Seeking recognition for creativity

British people are seen as being reliable, professional and efficient to most residents in the Middle East.

What is wrong with that? Well, nothing. But the British would also like to be recognised for their innovation and creativity.

That is why the British Embassy in Dubai and Trade Partners UK will host 'Xperience UK' here from December 15 to 18.

The four-day event will feature a retail conference, design workshops, business-to-business (B2B) clinic, an audience with a top fashion designer, and a fashion show.

At the launch of upcoming events, Simon Collis, consul general in Dubai, said when people were recently asked what they thought of the British they "had no incentive to be nice." However, many nice things were said about the British.

"There were a lot of good things said as in our professionalism and reliability but creativity was not at the top of people's thoughts when they spoke about Britain," said Collis.

After pointing out that Britain is a "more inclusive society than it has ever been before", Collis emphasised that creative design is a "critical part" of the UK's economy.

On the first day of the event, Marks and Spencer will host a fashion show and reception at the British embassy. The show will preview Marks and Spencer's new designs for spring 2003.

On December 16, judges will review the top entries submitted from the UK and UAE for the British Airways Xperience Design competition. Entrants were asked to design a flat bed for British Airways' economy class passengers.

Also on December 16, a student portfolio workshop will be held at the British Council.
At the workshop, leading UK designers will talk to UAE design students to give them feedback on their portfolios.

Then, in the evening, an 'Education to Industry' workshop will be held. The event will include head teachers, deans, career development and community liaison teachers from schools, colleges and universities. The following day, a Student Seminar will be held.

From December 16 to 18, a B2B retail clinic will be held at the Emirates Towers. The aim of the event is to create partnerships, franchise opportunities and direct sales for the mission delegates.

A 'World Class Retailing Conference' will be held on December 17 and 18 at Emirates Towers. Organised in partnership with Retail Week and Meed, the conference will showcase strategies for retail success.

Speakers will include Mohammed Alabbar, director general, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Government; and Joseph Wan, chief executive, Harvey Nichols Group.The British Tourist Authority, in partnership with British Airways, will host a premier showing of the new James Bond movie 'Die Another Day' at the Mercato Mall on December 17.

On the final day of Xperience UK, an audience with fashion designer Arkadius will be held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel auditorium.