Gov. Patrick Returning To State After Trade Trip

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is heading back from his latest trade mission to the Middle East.

Patrick spent the last day of his trip Wednesday in Dubai.

He discussed collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and Massachusetts with the American Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Later Patrick met with the president of Emirates Airlines and then met with the Abraaj Group to discuss partnership opportunities in the health care, life sciences, clean energy and venture capital sectors.

During the trip, Patrick also visited Israel.

Patrick is spending Thursday traveling and is expected back at the State House Friday.

The governor has come under fire from critics who say he's spending too much time out of state.

Patrick has defended the travels, arguing that trade missions are aiding the state's economic recovery.