Swedish Business Council's 30th anniversary
On the 23rd April, the Swedish Business Council (SBC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden (Team Sweden), celebrated the 30th anniversary of SBC in the UAE. The event took place at the residence of the Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE, Fredrik Florén.
Fredrik & Michèle Carlsson, SBC Board Member, H.E. Fredrik Florén Ambassador of Sweden, Cecilia Carlswärd Chairman of SBC.
The occasion was a testament to decades of fruitful trade, cultural exchanges, and unwavering support for Swedish enterprises in the UAE. Over the past thirty years, the Swedish Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Swedish companies and bridging the gap between Swedish and Emirati business interests.
Ambassador Florén's welcoming speech resonated with the joy of celebrating this significant milestone. He eloquently emphasised the pleasure in uniting Emirati and Swedish partners through creativity, sustainability, innovation, and the enduring bonds between our nations.
Christina von Celsing, Lisa Ringnér-Näckter, Johanna Widholm & Lotta Blond, Swedish Business Council
Attendees were treated to an inspiring talk by our Chairman, Cecilia Carlswärd, who invited two of the founding members, Thomas Lundgren from THE One and Lars Lidén from Gulf Rock, to share insights into the journey of starting SBC thirty years ago. Thomas highlighted the value of SBC for local entrepreneurs like himself, but also emphasised its role in connecting global Swedish companies.
With 300 guests in attendance, the evening was a resounding success, featuring captivating performances by the band The PLAY, with the singers Lisette Uhlmann and Josefin Persson. ABBA was the theme of the second set, in honor of the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s “Waterloo” victory at the Eurovision Song Contest. Guests enjoyed delicious food provided by caterer Fab Food Co and indulged in the traditional Swedish Princess cake by Smörrebröd.
Guests had the privilege of exploring the ‘Pioneer the Possible’ Photo Exhibition, which guided them through the timeline of Swedish innovations, from the safety match to multinational corporations born out of innovation. Additionally, a Tipsrunda (quiz) about SBC, a typical Swedish event, offered fantastic prizes sponsored by Nordic Homeworx, Eveons, The Strand Kitchen and Ella´s Eatery.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SBC’s founders for laying the groundwork for what SBC is today. We also express our sincere thanks to all the sponsors who’s generous support made this event possible
Here's to 30 years of successful Swedish businesses in the UAE and to many more years of collaborations and partnerships!
Photograph Credit: Joseph James, If you are missing any pictures here, please contact us at SBC, sbc@sbcuae.se.
Prize Winners
