Prince launches huge Dubai show

PRINCE Andrew has travelled to the Far East to open the world's biggest trade show in his role as Britain's roving trade ambassador.

The Duke of York flew to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to formally open the Big 5 Exhibition, where 68 UK firms are exhibiting. He cut the ribbon with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Department of Civil Aviation and chairman of Emirates Airlines.

The show - the largest in the Gulf region - was organised by DMG World Media, part of the Daily Mail and General Trust, owner of the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday the London Evening Standard and This Is Money.

Bernard Walsh, managing director of DMG World Media Dubai, said: 'The Prince did a marvellous job, spending two or three hours talking to the British exhibitors.'

Construction is booming in the Gulf and the exhibition aims to open up export opportunities for firms from around the globe. More than 1,500 companies from 52 countries were represented.