
NORTH East firms are being offered a great chance to explore new business opportunities by securing a free place on a fact-finding trade visit to Dubai.
The Journal has teamed up with Government of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Emirates Airline to offer representatives from three businesses a place on the visit to the Gulf state in September. The competition is also backed by the North East Chamber of Commerce, partners in our Go Global exporting campaign, UK Trade and Investment, Al Rais Tourism, Fairmont Dubai and The Address, Dubai Marina.
To take part, simply tell us why you believe your company should have a chance to take part in the visit. From those applications, a shortlist of companies will be invited to take part in a Dragon’s Den-style event where you can explain more fully what you hope to gain from the trip. The closing date for entries is Monday, July 4, 2011.
Terms and conditions
Applications open at noon on June 1, 2011. Shortlisted companies must be available to attend a judging event week commencing July 11, 2011. Online entries are free. The prize is for up to 3 companies to receive a free trip to Dubai as a guest of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing on September 10 - 15, 2011. The prize value is approximately £1,800.00 and is non-transferable. This includes flights with Emirates from Newcastle, two nights at the Fairmont Dubai hotel and another two nights at The Address Dubai Marina hotel, plus associated visits to free zones and government organisations.
:: Click here to find out more about our partners
The Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) spearheads the global promotion of Dubai’s commerce and tourism interests.
The UK and Ireland office of the DTCM offers advice, contacts and support for SMEs looking to set up business in Dubai through various means including:
· “How To Do Business in Dubai” seminars around the country featuring networking opportunities and case studies from companies who have successfully set up in Dubai.
· Fact finding trips to Dubai in conjunction with regional Chambers of Commerce.
· Attending trade shows, conferences and exhibitions.
· Communication through an e-newsletter which regularly highlights the main news of commerce developments in Dubai on a bi-monthly basis.
For more information about setting up in Dubai and to subscribe to the e-newsletter, please visit www.definitelydubai.com email fsultan@dubaitourism.co.uk or call 020 7321 6110.

Emirates
www.emirates.com
Emirates commenced flights from Newcastle on 1st September, 2007 with a daily service to Dubai.
The route is popular with North East business and leisure passengers, and cargo forwarders and shippers, who are taking advantage of the service to fly directly from their local airport to Dubai and on to destinations across Emirates’ network of over 100 cities worldwide.
Since its launch, over half a million passengers have travelled on the service, which has also carried around 8 million kilos of cargo.
The most popular destinations for passengers travelling with Emirates from Newcastle include Bangkok, Sydney, Perth, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and of course, Dubai. Regular commodities that have been carried as cargo on the route include car (Nissan plant in Sunderland) and oil drilling parts, and ships spares.
The route is operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a choice of 27 Business Class and 251 Economy Class seats. The daily service departs from Newcastle at 1335 arriving into Dubai at 2350. The return flight from Dubai departs at 0720, arriving into Newcastle at 1205 (all times local).

Al Rais Tourism
www.alrais.com
Al Rais brings to the fore its decades of tour operating experience in the region to offer amazing value exclusive experiences to travelers to Dubai and the UAE. Al Rais Travel Inbound Division offers a variety of carefully planned tour programs, innovative desert trips, and overland tours between Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
Our exclusive offerings represent amazing value for money for you and your family, and are not simply the cheapest. At the same time our innovative corporate programs benefit executive motivation and team building.
Al Rais Travel consultants concentrate their expertise on this wonderful destination and are keen to help you plan your trip. We bend over backwards to give you amazing value while making your holiday go smoothly.
We look forward to assisting you with your next Dubai break or Middle East holiday.

Fairmont Dubai
www.fairmont.com/dubai
Fairmont Dubai, an icon in the heart of the city, this property is just minutes from Dubai's key attractions, including the newly debuted Burj Khalifa, the tallest freestanding structure in the world, shopping areas, golf clubs and beaches, and is connected to the metro system with direct service to the Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1 and 2).
Further to the completion of its USD $9.5 million capital refurbishment program, Fairmont Dubai offers a refreshed product offering with all 394 guestrooms and suites designed to further meet the needs of the most discerning traveler, offering nine contemporary dining and entertainment venues offer guests an array of gastronomic delights to amuse the palate from Spectrum on One with eight interactive kitchens specialising in six influential global cuisines, while the award winning Exchange Grill is noted for its tantalising selection of grill specialties and an extensive wine.
The Spa at Fairmont Dubai is a unique destination encompassing 40,000 square feet, and offers a fully equipped health club, complete with two rooftop swimming pools, boasting unfettered views of both the sunrise and sunset over a dotted skyline.

UK Trade & Investment
www.ukti.gov.uk
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. If you would like to talk to an International Trade Adviser in your local area you can contact or call 0845 0505 054. Alternatively email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
North East Chamber of Commerce
www.necc.co.uk
The NECC is the region’s leading business organisation, representing the interests of 4,000 companies. Over 500 companies made use of the NECC’s international trade team during 2010, making use of expertise in fields such as international payments, customs compliance and export documentation. NECC runs a series of training courses designed to equip businesses with the skills required to successfully import and export, as well as accredited training in the carriage of dangerous goods, which is required by law. To find out more about the NECC’s international trade offer visit necc.co.uk/international or call 0300 303 6322, or email brian.dakers@necc.co.uk

The Address, Dubai Marina
www.theaddress.com
Standing tall in the heart of one of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, The Address Dubai Marina is a haven for the discerning traveller and is easily accessed from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports. Perfectly situated for your business needs, the hotel is just a short ride away from Dubai Media and Internet Cities, Knowledge Village, Jebel Ali Free Zone, and within walking distance from the metro station.
With 200 luxurious rooms, five superb restaurants and lounges, a relaxing spa, spectacular infinity pool, complimentary wifi access throughout the hotel and state of the art meeting and event facilities, The Address Dubai Marina will keep you refreshed and inspired.
The hotel is also one of the most exceptional meeting and event venues in the city. Swathed in natural light, the 900 square metre Diamond Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The further 15 additional meeting rooms, featuring balconies overlooking the marina, comfortably seat 10 to 100 people.
And what is business without a little fun? With the white sand beaches of the Arabian Gulf just a stroll away and the hotel’s direct link to the stylish Dubai Marina Mall, The Address Dubai Marina gives you every reason to extend your stay and unwind.