August 2016 ~ In 2008, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was asked why he insisted that his emirate’s construction projects be the world’s biggest, tallest, most extravagant, and off-the-chart architectural and engineering marvels on the planet. His answer: “Why settle for less when you can be #1?” Astute point. …
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team won the 2014-15 Volvo Around-the-World Ocean Race
Considered the world's toughest sailing race, Azzam (Arabic for 'determination') crossed the finish line in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 11 June after covering approximately 39,000 miles that required nearly 9 exhausting months to complete. The race began in Alicante, Spain, on 4 October and included stops in 11 ports. The 7 international teams, each carrying a …
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A $20 billion refi at 1%? You’re kidding, right?
No photo to share. No need to. Read on. International Monetary Fund estimated that the emirate of Dubai faced $30 billion in maturities this year. That is reportedly equal to a third of its annual economy. But --- an agreement was reached last March allowing the sheikdom to refinance $20 billion at 1% fixed interest, …
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Big? Uh uh. Momentous! It’s Dubai. Now what?
Purportedly the largest infrastructure project in the world is in the oven. The monstrous Dubai Water Canal project was launched last October by the Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. What is it? It’s a 3 kilometer (1.8 mile) canal that stretches from the Arabian Gulf inland into the heart of …
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Interviewed Live on Dubai TV
November 2013 Interviewed by international broadcaster Derek “Tommo” Thompson at the One World – Five Continents Conference in Abu Dhabi in November, Steve discussed the emirate’s rulers’ mindset to THINK BIG – quantum leaps, not incremental steps, and at record-breaking pace. Pick up the book STAYING AFLOAT – Three Years in Abu Dhabi to acquire …
Top international cities or countries in which to work, live and travel
October 31, 2013 Which international city would YOU choose to live, or work, or travel? Geneva? Sydney? Amsterdam? Singapore? Dubai? How about country? Polls citing different criteria, and presumably targeting different socio-economic groups, are completed each year. Do surveys significantly influence readers, or merely provide colorful reading? Being a frequent global traveler, I find them …
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Paul Cėzanne’s painting sells for a record $250 million!
October 27, 2013 Qatar, a tiny Arabian Gulf country with enormous wealth and breathtaking cultural ambitions, has become one of the most –if not THE most– influential buyers of art in the world today. The $250 million paid for one of Cėzanne’s five The Card Players in 2011, is the highest known price ever paid …
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Celebrating with Emirates Team New Zealand following its victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final
Steve and Pamela share in the celebration with ebullient Dean Barker, skipper/helmsman of Emirates Team New Zealand, following Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory today over Italy’s Luna Rosa in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. ENZ advances to the 34th America’s Cup against Oracle Team USA beginning on September 7th.
Middle East Cities Vie to Have Biggest and Best Airport
August 6, 2013 WALL STREET JOURNAL By Eliot Brown, Rory JonesMiddle East cities are racing to develop dominant international airports as luxurious transfer points for a fast-expanding global aviation market.On a sprawling patch of sand near downtown Abu Dhabi, thousands of workers are building the foundations of a new $3 billion international airport terminal, which …
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Where are the Americans in the America’s Cup?
July 7, 2013 There is no nationality requirement that sailors on each of the four competing teams in the America’s Cup hold a passport originating from the country for which they are sailing. Artemis Racing (Sweden), Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand), and Luna Rossa (Italy) are competing for the Louis Vuitton Cup --- the …
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