Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee

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1 Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee 10:00am, Tuesday, 2 December 2014 Lord Provost visit to Ajman Municipality, United Arab Emirates Item number Report number Executive/routine Wards All Executive summary This report considers the invitation extended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi the Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning. The Lord Provost has been invited to attend the Ajman International Urban Planning Conference. As reported to the Economy Committee, the Gulf States have been identified by Economic Development as a region offering the potential for inward investment. Edinburgh s connection with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently been enhanced following the announcement that Etihad Airways will begin direct flights from Edinburgh to Abu Dhabi June It is proposed that the Lord Provost travels to the UAE around 1 March 2015 and returns around 4 March 2015, accompanied by a City Officer and an officer from Economic Development. Links Coalition pledges Council outcomes Single Outcome Agreement P15 CO7 and CO8 SO1

2 Report Lord Provost visit to Ajman Municipality, United Arab Emirates Recommendation 1.1 To accept the invitation from Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning and approve the Lord Provost s visit to the UAE. If approved, the Lord Provost will be accompanied by a City Officer and an officer from Economic Development. Background 2.1 The UAE is a federation of seven autonomous emirates with a total land area of 83,600 sq km. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al Qaiwan and Ajman. 2.2 The UAE has one of the highest GNPs per head in the world. While still heavily dependent on revenues from hydrocarbons, the UAE is relatively well insulated from periods of low oil prices due to successful moves towards economic diversification, large foreign exchange reserves and overseas investments. The UAE is the UK s largest trading partner in the Middle East. 2.3 There are already several connections between Edinburgh and the UAE. In September 2011 the Edinburgh International Science Festival was awarded the contract to assist the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee deliver the first Abu Dhabi Science Festival. The contract awarded to the Edinburgh International Science Festival is to deliver the first three festivals ( ). They were successfully delivered and they are since helped to deliver the 2014 festival. 2.4 The Lord Provost visited Abu Dhabi in 2012 as a guest of the Edinburgh International Science Festival to show his support for the event. During the visit the Lord Provost meet with several senior figures within the UAE Government and education system. 2.5 In addition to the Science Festival connection, the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation in August The Lord Provost presided over the MOU which was signed by the Director of the EIF and the Founder of ADMAF. Page 2

3 Main report 3.1 The Lord Provost has been invited to speak at the seventh Ajman International Urban Planning Conference titled Planning for The Event City (2-4 March 2015). This will provide a good platform for the Lord Provost to promote Edinburgh within the United Arab Emirates. 3.2 This visit has the potential to significantly boost Edinburgh s profile within UAE and help to encourage visitors and investors to the city. It also provides the Lord Provost an opportunity to build on his previous visit during It is recommended that the Lord Provost is given approval to travel to the UAE. Measures of success 4.1 Raise Edinburgh s profile in the UAE 4.2 Promote Edinburgh as a investment location Financial impact 5.1 The entire cost of the visit including flights and accommodation for the Lord Provost, City Officer and the Economic Development officer will be covered by the Ajman Municipality. Risk, policy, compliance and governance impact 6.1 There are no foreseen risks arising from this report. Equalities impact 7.1 There are no equalities impacts arising from the visit. Sustainability impact 8.1 Travel arrangements will be made in accordance with the Council s Sustainable Travel Plan. Consultation and engagement 9.1 The Investor Support team will consult with the Ajman Municipality on the programme and arrangements. Page 3

4 Background reading/external references Papers held by the Investor Support team. Greg Ward Director of Economic Development Contact: Elaine Ballantyne, Head of External Relations and Investor Support Tel: Page 4

5 Links Coalition pledges Council outcomes Single Outcome Agreement Appendices P15 - Work with public organisations, the private sector and social enterprise to promote Edinburgh to investors. CO7 - Edinburgh draws new investment in development and regeneration CO8 - Edinburgh s economy creates and sustains job opportunities CO9 - Edinburgh residents are able to access job opportunities SO1 - Edinburgh's economy delivers increased investment, jobs and opportunities for all Page 5

Corporate Policy & Strategy Committee

Corporate Policy & Strategy Committee 10.00am, Tuesday 12 May 2015 Invitation from Geneva UniversCités Network Item number Report number Executive/routine Wards All Executive summary The City of Geneva,