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. …
Kensington Palace gate
Fond memories of Lady Diana returned while standing at the magnificent gate that was adorned with flowers in front of London's Kensington Palace in September 1997. In Elton John's words, "The legend never ends."
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 …
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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Emirates Airline will spend an estimated $275,000,000 on its extensive portfolio of sports sponsorship deals in 2013!
September 26, 2013 Emirates Airline’s sponsorship highlights the world of sports. The Dubai airline’s global marketing campaign is helping sports clubs and countries achieve things that never before seemed possible. Case in point: In sailing, Emirates Team New Zealand, with Fly Emirates emblazoned on its main sail, advanced to the sudden death race yesterday on …
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 will the America’s Cup trophy reside on September 21st?
June 22, 2013 In which country – Italy, New Zealand, Sweden or the US – will this magnificent America’s Cup trophy, the best-known trophy in international yachting competition, reside following completion of America’s Cup match races on September 21st between the defender, Oracle Team USA, and the winner of the challenger’s Louis Vuitton Cup?
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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Huge demographic population imbalance in Arabian Gulf countries
July 3, 2013 The expat population in the Arabian Gulf countries --- defined as being a citizen from another country, thereby requiring a work visa --- accounts for at least 31% of their combined populations, as reported yesterday in Arab News. By the numbers, 12.5 million out of 40 million are foreign workers: 26% of …
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