Departures


FLYING TO...


The Middle East & Indian Subcontinent


VIEWED as a composite region, India and the Middle East might seem like strange bedfellows, says Colin Ellson. But if the subcontinent is colourful, brash and freewheeling, and Arabia controlled and strict in its religious adherence, in terms of doing business there is a common denominator – impressive export and investment opportunities. By its very nature, India is a complex and challenging market, but with the second- fastest growing economy in the world, it cannot be ignored by UK companies seeking to expand. According to UK Trade & Investment, the country’s newly wealthy middle class is keen to acquire our much- respected consumer goods, while rich potential exists in sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, financial and legal


services, oil and gas and water treatment. Similarly, the countries of the Middle East, which seem to have ridden out the global recession relatively well, are again ready to get down to business. Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing economy, for example, is creating opportunities for both exporters and investors, and although Israel might be small, it is a remarkable success story for UK plc, with current bilateral trade of £2billion set to hit £3billion by 2015. Getting to both regions to explore the potential is easy: there are direct flights from the UK to every country on the subcontinent except Nepal, and to everywhere in the Middle East with the exception of Yemen. Read on to find out more about getting to and staying in destinations throughout the region.


The Middle East  Bahrain – Manama Despite its small size, the island in the Persian Gulf claims the fastest-growing economy in the Arab world. This is fuelled by oil and the banking and financial services sector. British Airways flies daily from London Heathrow to Bahrain, while Gulf Air offers a double-daily service. Lufthansa provides a daily departure from its Frankfurt base.


 Israel – Tel Aviv Israel’s second city is the country’s major commercial and business hub, and over the past 20 years has become a major player in high technology too. British Airways offers a double-daily service from Heathrow to Tel Aviv and El Al has 12


72 I THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE


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