UAE, Scotland to boost bilateral relations

The Lord Provost of Scotland's capital city is touring the UAE in a trade and culture mission, to strengthen ties between the two countries and meet with officials regarding new projects, arts and culture opportunities and talent sharing.
As part of the four day visit, the Scottish equivalent of a Mayor, Donald Wilson, visited the Etihad Airways Innovation Centre and the walk-through reconstruction of the new A380 and B787 aircraft cabins.
Speaking at the Innovation Centre, which was completed under project and cost management services of Edinburgh-headquartered firm, Thomas and Adamson, Donald Wilson said: "We have some fantastic Scottish talent working in Abu Dhabi helping build the visions of this rapidly growing and dynamic country and Thomas and Adamson is a perfect example of this. The organisation's partner-working with Etihad and various Government entities underlining the importance of ties between our two capital cities and countries.
"I am the chair of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and there are ongoing talks to take one of the biggest cultural shows on earth to the region, which may well happen in the wake of its success February 2016 in Wellington New Zealand and Melbourne Australia, after the military ceremony of 1200 music and entertainment performers march into Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, for the first time.
"Developing relationships with the Middle East through culture and business is incredibly important for the City of Edinburgh. The interest has been fostered since 2012, when the Edinburgh International Festival signed a memorandum of understanding for a cultural link and potential cultural exchanges. Now direct flights between the capitals is only making the connection easier in terms of reciprocal business and tourism."