Dubai Financial Market

Today (day two) we visited the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) at Dubai's
World Trade Center.

We were welcomed warmly, after passing through security, and shown to
the trading center. Following a short ceremony of greetings and an
exchange of gifts, we were led to a conference room with an abundance
of refreshments and snacks.

Here are some snipets from the one of the VP's on Dubai's Financial
Market:
Dubai's financial strength comes from their ability to form
connections between the Eastern and Western worlds. The two main
business sectors are Real Estate and Finance. Some of the Strategic
Objectives for 2015 include: To sustain GDP growth of 11%, Increase
productivity 4%, Focus on trade & tourism, Creating new sectors,
Become the financial hub of the Middle East, and Be a leader in
emerging markets.

Picture of The Crew @ Ski Dubai

First Night Out in Dubai

Following our Safari outing, we enjoyed a nice traditional barbeque
and were entertained by the mysterious "belly dancer."

Did someone say Camel Ride?

Well... I couldn't not take advantage of a free ride, so I thought to
myself, why not? And hopped aboard this cute little guy in yellow.

Off Roading in the desert!!!

Wow. We had four SUVs chasing eachother all over the desert this
afternoon - all I can say is... So much better than a roller coaster!

I really thought we were going to roll the vehicle down one of those
sand dunes - lots of close calls, but luckily no accidents!!

So after our little tour of the desert, our whole crew in the car -
Lisa, Emillio, Theresa, Urdel, and I did some off-roading ourselves in
little ATVs. It was great.

Afternoon Lunch

Today (day 1), we had a lovely Mediterranean lunch on the water by
Jumeriah Beach... yummy hummus and chicken kabobs.

Our view wasn't too shabby either - here I am with the Burj Al Arab
behind me (this is the only 7 star hotel in the world! more to come on
"The Burj" later).

The Mall of the Emirates

Here it is... the atrium ceiling at the Mall of the Emirates!

(please excuse my earlier "typo" - the mall is not called 'Dubai Mall')