Dubai

I am not really sure how or where to begin. It's really unfair to compare Dubai to Doha. I am really impressed with Doha, so it was somewhat surprising to me when I sensed the feeling in Dubai that the UAE is basically years ahead and many times richer than their gulf neighbors. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, in America we brag about the tallest building in America standing proudly in Chicago, the large endowment of our private schools, the biggest mall at the Mall of the Americas. The UAE is no different. The themes are reocurring. Yes, the biggest mall in the world is in Dubai ---- the Dubai Mall. It houses an aquarium filled with all kinds of fish including sharks, sting rays, barracudas and all manner of tropical fish. There is a huge waterfall and a gigantic ice rink. An amusement park is dwarfed by the gigantic food courts (yes, plural courtS) and there is hardly a store you could name that is not represented. The Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) can be accessed via the Dubai Mall and there is a arabic souk in the ground floor of the Mall with jewelry and other arabic finery. The Burj Khalifa is very pleasing to the eye. If I had to compare a structure to it, I would name the Trump Tower in Chicago. I wonder if the same architect designed them both. Obviously, the Trump Tower is small compared to the Burj, but the resemblance is there. Back to the Dubai Mall. Needless to say, after one hour of non-stop walking, we had barely covered one section of the Mall and decided we did not need anything after all! The Dubai skyline is amazing and unique. I am impressed with Doha. I think I could pick Doha out of a line-up. Dubai is also unique but many times bigger and even more diverse. The architecture is dramatic and stunning. The newest 7 star hotel (the Burj al-Arab) is a landmark along the gulf coast and looks something like a mast on a sailing ship. The Atlantis Hotel is out in the Gulf on Palm Island ---- yes, the manmade island is in the shape of a palm tree! Apartment buildings, condos, luxury hotels are placed one after the other. The main highway in Dubai is 6 lanes in each direction connecting the business district and the marine district. Jumeriah (what our driver called the marine area) is the section of Dubai where we stayed for 3 nights - in the Al-Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa- at the end of the Jumeriah which is home to the Sheraton, the Westin, the Hilton, the Meridian, as well as many others. We were the guests of Al Habtoor - so we had our room and food taken care of as well as a driver to show us around, a dedicated hotel staff member to accompany us and appointments with some amazing people connected with schools and the Al Habtoor group. Zayed University, American University, the International School of the Emirates, the Al Habtoor main business center and the most amazing mosque designed after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul were just some of the sights. J. was the "real" guest of Al Habtoor, so I just tagged along for most of the visits. Not that I mind tagging along, but I tried to keep my mouth shut after it fell open with the amazing display of wealth set before us. Sometimes that was hard. Zayed University is a private school outside Dubai. The facilities are amazing. The students have a mall like campus indoors that is airconditioned and offers stores and restaurants as well as a first rate library and classrooms that can be accessed without having to go outside yet with views of the fountains in the outdoor atrium. When J. commented about a $6 million grant he was working on at Qatar University, the Director of Development laughed and said, "We talk about Billion Dolllar grants here!" So, it all relative, I guess. The American University at Sharjah is one of at least 20 universities housed on hundreds of acres in the desert all built in similar classical style along a flower and palm tree lined road that stretches for at least 2 miles! We met with the Vice Chancellor of American University, an engaging Lebanese woman who has been with the university since it began 15 years ago. Fifteen years is old and established by UAE standards. J. couldn't help but tell the story of Illinois College that has been around for over 180 years. Now that is impressive! But, it simply doesn't much matter. The main dialog was about collaboration ---- and that does matter! The visits to the 2 international schools (elementary and secondary - each with over 1200 students) was exciting. The principals are both english, one from Scotland and other from Britain. These are now for profit private schools owned by the Al Habtoor group. Over 80% of the students in both schools are non-Emiratis. The education is superb, both schools winning all kinds of awards. But, one hope is to attract Emiratis to the schools and increase the value of education in the UAE generally. The Dubai Creek area is where "it all began" so there is a museum in the area, dhows taking visitors across the creek and a Dubai Museum which is pretty interesting for the entrance fee of just $1.00. Embassies from all over are along the Creek including a brand new US Embassy. Al Habtoor is a real friend of Illinois College. He was in Budapest while we were there, but we drove past his home. The gate to his "estate" happened to be open. Our private driver said the estate consists of many homes where the family all lives. I literally jumped out of our hired car to take a picture ----- after which the gate quickly closed. So, I may have tripped some security alarm. No, I was not arrested and I am now back in Doha. I was worried for a moment! Well, we swam in the gulf - which was like a bathtub - that warm! We walked along the beach in the evening --------- and we sweated any time we were outside a car or building. Our private tour of the mosque by the Director of the administration at the mosque included a history lesson on the UAE and cookies, juice and candy bars! The mosque took years to build and the craftmanship is magnificent. Al Habtoor is a big donor. I wore a burka for the tour and we had a professional photographer along with us during the tour who promised to send us the photos. Don't hold your breath. Remember ---- I haven't learned how to attach photos to this blog! And seeing me in a burka is really not all that fascinating or attractive. We felt special, to say the least. We had a rare opportunity to spend 3 days as the guest of a very influential and generous man who openned doors that would not normally be open to us. We are grateful. We called Mustafa to pick us up at the airport ------ appreciating how short the drive was "home". Back to round-abouts and familiarity. I couldn't help but reflect on this latest adventure. Both are representatives of the arab culture - Doha and Dubai ---- but very different from each other in many respects. I suspect there may be a bit of competition between the 2 countries -----so, what's new? Sounds like Chicago and St. Louis!