Dear Members,
I am delighted to introduce you to the new monthly newsletter from the Emirates Society. In 2023, the Emirates Society have a lot to look forward to. This year’s programme has something for anyone interested in the past, present and future of the UAE. Already, in January, the society enjoyed an excellent evening at DP World’s offices in London. Members were given a fascinating look at some of the objects and artefacts in the old P&O heritage collection, which are now part of DP World. In the coming months, we’ll be holding events with some extraordinary people and organisations. In our online events, we will be hearing about Aurora50, an excellent Emirati social enterprise dedicated to achieving gender balance in the workplace, and the role of British soft power in the UAE. There will also be some terrific social events, including dinner events and receptions. And lots more! I look forward to welcoming new members who share our passion for the UAE. Best wishes,
The Rt Hon David Jones MP Chairman
DP World Reception and Tour of their Heritage Art Collection
It was fantastic to see so many of our members at the DP World Reception last week to kick off our events for 2023. The Emirates Society extends its sincere thanks to DP World for hosting this event. Speeches from Paul Dwan (Head of Communications Europe, DP World, Rashid Abdulla (CEO and MD of DP World Europe), Khalid Saud Al Qasimi (Deputy Chief of Mission, UAE Embassy) and Sir Harold Walker (former Ambassador to the UAE) were well received and provided a great accompaniment to the evening. Dr Keith Nuttall kindly provided us with an insightful overview of the growth of Dubai as a shipping hub and it was brilliant to see some of our members reminiscing over their memories with the cargo ships mentioned. Susie Cox rounded off the evening with a tour of the P&O heritage art on display and her deep expertise was greatly appreciated by all. The newly renovated DP World offices provided a brilliant location for what was a very successful evening.