Anantara Island Resort

This resort may be one of the most well-kept secrets of the Middle East. This remote island paradise is a world away from the business of every day life. Journey across the desert to a true oasis with wildlife encounters and rugged island beauty.

"Fall under the spell of centuries of evocative Middle Eastern legends. Take in panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf waters and explore an Island with hilltops, created between five and ten million years ago. Explore the diverse wildlife inhabiting one of the world's most unique offshore wildlife sanctuaries. Revel in the history of an Island retreat, long known for its natural and rugged beauty.

Set on the verdant island haven of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, housing of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers intrepid travellers an unforgettable island escape in the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf."

This is an incredible opportunity to enjoy the breath-taking beauty and unique wildlife of Sir Bani Yas island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Le Rêve can coordinated everything from flights and baggage to accommodations and dining, in order to create one of the most amazing experiences in the world.

The Dubai Marina and an Incredible Hotel

Mike came back with increased insight into the business and hospitality realms in Dubai. One highlight that he came across was the Harbour Hotel and Residence located directly on Dubai Marina. The largest man-made marina in the world features magnificent skyscrapers, luscious sculpted gardens and pristine meandering pathways. The Harbour is the newest addition to this fabulous strip of real estate. The ultimate in luxurious living not to mention the best views in town. With an incredible spa, luxury suites, and a 52-story vantage point, this hotel offers cover extensive views of the Dubai Marina and Palm Island, as well as personalised butler service upon request.

The best part is that during the summer you can enjoy this luxury hotel and the grandeur of Dubai for just a fraciton of the cost. The Harbour Hotel Summer plan offers 30% Reduction off contract rates and a Stay 4 Pay 3 option. The offer is only valid from 15th May 2009 to 18th September 2009.

You can expand your vacation and allow Le Reve to create an incredible customized itinerary that will allow you to enjoy your vacation and create memories for years to come. Become acquainted with the Pinnacle of Luxury and stay at the Harbour Hotel and Residences.

The Emirates Towers and an International Convention

Before I go into the business side of Mike's trip, I thought you might like to know a little bit more about where he is staying. If you have been to Dubai, then you will know right away where the Emirates Towers are, but if you haven't, here is a small description. The Towers are centrally located on Shaikh Zayed Road, high above the central business and commercial district, set among landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and waterfalls. It is mostly a business center due to its location, and the towers are a central feature of the Dubai skyline. Mike is staying up on the 42nd floor with an amazing view of the city. Although this isn't his suite, it gives you a little flavor of the unique and beautiful architecture and accomodations that Dubai is known for.

One of the main purposes of Mike's trip to Dubai this time, was to attend ATM, or the Arabian Travel Market, which is a convention/symposia for business and leisure travel suppliers to the Middle East. Mike has coordinated and been involved in conventions for over 30 years, so it was interesting hearing his point of view regarding this one. Here are some of his thoughts:

Representation at ATM consists of major hotel chains, regional travel groups, surrounding countries from Nigeria to Dubai, Kuwait, and suppliers such as Emirates Air and IT suppliers. This years exhibition appears very well attended which is evidentiary of the positive attitude about the destination weathering the current economic turmoil and coming out ahead of the global curve.

So, if there are the usual exhibits and conferences seen at any convention, what makes this unique and worth noting? ......Access to decision makers....... I have been an exhibitor, a participant, a board member of numerous conventions and congresses (which is what they call a convention in Europe). Most of the time you find staffers and company representatives to be either middle management or contract workers. At ATM you will find the very top of the companies not only in attendance but available for meetings. This makes a huge difference when you are trying to make business happen. I am not surprised because that is a common theme we have uncovered when doing business in the Middle East. You don’t have layers of administration and management keeping you from presenting and negotiating your product, process, or service. You speak with decision makers. Then it’s up to you to exhibit competence, capability, integrity, work ethic, and a passion to ultimately seal a deal. We are just neophytes still at doing business here but I already find it very refreshing.

Business in the Middle East

As you know, Mike has been in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the last week and a half. This trip is geared far more toward business, so no crazy camel rides to report. However, Mike has gained an interesting perspective on business in that part of the world. Below are some of his comments and observations. The picture to the right is a view from the balcony at the Emirates Towers. I think this one is worth those thousand words!

Doing business in the Middle East:

· Getting accustomed to the 11 hour difference was really tough. Just like last time I was 4 days before I slept a normal night through. Then when you are reading emails everyone you are talking with is getting ready for bed.

· Can’t begin without mentioning the heat. It has been 31- 32 degrees centigrade here which is about 90 in Fahrenheit but because of the extreme humidity it feels like a hundred plus. Tough walking around in a suit and tie. Makes you appreciate the “white” Arab dress for men and feel sorry for the “black” Arab dress for women.

· All public areas in the hotels are Videotaped. Which shows you when you misplace a cell phone like I did who picked it up. In some cases like our guide Muhammed who lost his cell. He saw a woman take it, leave the hotel, and head to the airport.

· The lobby meeting (see pic) is something they have turned into a profit center. Everyone gets tea or soda and munches on dates or crackers. Doesn’t seem like much but will cost you an average of $30 or 100 Dirhams to sit there and there are as many as 20 meetings going on at any given time.

· Can’t get used to the lack of women workers. 80% male in Dubai.· Most expatriates here send money back home to Pakistan, India, Philippines, Vietnam… The amount is usually about half their income. When you have casual conversations they invariably ask about Obama and his policies. I note that the world seems to be very happy to have him as our new President. My caution is his economic policy being very liberal leaning and eventually will reflect a Social structure.