Germany is a natural bridge between European Western and Arab Islamic civilization. The United Arab Emirates is a model of a peaceful and politically stable multinational and multicultural society. The Emirate of Dubai in particular is a vital source of innovative ideas. It is on its way to becoming the hub of the Arab world thanks to a combination of vision and good fortune. Excellent business opportunities seem to be unlimited. German companies involved in this tremendous development are enjoying growing success. Increasingly, Dubai and the Northern Emirates are a priority destination for German tourists. The booming economic and business cooperation has attracted a rising number of German expats, who currently total around 8000.

Trade between Germany and the United Arab Emirates is flourishing. The UAE is Germany's number one trading partner in the Arab world. German creativity, dynamism and efficacy have placed our country among the leaders of the top industrialized nations. The hallmark "Made in Germany" has a high reputation and points to the "Land of Ideas".

Since its foundation in 1990 the German Business Council Dubai (GBCD) has consistently offered assistance to German enterprises in analysing and dealing with the bustling UAE market. During the past 18 years many German and local companies have cooperated within the GBCD. It has helped raise the profile of Germany and German companies in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. As in the past, supporting the work of the Official Delegation of German Industry and Commerce will be a central priority for the volunteers of this valuable non-profit organization. I am convinced that cooperation between the two institutions will even intensify through new personal contacts. The networking aspect of the GBCD is and has always been highly appreciated, and this will no doubt continue to be the case.

I intend to help improve relations still further between Germany and the UAE, Dubai and the Northern Emirates in particular. Bilateral cooperation in all sectors is booming, not only in business and politics, but also in culture and education. I would like to see German education regaining its traditional high reputation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This should also be part of the long-term business strategies of German industry and German companies in this region.

With its wide range of activities the German Business Council Dubai plays a major role in Germany's success in the UAE. Both as German Consul-General in Dubai and in a personal capacity, I wish the German Business Council Dubai all the very best and a great future.

Johann-Adolf Cohausz
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai