Durham-based WL Distillery headed to Dubai as part of a UK delegation showcasing the best British products to the Middle East and North Africa, making history in the process as guest exhibitors at The Gulf Bar Show – the MENA region’s first dedicated bar and beverage trade show at Madinat Jumeirah.
With a focus on fostering industry growth through collaboration, increased exposure for up-and-coming brands, and facilitating partnerships, The Gulf Bar Show served as a meeting ground for the bar and beverage community – from frontline professionals to major distributors and investors.
Gulf Bar Show 2025 brought together more than 3,000 industry professionals, 115 exhibitors, 42 speakers, and 2,417 visitors.
Scott Wilson-Laing, founder and managing director of WL Distillery, said: “The trade mission has been very fruitful, and an immense opportunity to showcase our North East brand on such an exquisite global stage and in one of the most desirable cities in the world. It was extra special to make history and to be one of the first exhibitors in the region, the brand and products were very well received and experiences like this open up so many opportunities for WL Distillery.”
Sarah Mooney, HM trade commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, said: “There is a growing appetite for innovative, premium British spirits in the UAE market, so it was wonderful to see WL Distillery showcasing their exceptional products at The Gulf Bar Show. The distillery’s commitment to quality and its celebration of the North of England’s rich natural ingredients represents the very best of UK craftsmanship and provenance. The wider trade mission exemplifies exactly the kind of ambitious export growth we want to encourage, creating valuable international partnerships and enhancing the reputation of UK spirits across the Gulf region and beyond.”
The trade mission to the UAE follows a recent visit to India, where the distillery secured a place with Santander Navigator to explore opportunities in Mumbai and New Delhi, alongside showcasing its gin range at The Vault Festival as part of the UK Craft Pavilion.
Scott added: “International expansion is in our sights and the recent visits to India and the UAE give us a great flavour of the opportunities that are available on the global stage. The networks and connections formed have been priceless. As we near completion of our distillery site extension plans and our new product developments, the future growth and opportunities for the distillery look really exciting as we scale up to the next stage.”
