Expatriates say Spanish king's visit positive

Dubai: The Spanish community has welcomed King Juan Carlos I to the UAE.

According to the Spanish Embassy, there are currently 1,000 members of the Spanish community in Dubai.

Ivan Ramos, 34, works for a computer company and has been in Dubai for the past five years.

"I'm really happy, optimistic and proud that he has arrived. It's the right time for him to come and visit. It's good that he's emphasising links with the region and it's very positive," he said.

Great opportunities

Isabel Pintado, who works for an architectural firm in Dubai, said: "I think it's superb that King Juan is visiting the UAE, to draw attention to Spain. We have a monarchy that functions very well and works very hard. We don't just have a symbolic monarchy, but one that helps. This visit is promoting Spain and making Spain more well known."

Javier Medina, Commercial Attache, Economic & Commercial Office, Spanish Embassy Dubai said the UAE was encouraging investors. "More and more companies are becoming aware of the great opportunities here."