Northern Ireland's Industrial Development Board is to increase its profile in the United Arab Emirates by relocating its Trade Development Centre to the Dubai Internet City.

The development agency plans to expand its operations to provide support to Northern Ireland companies in Internet-related sectors. The new 1,200 sq ft centre will also provide scope for traditional industries.

Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment said: "Dubai Internet City is the first complete information technology and telecommunications centre to be built inside a free-trade zone. "It is also the biggest IT infrastructure project in the Middle East."