Government export body UK Trade & Investment is supporting a market visit to Dubai, organised by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, from January 20-26 for West Midlands firms.

The closing date for applications is November 20.

Regional international trade adviser Steve Cunnane, at the Chamber, who specialises in the business and professional services sector, is leading the visit.

He said: "Dubai ranks as one of the world's leading trading centres and offers one of the most pro-business and liberal regulatory environments in the UAE, by far the UK's largest Middle East market.

"There is a sophisticated services sector with major international hotels, banks, lawyers, accountancy firms, advertising agencies and consultants.

"Participating companies will be able to research the marketplace and develop partner relationships, to gain new clients - and we will be on hand throughout to advise them."

British exports to the UAE totalled £5.57 billion last year - an increase of over 100 per cent on the previous year.