IT has been quite a hectic few days - but no-one is complaining. When we first suggested that the economic miracle that had transformed Dubai might also work wonders for the Tees there were those who took it as a chance to have another dig at this area.

Why do certain people continue to ridicule ambition? Why do some think Teessiders are getting above their station to want the best future for their children, the best buildings, the best jobs, leisure facilities and housing?

The delegation from Emaar Properties who have been visiting the North-East these past few days care nothing for such pessimists. They are businessmen who deal in facts not smear.

They also happen to be very nice people who communicate without airs and graces and who expressed to me their appreciation for the warm welcome they have received locally.

At the very least their visit has sent out the message that this region is serious about attracting the best developers in the world. I am convinced that where Emaar have travelled, others will follow.

I am also even more convinced that in life you just never know what is round the corner, how actions of years ago can suddenly be so important.

Whilst campaigning to be Mayor I addressed a public meeting, and local businessman Trevor Arnold voiced his concerns that local politicians were out of touch with modern business.

So I appointed him my independent business adviser - with the proviso that if I made the same mistakes of the past it would be his fault.

Trevor is MD of K Home International, who in 1992 secured a contract with Dubai Aluminium and he became firm friends with the company chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar.

Fast forward a decade later and Dubai is thriving, Mr Alabbar heads Emaar which now has a $2bn annual turnover. Trevor's not doing badly either and during a ski-ing holiday tells his friend of this area's hopes for the future.

Like Dubai we have a waterfront to develop - we also have ambition.

It's agreed that Middlesbrough Council will send a delegation to Dubai and now Emaar has returned the favour, hopefully they have seen something they like.

Some will no doubt put it all down to luck. What luck that Trevor met Mohamed all those years ago.

What luck that I left the police when I did and Trevor happened to be at a meeting at which I spoke.

What luck that Middlesbrough was looking to the future as Emaar was looking abroad.

I see it differently. If your attitude is right to start with then opportunity will come your way, but more importantly you will recognise the opportunity and seize it with both hands.

We never know what is round the corner. Actions that you take over a period of years are like pieces of a jigsaw that suddenly fall into place revealing the big picture.

So ignore the pessimists, the cynics and the snobs. If a miracle can happen in Dubai it can happen in the Tees Valley.

If it doesn't come about as a result of the past few days then we will just keep trying until it does.

Published: ??/??/2004