Global Destination Unmatched – Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The Burj Khalifa was our first monument visit on Friday, January 4th, coincidentally on the 10th anniversary of its opening to the public. The world’s tallest tower is only 10years old, and this fact is not surprising once you learn the history of the UAE. Considering Dubai’s recent evolution from a fishing village to a modern metropolis, most of the buildings in the city are no more than 30 years old. Our tour guide is a German ex-pat who has been in the UAE for the 25yrs. She is part of a society of expatriates that make up Dubai’s diverse population. The UAE’s population is composed of just 15% native residents, with the remaining 85% being composed of expatriates (Source). Most of our visits were dedicated to meeting with the business brains behind the attractions that make Dubai and Abu Dhabi an expatriate’s paradise. After our group toured the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is evident why someone would want to relocate there.
What struck me the most about the changing image of the middle east was the amount of investment capital and resources dedicated to tourism. In alignment with its strategic purpose, Dubai is hosting the World Expo 2020. The expo is projected to attract 25 million visits, with 70% of visitors coming from outside the UAE (Source). Tourism in Dubai contributes 11.5% in GDP value, Dubai’s tourism sector was ranked one of ‘Top 10’ strongest economic share generators, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Cities Report 2019.
Anthony Costa (Left) and Smith MBA Student (right) during Burj Al Arab Presentation.
We met with Marriot executive and Smith EMBA ’08 Alum Kevin Tanzola, Vice President Finance Operations Middle East/Africa at Marriott International, who has spent 23 years working with Marriott International in its finance discipline. We learned about Marriot’s expansion into the Middle East, and Africa is a result of a partnership with the regional governments to invest in tourism and hospitality. Partnerships with foreign companies are a way for the UAE to build credibility and trust from the public, but it doesn’t stop there. The UAE government also produces and develops its own properties as a means of investing in tourism. We gained perspective from that end of the business spectrum during our meeting with senior management at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Operated by the Mandarin Oriental and owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, the hotel built as an exemplar for national prestige and not as a profit-making concern. Another notable hospitality location visit was to the Burj Al Arab, where we had a meeting with legendary hotelier Anthony Costa, who has been in his role at Jumeirah Group since May 2018. Having joined the luxury hotel Group’s Executive Team to lead the operations and management of the team of the world’s most luxurious hotel, Mr. Costa led a lively discussion about how he plans to rebrand the hotel for the future.
Before our meeting with Farah Experiences LLC, operator of Ferrari World.
Beyond hotels, my personal favorite visits were with Farah Experiences and real estate developer Nakheel. Fun Fact: Nakheel means Palm Trees in Arabic! Farrah Experiences has a portfolio of world-class entertainment experiences. Today, the company manages and operates Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and Yas Waterworld, the UAE’s unique Emirati waterpark and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park. We were able to let loose and enjoy Ferrari World, where a few of us thrill-seekers rode Formula Rosso, the world’s fastest roller coaster. One of our last activities was a boat tour of palm Jumeirah and a presentation led by Nakheel. Nakheel’s visionary projects include The Palm, a trilogy of human-made islands that take the shape of a Palm Tree, a node to its name: Nakheel. The World, a collection of private islands that form a map of the continents of the world off the coast of Dubai, and Waterfront, the world’s most massive waterfront development. The UAE has done an exceptional job transforming from a desert outpost to a multi-cultural destination. If you find yourself planning a trip there, add the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Ferrari World, Emirates Palace, and Palm Jumeirah to your list of adventures!
Boat Tour sponsored by Nakheel around Palm Jumeirah
Posing outside of the Emirates Palace with Abu Dhabi’s skyline as the backdrop
Grand Finale, Desert Safari