Scottish companies are being urged to look at the growing opportunities in the Middle East by the Scottish Enterprise support group.

Delegates attending a seminar in Edinburgh on 7 June heard from a panel of Middle East specialists about high-growth opportunities in the energy, education, ‘smart’ technologies, financial services and renewable-energy sectors. Scottish companies prepared to visit the region and build relationships will reap the rewards, according to experts on the panel.

The UAE is the biggest export market in the Middle East for Scotland, with Scottish exports there having increased by 67% between 2010 and 2014.

The event, hosted by UK Trade & Investment and Scottish Enterprise, was attended by almost 40 Scotland-based companies interested in doing business in Middle Eastern markets.

Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Markets Unit (set up in 2014) provided one-to-one advice for companies that were ready to explore their options more formally.

Scottish Development International will host a trade mission to UAE and Kuwait in November, and a trade mission to Qatar and other markets in the region is planned for mid-2017.

Colin Crabbe, senior manager at Scottish Development International, said: “Many companies considering exporting are daunted by the prospect of entering foreign territories, let alone those as far away as the Middle East.

“Yet, with the right information, advice and support, these markets can offer high rewards. They are very receptive to Scotland, which is well-regarded for its technology, innovation and creativity across a variety of sectors.”