently has provided commentary on the uprisings for both the BBC and CNN. He will discuss the revolutionary storm that has shaken the Middle East, comment on how UK companies can maintain business and engage with the situation and share his views on what the future may hold.

Sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, this prestigious event will also offer:

·     Advice on tax and entity structuring for UK businesses in the Middle East;

• An overview of operating in Free Trade Zones including their advantages and benefits;
• First hand experiences from Belper based firm, TBS Enterprise Mobility, on launching their products in the Gulf region;
• Guidance on cultural issues facing Western businesses when operating in the Middle East;
• Market specific workshops focusing on Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon & Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE;
• One-to-one meetings with our market experts;
• An exhibition of partners who can assist your business to succeed in the Middle East; 
• Networking opportunities with fellow exporters.

Make sure your business is up to date on the developments in this important market by joining us on Tuesday 17 May. It is anticipated that places at the event will be in high demand so book yours today!

Programme:

09h00       Registration, Refreshments and Networking

09h30       Welcome and Introduction

                  Peter Lloyd, Director, emita

09h40       Today’s Position in the Middle East and What the Future May Hold

              Fawaz Gerges, Professor of Middle Eastern Politics and

              International Relations, Department of International Relations,

              London School of Economics

10h10       Tax and Structuring for Businesses in the Middle East

                  Jacky Kinsey, Associate Tax Director, RSM Tenon

10h30       Operating in Free Trade Zones

                  Nadia Rinawi, Regional Manager, European Office,

              Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Authority

10h45       Experiences of Successfully Trading in the Middle East

                  Jon Poynton MBA, Commercial Director, TBS Enterprise Mobility

11h05       Panel Question and Answer Session

11h20       Tea / Coffee

11h45       Workshop Session One (choose one topic from below)

A.     Focus on Saudi Arabia

                   Sam Faulkner, CEO and Phil Broek, Director,

                   Trans Arabian Consultancy

B.     Focus on Bahrain

          Robert Edge, Business Development Manager, Europe,

          Bahrain Economic Development Board

C.     Focus on Kuwait

          Arthur Barber, Vice Chairman, British Business Forum Kuwait

D.    Cultural Issues Facing Western Businesses

          Stella Kenway, Managing Director, Zanoubia Communications Ltd

12h30       Workshop Session Two (choose one topic from below)

E.     Focus on UAE

Frances Moffett-Kouadio, Director of Trade & Investment,

British Embassy Abu Dhabi

F.      Focus on Qatar

          Steve Barton, Operations Manager, UKTI East Midlands

G.    Focus on The Levant – Jordan, Lebanon & Syria

          Dominic James, Director Middle East and Africa, British Expertise

H.    Cultural Issues Facing Western Businesses

          (Repeat of Session One)

13h15       Close and Networking Lunch

Why not make a day of it and join us on the afternoon of 17 May at Holywell Park for a briefing on ECGD's new initiatives to assist UK companies to boost their exports, plus find out more about the recently published Bribery Act guidance and the changes it will bring for your business. Click here for more information.