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Australian leader praises Dubai's development

Mr Lewis was in the Emirate for the first time since a visit 36 years ago to develop more trade between his state and the region.

He said: "When I was here last the city was a small place beside the Creek but there was a real hubble bubble for business in the souk and the area. But no one could have forecast the progress that the government has since achieved through insight, foresight, vision and action. This is a 21st century city continuing its remarkable growth."

Mr Lewis visited the chamber of commerce and industry and various commercial departments of the government as part of a mission to further improve trade with his state before taking in Idex 2003 in Abu Dhabi.

He said: "This is a very safe place to do business, largely crime free and untroubled by civil disturbance like many areas. It is a safe have."

He said the kind of business South Australia had to offer ranged from a wide range of holidays for expats to education in establishments that were second to none in the world.

It was also a leader in a number of areas like biotechnology, recycling waste and polymer technology.

He was accompanied on his visit by Amine Hani, the Middle East operations manager of Biocentral Laboratories.