Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost Queensland trade in the region.

Mr Newman has re-signed a longstanding Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that promotes mutual economic, cultural and environmental advancement.

“Queensland’s two-way trade with the UAE was worth more $820 million in 2011/12 and there is plenty of opportunity for growth,” Mr Newman said.

“Queensland has a special friendship with Abu Dhabi. In a very generous act of goodwill, the Abu Dhabi government donated $30 million to build cyclone shelters in Queensland after Cyclone Yasi, which was certainly much appreciated. I want to build on that special relationship. Traditionally, our exports to the region have been dominated by agriculture but there are new opportunities emerging in education, transport and infrastructure services.

“Queensland was the first state to introduce its school curriculum to the Middle East with the establishment of the Australian International School at Sharjah in 2005. I will be meeting with the Abu Dhabi Education Council to discuss the potential for more students studying in Queensland institutions and how we can address any special needs.

“I’ll be holding discussions with both the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority about where Queensland can assist with the development of billions of dollars’ worth of transport infrastructure currently underway in the UAE. Queensland has demonstrated a world-leading capability in integrated transport planning and I believe we have a great deal to offer this region.”

Mr Newman is currently leading a Queensland delegation to the United Arab Emirates as part of a trade and investment mission to promote the state’s expertise.

The mission is running from 16-29 September and will also visit Singapore, China and Japan.