Dubai 2011

I spent a few days here with an ex-employer, specifically visiting the Dubai Metro, the newly built, state-of-the-art transport system my company had been contracted to help design and operate.

I think Andy, my boss (the chap in the white and chequered shirt holding the menu), arranged it as a bit of a thank-you to the ‘then’ divisional leadership team, ahead of a huge company reshuffle that was on the cards and would affect us all.

Andy was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I’ve ever met. I had the pleasure of working for him on three occasions, across two companies and the best part of a decade and a half. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago, taken from us far too early.

On this trip, we had team leaders from Australia, North America, India and the UK and Europe all rock up for what was essentially ONE bloody meeting. Inevitably, there was some downtime and fun along the way!

Oh, the good old days! Today, I’m sure this would be a 45-minute conference call.

Not that I was complaining!

I remember the heat and humidity being off the scale, as demonstrated by Gareth’s glasses immediately fogging up as he stepped out of the air-conditioned car and walked towards the office. Much to our amusement, including Ashish in the background.

I delayed my flight home by a few days to explore the region and remember enjoying it far more than I’d expected. I also managed to squeeze in a visit to Karen, an old school friend who lives there, and explore the more authentic side of ‘old Dubai’, including the creek and surrounding souks.

In the years since, Dubai has grown massively, becoming something of an influencer Mecca of bling, while finding itself on the doorstep of increasing regional turbulence across the Straits.

So, I genuinely thought I’d well and truly scratched that itch and ‘ticked that country off my list’.

I left thinking I’d probably never return.

I was wrong…