The Leaning Tower of....Abu Dhabi

Within the past 24-months, a structure that defies the laws of architecture and design as risen out of the desert sands of Abu Dhabi. The Capital Gate is the newest structure that once again places the UAE at the forefront of the world's media. Originally this building started as a mere drawing, an artist's sketch resembling a wave. However, nothing is beyond the realm of possibilities for the forward thinking Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan. In January, while Mike was in Abu Dhabi, he had the privilege of being there for the unveiling of this modern marvel.

"The Capital Gate has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards, more than four times that of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and, eared the Guinness recognition after rigorous evaluation of the Awards Committee since January, when the exterior of the 160-meter, 35-story tower was completed.

Commenting on Capital Gate's record-breaking achievement, Sheikh Al Nahyan said, "it is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi and with this recognition the tower takes its place among the world's great buildings. It is a signature building which speaks to the fore-sight of the emirate".

Capital Gate defies all the traditional rules of architecture and design. Hundreds of new inventions were created in order to turn this building into a reality. From ingenious foundation plans, to a non-traditional "egg-shell" exterior, to a several ton infinity pool hanging 300 feet in the air of the side of the building, this structure defies the laws of physics. To add to these incredible triumphs, the structure was both designed and built within a gruelling 24-months.

Abu Dhabi continues to come to the forefront of the world's media and news. Le Reve is continuing to expand their business relations in this region of the world. It is an exciting time to be a part of growth and ingenuity.

Authentic Arabic Atmosphere and Cuisine

When traveling I always seek out authentic indigenous cuisine.

In the Dubai I would highly recommend Al Manzil Hotels atrium restaurant called:

The Courtyard

Great outdoor atmosphere, fantastic array of Arabic foods, and this is the one place you want to go ahead and experience the Shisha water pipe, (hookah for those of us who learned the Indian term)

You will smoke authentic shisha, (flavours include rose and apple) in this dimly lit, atmospheric amid the arches and vegetation and in the evening a starry sky. The restaurant menu includes an assortment of cold and hot mezzes, soups and mixed grills. Dishes include hummus, Persian yoghurt and falafel. A broad a la carte menu is also available if you fancy poultry, fish or steak. Service was exceptional and the foods were all exceptionally prepared.

New York Style City Center in Dubai

Visited “Old Town” Burj Dubai Lake banked on one side by a residential village indicative of traditional Arabesque motifs. Across the lake you will see the world’s Tallest Building Burj Khalifa (formerly the Burj Dubai), on the lakes other side is the worlds biggest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), who’s attractions include the an aquarium full of all manner of sea fish housed by the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. In the center of the lake is the world’s most “Awesome” 500ft tall and 850ft long water fountain.

This attraction cost $281 million and is the most technologically advanced fountain of its kind. U-Tube visual effects cannot do this attraction justice. You have to be there and experience the whole program. We then ended up at my favorite Dubai Restaurant The Meat Company. Great Steaks, ribs, and draft beer for a reasonable price, dinner couldn’t be better. Eat outside and enjoy the view, you get a feeling and ambiance like you’re inside the Venetian/Arab looking at real stars but no singing gondoliers.

World Energy Conference, Abu Dhabi

Arrived in terminal 3 in Dubai after my 16hr flight. Computer adm. Movies, food, sleep, makes the flight time seem inconsequential.

MASDAR World Energy Conference:

World’s platform for sustainable future energy solutions, hosted by Masdar. The Masdar Initiative driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a global cooperative platform for the open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and the development of human expertise in sustainability.

Attendance: more than 140 government delegations from 19 countries, led by Heads of State, Royalty, Prime Ministers and Ministers and over 1,400 CEOs the World Future Energy Summit. Total attendance will exceed 18,000 and 600 exhibits displayed there latest technologies. This was the first significant environmental meeting since Amsterdam. U.S. delegation was not as impressive as I would have expected, one major corporate sponsor was G.E.

New idea’s and concepts: 100’s of exhibitors and various round tables and lectures most focusing on “wind and solar” technologies and new applications for them. Some great advances were noted by the auto industries and unique new water transport vehicles.

My thoughts going away were focused on "commercial opportunities". The U.S. should be more active in marketing and sales here in the Middle East. If we don't "ask for the business" we cannot expect it to come to us. The U.S. needs leverage international opportunities at symposium such as this. We need to take advantage of the strategic foresightedness of a country such as Abu Dhabi who is attempting to lead the world in advances in "sustainable future energy solutions".