A growing appetite for Scottish smoked salmon and other luxury produce from north of the English border is helping to propel a surge in exports from Scotland to the Middle East.
One Scottish salmon exporter hopes to treble its business to the region this year.
Disease affecting rival Chilean stocks last year helped Scotland overtake the South American country to become the world's second-biggest exporter of the fish.
"Luxury, quality and food safety is a big issue in terms of accreditation standards and expertise and there are opportunities for Scotland in this area," said Dr Lena Wilson, the chief executive of Scottish Development International, an agency formed by the Scottish government to spur foreign direct investment.
The country is looking to focus expansion on food as well as health care, education, engineering, renewable energy and wealth management.
Overall exports from Scotland to the Middle East almost doubled to £410 million (Dh2.45 billion) from £250m between 2006 and 2009. Exports dipped slightly last year but are expected to pick up again this year.
A third of the 20 Scottish companies involved in a visit to the region last week were food producers. A further 10 exhibited at the recent Gulfood exhibition in Dubai.
"We are putting a lot more efforts into the region as we see a lot of opportunities for growth," said Brendan James Maher, the owner of St James Smokehouse, based in Annan, Dumfriesshire.
The company hopes to increase its shipments to the region by between 200 and 300 per cent to as many as 60 deliveries a year. It already exports to the UAE and Egypt but is hopeful of new contracts with suppliers of hotels in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon.
"We have experienced massive demand," said Mr Maher. "Some of that is down to the problems with Chilean [disease] wiping out 80 per cent of their salmon."
Chile was forced to remove its salmon from sale in international markets after outbreaks of diseases at some fish farms two years ago. The problems helped stoke strong sales for Scottish and Norwegian producers. Norway is the world's leading exporter of the fish.
Scottish farmed salmon was the first fish and the first non-French product to receive the prestigious Label Rouge award for quality in 1992.
Demand is also strengthening for Scottish langoustine, red meat, shortbread and bottled water. Highland Spring, the Scottish supplier of bottled water, is owned by Mahdi al Tajir, the billionaire UAE businessman.
During last week's visit, companies were able to meet regional representatives of GlobalScot network ofScottish expatriates in leading roles with international business.
The Middle East chapter of the community has doubled to 30 members in the past two years, and they offer advice on subjects including marketing strategy and how to source Arabic labels for food, among other things.
Scottish Development International opened a full-time office in Dubai two years ago.
It is encouraging Scottish companies to pursue export-led growth during a time when domestic government austerity measures are expected to weigh on demand at home.
The agency also has a budget from the Scottish government as well as other revenues, so it has not been affected by the plans to scrap regional development agencies in England.
"We are encouraging the whole Scottish business base to be more international thinking," said Dr Wilson, who is also the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, a partner organisation aimed at stimulating Scottish economic growth.
tarnold@thenational.ae
Company%20Profile
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Scream%20VI
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What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
Indika
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AIR
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Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE