German and Austrian wine producers have exhibited their wines in Dubai; they believe they have a good chance of establishing a foothold in this highly regulated but lucrative market.

Representatives of German (such as Schloss Johannisberg) and Austrian (e.g. Bründlmayer) wine estates have presented their Riesling and Veltliner wines in the United Arab Emirates, in conjunction with Asian food. To date, only a few Austrian and German wines ahve been available in the Dubai market, which is considered as being difficult, but offers interesting growth prospects. The two companies that have so far been the only ones to hold licences for the importation of alcoholic beverages have been focusing mainly on French and Italian wines, as well as on those from Australia and New Zealand. (WF)