The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by six of the current seven Emirates, with Ras al Khaimah joining the following year. Prior to then, the area was known as the Trucial States and administered by the British. The country has seen rapid development since that time, fuelled by oil production but more recently diversifying into construction, finance, trade and of course tourism.

I have long-standing connections with the UAE, having grown up there for several years in the late 1980s, then returning to work for a few years from 2010. The region holds a special place for me, despite all the changes over the decades, and I’m always keen to go back at any opportunity.