First air link to Middle East winging its way to Capital

THE first direct link between Edinburgh and the Middle East could be established within a year, while festival chiefs have set up a partnership with a new event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it emerged today.

Talks between city leaders, airport chiefs and Middle East air operators are understood to be continuing, with growing confidence that a route to the UAE can be secured within 12 months.

Bosses at the Edinburgh International Science Festival have helped set up a science festival in Abu Dhabi, which they hope will lead to the two capitals becoming "joint commissioning partners", helping to improve the quality of events that are secured for Edinburgh.

The developments come after the city council held a meeting in Edinburgh with Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, the UAE's ambassador to the UK.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "There is already a close relationship between our academic institutions, and there is a great opportunity for our businesses and universities to work together.

"A direct air link would undoubtedly strengthen our growing business, cultural and tourism links. Given that UAE is a large hub and stopover point, it will open up the Edinburgh to the entire Middle East and beyond."

A direct route to the UAE would be the first direct access to the Gulf region for Edinburgh passengers, and would also drastically cut the amount of time it takes to get to destinations such as Australia as it would require fewer flight changes.

Abu Dhabi is building the profile of its festivals programme and is due to launch its first science festival in November.

Simon Gage, director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, has worked with officials in Abu Dhabi. Into The Deep, the underwater photo exhibition showcasing at St Andrew Square, is due to go to Abu Dhabi in November and it is hoped that other joint commissioning can take place, which can help cut the costs of events and exhibitions.

A spokeswoman for the Edinburgh Science Festival said: "To do something spectacular is costly. We are always looking for external partners, and the relationship with Abu Dhabi can help us put on more spectacular events.

"We can share our expertise with them if they help us with costs, and we can jointly finance some of the big spectacular events."

A direct air link would be expected to encourage closer links - although it is not yet known if political turmoil will hit any route development.