The Orient EXPRESS: Deliberating in the Deserts of Dubai

As many of you know, I spent the past few weeks in the Middle East as part of a very unique opportunity. For 10 days, I was a part of Project Encounter. Project Encounter is a UAE-based initiative to promote constructive engagement between the Middle East and the West. Each day was packed full of closed-door meetings with some of the most prominent and influential people in the Gulf. When I say "packed full", I certainly mean it. I was lucky to get 6 hours of sleep each night and sometimes had to skip meals, but it was absolutely worth it. I would never have had this kind of experience if it had not been for Project Encounter. I am forever grateful to them for allowing me to be one of their select few.

We spent most of our time in Dubai, but also traveled to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Sharjah in the UAE; Doha in Qatar; and Dibba in Oman.

The highlights of my trip include meeting a group of like-minded people, delving in deep to the real issues surrounding the economy and politics of the Gulf, and broadening my horizons even further. (And of course, I shouldn't forget: a climb to the top of the Burj Khalifa, a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei in Doha, and a swim in the Gulf of Oman)

For anyone interested in learning more about the Gulf, I suggest you check out Project Encounter, book a trip over there, or, of course, contact me.

But for now, here are some pictures of this beautiful "City of Shiny Desert Buildings" - the soon-to-be new slogan for Dubai as decided by our delegation ;)