DESTINATIONS - g · PDF filelittle access to food or water outside of the hotel ... 10 revolutionised in Kuwait in 2006 when Paradise in Kuwait ... Iraq and Saudi Arabia NATIONAL FLOWER:

Issue

74AUTUMN/WINTER 2015

DESTINATIONS

FOCUS ON

Kuwait and dubai

LETTER FROM THE

editorKELLY JP CLARKEEditor, Destinations

I remember pink taxis- bright, bubble-gum pink. Had we flown into Candy Land on the red eye from Cape Town? The stamp in my passport assured me we were in Dubai. Two nights in the capital of Middle Eastern luxury on our way back to Perth. The driver of the colourful cab was a pleasant and demure woman in a hijab who explained that the pink taxis were for women and their families, so I’m sure my husband caught a few odd glances as he piled in the back!

Even though we arrived during the quiet, reflective month of Ramadan, Dubai was a wonderland. One of the children interviewed for this issue said his first impression was that Dubai is a “toy city”. Everything is shiny, bright and new, like building blocks stacked sky-high in the most ostentatious fashion. Although we encountered some unexpected hitches like having little access to food or water outside of the hotel

during daylight hours, we still managed to make Dubai our playground.

“It is what you make it”, a colleague in Kuwait said to me the other day and it really struck a chord. You decide your destiny no matter where you are in the world; whether in the heat of a sticky Dubai summer during Ramadan or behind a keyboard in The Hague, the next step is up to you. Compiling my first issue, I was both excited and nervous to create a magazine on two locations that were almost entirely foreign to me. Fortunately, the contributors brought both Kuwait and Dubai to life: I can smell the fresh Arabic bread wafting through the souks of Kuwait City and feel the heat boiling from the dunes on a trail run through the desert outside Dubai. So here goes, a new step for me and Destinations and one I hope you’ll enjoy.

DESTINATIONSIssue 74 Autumn/Winter 2015

Production team Editor Kelly JP ClarkeSub-editor Lisa Medved Design and production Production Centre of Excellence, The Hague, 1215951 Project ManagerAstrid uit den Bogaard

ContributorsMary Ann Agoncillo, Aann Bhatia, Bharat Bhatia, Simran, Kassia and Leo Caban-Sandhu, Kathinka Davis, Angus Dempster, Sara Elzein, Marlies Erdman, Maria Fuenmayor, Gautam Ganesh, Loreen Gordon, Craig Haldane, Marion Heinerth, Pamela Hodgson, Amit Kar, Karen Lawson, Christopher May, Walid Al-Nader, Deirdre O’Leary, Steve Polson, Alex Simpson, Ian Turner and a special thanks to Outpost Iraq Dubai and Outpost Kuwait

Contributing photographersMary Ann Agoncillo, Bharat Bhatia, Kathinka Davis, Marlies Erdman, Maria Fuenmayor, Marion Heinerth, Pamela Hodgson, Amr Hussein, Amit Kar, Karen Lawson, Deirdre O’Leary, Alex Simpson, Sami Tawfiq, Ian Turner and Golf Dubai

PrinterDe Groot Drukkerij bv, Goudriaan

© 2015 Global Outpost ServicesCopyright of articles is retained by the authors. Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct at the time of printing. Material published in this magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the Production Team or Outpost.

Future contributionsRelevant articles, letters, photographs or illustrations can be emailed to the editor at: [email protected]

DistributionPlease contact your local Outpost office for a free copy. To view online, go to https://www.globaloutpostservices.com/destinations

Cover image "Colourful Spices at the Old Spices Souk in Deira" Amr Hussein

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Focus

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Issue 74 Autumn/Winter 2015

FEATURES5 Location Profile: Kuwait6 Culture and People: The Key to Kuwait’s Success8 Diwaniyas10 Paradise in Kuwait13 Exquisite Drinking Fountains of Kuwait14 Work, Life, Balanced16 Spoiled for Choice18 Kuwaiti Break20 A New Family Experience22 Dubai Versus Kuwait26 Location Profile: Dubai27 Dubai: The Untold Photo Diary36 Toy City40 Trail Running in Dubai42 On Course to Dubai45 Centre of the World48 Raising Cultural Awareness with GlobeSmart

KUwaitOFFICIAL NAME: State of Kuwait OUTPOST OFFICE: Kuwait City POPULATION: 3.4 million; 60% of the population are foreigners (Worldbank, 2013)OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic, but English is widely spokenCURRENCY: Kuwaiti Dinar INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE: +965BORDERS WITH: Iraq and Saudi ArabiaNATIONAL FLOWER: Rhanterum epapposum, locally known as Arfaj

Kuwait has one-fifth of the world’s oil reserves.

Kuwait is the only country in the world with no natural water supply from lakes or reservoirs.

Kuwait is known for its souks (markets), frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Outpost Kuwait is the latest addition to the Outpost global network opening in March 2015.

Kuwait is one of the few ‘dry’ states in the world, meaning alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The world of camel racing was revolutionised in Kuwait in 2006 when they became the first country to use remote-controlled robot jockeys.

Al-Noon is a celebration in Kuwait when a baby gets their first tooth or takes their first steps. Family and neighbours are invited over and the mother throws sweets and nuts from the roof down to the guests standing in the courtyard below.

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Location Profile

Focus on

kuwait and Dubai

culture and people:THE KEY TO KUWAIT’S SUCCESS

A WORD FROM THE COUNTRY CHAIR

My relationship with Kuwait long preceded my arrival in the country. I had the chance to work closely with Kuwaiti colleagues in my previous job based in Dubai. I was always taken by the Kuwaitis sense of hospitality and warmth, something I experienced first-hand when I moved here.

During my time here, I have come to realise that Kuwait is a hidden gem – a safe, relaxed, family-friendly, multicultural Middle Eastern country with a great quality of life, which seems to suffer sometimes from an undeserved reputation in comparison to some more glamorous Gulf neighbours.

While there are certainly challenges adapting, just like moving to any country, Kuwait is an open and vibrant society, where locals are sociable and welcoming to expatriates. It is recognised as having a pleasant and multi-cultural atmosphere with a thriving and bustling community. The country offers a good range of recreational and social opportunities, from the beautiful beaches and islands to the abundance of excellent restaurants and world-class shopping facilities.

The people are what really set Kuwait apart from other countries I have lived in. Throughout its history, Kuwait has been an important trading hub and melting pot for people from different backgrounds. This fostered an open culture and democratic society centred on inviting hospitality and the open mentality of Kuwaitis to hear new ideas and discuss topical issues, which often brings out their witty sense of humour.

One of my favourite institutions is Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah (DAI), the most active and established museum and cultural centre in Kuwait. The recently opened Al-Yarmouk Cultural Centre will ensure DAI’s activities are more diverse and rich than ever before and will be the central hub

for the 21st Annual Cultural Season running from October 2015 through to May 2016. The Al-Yarmouk Centre will host everything from music to theatre and films to cultural seminars and lectures over this period. DAI also works closely with embassies to showcase cultures from around the world, creating a delightful experience for everyone in the community. The emerging cultural scene in Kuwait is set to expand in the coming years with the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre being constructed in the city, which will be the largest museum in the world once completed and include a Natural History Museum, a Science Museum, a Museum of Islamic History, a Space Museum and a new state-of-the-art Performing Arts centre.

One of the most important advantages of living in Kuwait is being centrally located in the Middle East. Dubai, Muscat and Cairo are all approximately two hours flight away, while Istanbul and many European cities are four to five hours away. As a business traveller, this allows me to connect easily to a number of cities around the region and the world. And when it’s time to relax, there are a number of carriers flying into Kuwait so it’s easy to get away for the weekend.

From the vibrant democracy and right of free speech clearly visible wherever you go, to the energetic new businesses and innovations emerging from young Kuwaitis, it is easy for a foreigner like me to see why Kuwaitis take so much pride in their country and heritage. It has been a marvel to be part of the action and to deal first-hand with Kuwaiti people who reflect the character of this beautiful country. Kuwaiti culture is the key, as Kuwaitis have long spread their arts and culture throughout the region and continue to do so today. n

Walid Al-Nader Country Chair and General Manager Shell Companies in Kuwait

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Feature KUWAIT KUWAIT Feature

Kuwaiti houses often have a room or separate hall called the Al-Diwaniya, a place where people, usually men, can meet outside of working hours to catch up on current events and share news. Al-Diwaniyas provide guests with a direct entrance to the house while maintaining the privacy of the family. The diwaniyas include a main lounge, called a diwan, where tea is on offer from a ghori and coffee is served in a dallah. Kuwaiti families often keep the main doors of the diwaniyas open to show that guests are welcome. Diwaniyas are an important part of the social fabric in Kuwait, with many important political and business decisions made within their walls. Maria Fuenmayor, from Outpost Kuwait, provided these photos from an Al-Diwaniya in Kuwait City. n

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Feature KUWAIT

DIWANiyas

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KUWAIT Feature

Feature

Mary Ann, a former office administrator, and her husband, Louie, an HSE Manager for Kuwait Exploration and Production, moved to Kuwait last year, leaving their adult children back home in Canada. Previous postings for the couple include various countries in Asia and the Middle East and most recently, New Orleans and London.

We moved to Kuwait from Calgary in September 2014. Although arriving to 40°C temperatures made us uncomfortable, it signalled the beginning of our new adventure. We were excited to experience Kuwait’s hospitality, warm and sunny weather, long coastal waters, great food, gold and shopping. The smooth assistance at the airport, the friendly car service and the warm and exceptional hotel

service we received on arrival, altogether confirmed the unique hospitality this region is known for. Living in temporary accommodation can be stressful but this was not the case in Kuwait. The hotel we stayed in was excellent. Their superb amenities and fantastic service took the stress away from us during the transition. We were comfortable and relaxed while concentrating on things we needed to do, like finding a house and familiarising ourselves in the city.

We found an apartment in a small, quiet building away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s only a 15-minute drive to Louie’s office in Ahmadi and, as an added bonus, it has access to the beach, something you can’t have in Calgary! Passing the days on the veranda and delighting in our boundless view of the ocean, the rising and setting sun and moon, the fluffy, white clouds painted on a bright blue sky and the white sand beach reminds us how lucky we are to live here! For us, this is paradise and we love it!

Whenever possible, we try local and regional cuisine. We are regulars at the Fahaheel market where we enjoy browsing the wide variety of fish and the fresh produce they have. Kuwait’s open markets, in particular, Souk Al-Moubarakiya located in Kuwait City, are fantastic for finding many interesting things all together in one place and great for a taste of Kuwaiti culture. The stalls

are neatly arranged, selling local knick-knacks, antiques, traditional costumes, clothes, carpets, honey, spices, scented oils and even fruits, vegetables and fish. The inviting smell of freshly baked Arabic bread is hard to resist so we always finish with a meal in one of the delicious restaurants!

The Friday Market in Shuwaikh industrial area is a place where one can easily spend a day going through the array of items they sell, anything from a needle to a refrigerator; you name it and chances are, they have it. Across from the Friday Market, there is also the Iranian Market that we recently discovered. The stalls are awash with complexly woven Persian rugs with beautiful floral patterns and medieval-style chests, with mother of pearl and other exquisite stones intricately tiled into geometric patterns. u

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MARY ANN AGONCILLO

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paradise IN kuwait


EXQUISITEDrinking Fountains OF KUWAIT

Fancy a drink? Elaborate drinking fountains built in memory of deceased loved ones can be found outside the great cement walls of many homes in Kuwait City.

Iranian craftsmanship is world famous and the detailed designs woven into the walnut and rosewood sure do impress!

Kuwait is famous for its gold markets. Walking through the glittering gold souks is like being in a treasure trove with an enormous array of gold jewellery mainly of 21K and 22K. If you are looking to buy, be prepared to haggle for the best price.

Kuwait is a shopping paradise, not only for its markets but also the malls. The Avenues Mall has everything you need from a grocery store to high-street shopping and dining and the underground parking is especially convenient in the summer. If we want to chill out, we head to Al Kout Mall which has an amazing view of the marina. Sitting back with a cup of coffee or richly spiced Kuwaiti tea and watching the spectacular musical fountains, set against the

If you are looking to buy, be prepared to haggle for the best price

huge, sandy-coloured arches of the mall is truly indulgent. We still have a lot to discover about Kuwait and we do more each day. When our posting is over, we will have many fond memories to take with us back to Canada.

If I was asked whether I recommend Kuwait to those considering foreign assignments, I would, for all the reasons I’ve mentioned and for all the other reasons we have yet to discover. n

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Marlies Erdman, a Learning Manager for Shell Kuwait, arrived in Kuwait in April 2012 with her two children, Fares, aged 12, and Safia, aged 10. Here she talks about the perks of life in Kuwait.

I had no reservations about taking a job in Kuwait, despite some colleagues in Europe incorrectly assuming that as a woman, I would have to wear the hijab and be prohibited from driving. Raising two pre-teens and working full time can be hectic, and although it’s not customary to meet many single mums in Kuwait, my two children, and I have found life here very comfortable.

Kuwait is a small country, about half the size of the Netherlands, so it’s easy to get around. We live in a residential area close to Kuwait City and the kid’s school, where most of their social and sport activities are. I commute to Al-Ahmadi for work, a 30-60 minute drive depending on traffic. My working hours are family-friendly; I come home one hour after the kids so we get to spent lots of quality family time in the afternoon. There is a very active sports club close by with

activities like football, tennis, yoga and Zumba as well as a gym, pool and of course the beach which we all love! Once we’ve exhausted ourselves at the club, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to enjoy a lovely meal together. Convenience is an art here in Kuwait and anything imaginable can be delivered to the comfort of your home (including a cafe macchiato and home computer repairs). Missing friends and family is the only regret I sometimes have about being in Kuwait, but I have sufficient holidays and I balance my busy life with things that give me energy, like sports at the club and catching up with friends.

Having studied Arabic and Middle Eastern language and culture at university, I am very interested in Kuwaiti life. Because Kuwait is not a well-known tourist destination, word of mouth is the best way to find things to do. There are a few helpful blogs (www.248AM.com and http://www.ladieswhodolunchinkuwait.blogspot.com/) which I visit regularly. The Mubarakiya souk is a culturally rich outing with different sections for gold, exotic perfumes, luxurious fabric and traditional clothes. I can wander the halls for hours and finish with an authentic meal at one of the local grill restaurants. I would also recommend visiting “The House of Mirrors”, where mirrors, in-laid in white cement, adorn the house, both inside and out, and the Tareq Rajab Museum has an impressive collection of old, silver ethnic jewellery from 15 different countries.

Fares and Safia have both joined scouting, introducing us to a different way of life in Kuwait. There is the animal shelter in Wafra oasis (on the Saudi border) where we walk the dogs, brush the cats and feed the donkeys. Sometimes we come across more exotic animals like baboons, a flying squirrel and even a hyena! We help to donate food to low income workers; this is where my truck comes in very handy, transporting up to 700 kilos of food. Hiking and camping in the desert provides a nice get away from the city, especially during winter months; you can quad bike, learn survival skills and even roast marshmallows on the open camp fire!

And don’t miss the National and Liberation Days of Kuwait celebrated every February, when the Gulf Road in Kuwait City turns into a huge water gun battle park! Even Gulf neighbours from Saudi Arabia and Qatar visit the country to participate in this epically wet tradition. People line the street for approximately 20 kilometres, armed with water guns and water balloons. As the cars drive up and down (at least a two hour undertaking), those on the street try to target people inside the car through small cracks in their windows. The cars have plenty of ammunition as well, and quickly open their windows to barrage the crowd with water.

Raising children as a working, single parent is a tough balancing act no matter where you are. In Kuwait, I am lucky to have a life that is well balanced for Fares, Safia and me. n

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Work, Life, BalancedMARLIES ERDMAN


Pamela and her husband, Stephen, who is Finance Manager for Kuwait, moved to the country in June 2013. Pamela previously worked as a manager in Social Services in Aberdeen but since leaving in 2005, she and Stephen have enjoyed postings in Copenhagen, The Hague, Dubai and now Kuwait. They both share a passion for food and travel. In March 2015, Pamela helped to start up Outpost Kuwait with Maria Fuenmayor, which has added a new dimension to her stay and given her the opportunity to meet some fantastic people! Here Pamela discusses the food scene in Kuwait.

“Where can I find nice eateries and good food?” is always my first question as a foodie when I arrive at a new destination. After more than two years in Kuwait, I can honestly say that I am pleasantly surprised with the “eating out experience”. Whether it is a quick kubus (a type of

shawarma) from the small street shops or a Michelin-style gourmet meal, in Kuwait the choice is endless. There is a huge western influence on food, resulting in many familiar restaurant chains and fast food, which we try to avoid as much as possible in favour of the authentic local restaurants.

Initially it took some time, but now we have found several restaurants that we love. During the cooler months when it’s not necessary to jump from air-conditioning to air-conditioning, we love to walk around the area of Salmiya where we live. It’s amazing what you can find in the small backstreets! There are a few hidden gems where we have become regulars, one of which is a small and very healthy café called Gia. Everything is freshly made that day! Your mouth will water for the bright green frika (green spelt) salad, the vibrant beetroot salad sprinkled with fresh mint, the smoky, grilled meats, fish and chicken. Their coffee is divine, the fresh-pressed juice is delicious, and don’t pass on their fresh-baked white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake! Perhaps

now is a good time to mention that portion sizes in Kuwait are huge and it is extremely easy to put on the pounds here, so we try to be careful!

We are not fussy eaters and love to try new things, but we particularly like Lebanese or in fact, any Arabic fare. The strangest things that we have eaten here were fried sheep’s brain and boiled sheep’s tongue; I was sceptical at first, but when I got over the initial idea of what it was, it was delicious! My husband, not a lover of aubergines, now orders babaganoush and moutabal (both aubergine dishes) at every Arabic restaurant, so his phobia has been cured with the rich flavours of Kuwait and the Middle East!

If you don’t mind cellophane table cloths and lots of noise, Souk Mubarakyia is a great place to experience the local food culture. We noticed a lot of locals eating there, so we thought it was a great opportunity for authentic Kuwaiti fare! Some eateries have no menu and it’s a case of asking what is fresh. For a relatively inexpensive price, we enjoyed excellent, grilled local fish and watched them bake fresh bread; it was one of the best lunches we have ever had. After lunch, there's an opportunity to take in the souk’s market stalls; teeming with fresh fish, meat and colourful fruit and vegetables, alongside all the other goods on sale.

New restaurants are appearing everywhere. Arrabella, a recently opened restaurant complex on the Gulf Road, houses many well-known eateries, though we avoid it at the weekend because parking the car is nearly impossible! In the malls (of which there are many), there is a good range of mainly chain restaurants, cafes and delicatessens. These are great places to sit and enjoy a coffee or grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by. My favourite is Marina Crescent at the Marina Mall where you can sit outside (weather permitting) and dream about which yacht in the marina you’d like to have! For those who

have a sweet tooth, then Kuwait is the perfect place for you. The cafes, bakeries, sweet shops and ice cream parlours are stacked with goodies that will certainly entice!

Cooking at home is also a joy. There is a wonderful fish market at Sharq where they bring in fish caught that morning. You can count on plenty of local, delicious fish and the month of August brings the most scrumptious prawns. The fish here is some of the best we have had, particularly zuabadi, hammour and shrimps. Supermarkets in Kuwait stock a good range of local produce, grown on the farms in Wafra, as well as a great selection of international fare. Whatever your taste buds desire, Kuwait will definitely have something for you! Alekom bil afia! (Happy eating!) n

for choicespoiled

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PAMELA HODGSON


parties, boat tours, coffee mornings and book clubs. There is always plenty of gossip to share and newbies to meet. The embassies celebrate national days with

great fanfare and I have especially fond memories of the

black tie events like Scottish Burn’s Night, where I enjoyed the poetry

reading, haggis and good cheer at the British Embassy.

Kuwaiti people are hugely warm and generous, often inviting guests to their houses or to their tents in the desert. I recall visiting the private zoo at the farm of a Kuwaiti man. Amongst others, he had beautiful quails and flirty-eyed camels. He offered me a bowl of creamy fresh goat’s milk with almonds and honey. The milk was still warm from the doe’s belly and as thick as whipped cream.

I’d often spend the day doing some sport or fitness, like swimming with the Kuwait Masters or a session at the gym at either the Marina Hotel or the Crowne Plaza. Facilities are excellent and the instruction is world class. You don’t often hear about Kuwaiti Olympians, but based on the facilities that I have seen, sporty people can thrive in Kuwait. I often played nine or 18 holes of golf at the Sahara Club. They regularly host competitions and I won a top-quality putter there once!

Kuwait has a merchant past and many Kuwaitis earn a living as independent traders, hence their affinity for bartering and negotiation. There are regular trade fairs held in Kuwait and I used to especially like the perfume exhibition, where one could purchase the best Yemeni and Omani honeys and sandalwood and find enormous bags of crushed turmeric, paprika and cumin and a dozen varieties of saffron. The traders sell very

rare and specific perfumed oils, such as white peach blossom or lily of the valley. Who needs Duty Free?

A couple of years ago when I started to look for an engagement ring, I visited Amsterdam and Antwerp but was disappointed with the options I found because I had set my mind upon a coloured stone rather than a diamond. Luckily, my father knows reputable gem traders in Kuwait so I decided to make a special trip with him to search out the jewel. Red is the colour of love and passion so I purchased a gorgeous ruby ring with which to propose to my beloved. The ruby was certified and valued back in the Netherlands and I was delighted to find the ring to be worth significantly more than the purchase price. I was even more delight that she said, “Yes”!

At the Friday market, one can find any manner of trinkets, carpets and animals so I have sent my nephews out looking for Aladdin’s lamp more than once! For cultural activities, I would recommend the Great Mosque, Daar Al Athar Al Salmiya which houses a collection of jewels and artefacts belonging to the Al Sabah family and the beautiful Tareq Rajab Museum of Art and Calligraphy, which is recognised by UNESCO. The Arab Fund Building is home to the best example of handcrafts from all over the Middle East and even the car park is a jewel of architecture. The “House of Mirrors”, built by an Italian artist Lydia Kattan who is married to a Kuwaiti artist, was originally intended to cover and prevent the spread of termites. Now, every inch of the house is gilded in pieces of mirrors, resulting in an amazing labyrinth of rooms with astrology themes.

I have many fond memories of Kuwait. It is yet to become a major tourist destination for people visiting the Middle East but perhaps that is part of its charm. n

KUWAITI BREAK

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ALEX SIMPSON

Whilst growing up, Alex Simpson, an LNG Performance Manager based in The Hague, spent many holidays in Kuwait with his parents. He shares some special memories and tips on Kuwait with us.

I always looked forward to visiting my parents in Kuwait. They lived there for 18 years and I’d usually go home during the Christmas and Easter periods. Kuwait is a great place to socialize, relax and shop.

Socially speaking, it just never stopped; the house was often abuzz with frenzied activity ahead of a gathering or clothing was flying around as outfits were put together for a festival. In Kuwait, customarily you are either giving a favour or

returning a favour; by way of a gift or an invitation to a friend’s house and vice versa. My parents are now retired in Ireland and they often remark that they are glad to have some evenings free during the week!

Networks like the British Ladies Society, International Women’s Group and Damas OLEK (Latin American and Spanish Ladies in Kuwait) are extremely active in Kuwait and attendance levels are high for their events like holiday


Marion joined her husband Mirco, a Principal Production Technologist in Kuwait, one year after his arrival in October 2010. Leaving her job as a master goldsmith and teacher in Bavaria, Germany, Marion discusses the different life she leads now raising a young family in Kuwait.

When I moved to Kuwait in October 2011, I was 30 weeks pregnant with our first child. It was my first experience of living abroad, living together with my husband and starting a family. My husband moved to Kuwait one year before I did. Having visited Kuwait and the Middle East on several occasions before my move, I had some idea what it would be like to live there. Leading up to my move, we looked at a number of apartments and houses and we visited several hospitals in preparation for the

impending birth. I was excited to start this new life, although saying goodbye to my family, friends and my job was not easy.

There is a great love for children in Kuwait, and in fact, the whole of the Middle East. When Kuwaiti people see children, especially small ones, they always smile; sometimes they even look in their handbags and pockets for a small treat for them! Children are always cherished here. Kuwaitis would never comment on how you raise your children or stop them from doing something, like you may encounter in other parts of the world. If your children are up late or if they cry, locals are always sympathetic and helpful; this is one of the reasons why we enjoy living in this part of the world.

Kuwait is a great location to start a family or to raise small children. As they grow older however,

it may become more difficult for western kids because of cultural differences. It seems entertainment options are a bit limited for teenagers. Certain things that teenagers can do in western countries, like going out dancing are not possible, except in a private setting. Children, especially girls, grow up more protected than in Europe and are generally segregated.

Kuwait doesn’t offer a breadth of touristic activities or grand events like in Dubai, but this doesn t́ mean that there is no cultural life. There are occasional classical or jazz concerts, theatre performances, fairs and exhibitions, but they are usually on a small scale so you need to look out for them. Kuwait is one of the few “dry” countries worldwide, so if you are invited for an embassy party, you may appreciate that glass of wine or beer even more! Because the expat community is very tight-knit and everyone is in the same

situation, there are a number of festive private parties and get-togethers to participate in.

Except for the summer months, the weather in Kuwait is very family friendly. Most expat families are quite active and plan activities to keep themselves entertained year-round. The winters are mild and we like to do a lot of things outdoors, like barbecues in the desert with friends and little hiking tours through the dunes. There are many playgrounds close by where we take the children to play outside. In autumn and spring, the sky is dotted with big colourful kites along the beaches. Walking barefoot in the sand and splashing in the surf or renting a jet ski for some fun on the water are great beach activities with the children. Sadly, the beaches are not as clean and tidy as you might expect; however, they are cleaner further away from the city, like Al-Khiran, which is about an hour’s drive south of Kuwait City. It’s the perfect place for a lot of water fun, like kite and wind surfing, and swimming in the sea. Just remember an umbrella to protect against the sun!

Now, four years later, our family has grown more than we imagined. Martha, our eldest is now almost four years old and she has also gained a younger brother, Moritz, who is two. At the end of October we are expecting another addition to the family. Exciting times in Kuwait, once again! n

A New family experienceMARION HEINERTH

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Kathinka, a Dutch national, and her English husband Gerard, General Manager for Middle East & JV, were first posted to Dubai in 1999. They have lived in the Netherlands and the UK, as well as many expatriate postings in the Middle East: two in Oman, three in Dubai and one in Kuwait. Here, Kathinka compares life in Dubai to life in Kuwait.

Having recently lived in both Dubai and Kuwait, I was asked to sum up what it’s like to live in these locations and reflect on the differences between life in the two places - and there are definitely some differences!

When my husband applied for the job in Kuwait, we didn’t really do our “homework” very well. We thought it couldn’t be too different from other Gulf countries. We had lived in Oman for many years and were living in Dubai at that time, but we came to learn that there were indeed some real differences. So here we go - a comparison between Dubai and Kuwait in a nutshell.

As you know, Dubai is a mega modern city, which has experienced an immense property boom in

recent decades. And what a city it has become! Kuwait on the other hand, has had a very different history. The country, which is one of the richest oil states in the region, was severely damaged during the Iraq invasion. Since then, Kuwait City has been rebuilt - a major undertaking - but it is nowhere near as impressive as Dubai. Yes, it has some amazingly high towers and glitzy shopping malls, but you get the sense that overall, Kuwaitis prefer to show their wealth in different ways.

Going out in Dubai for dinner or drinks is as cosmopolitan as you can get. You could eat out every day for a whole year in different restaurants and you still wouldn’t have covered all of them. Sometimes I personally find this abundance of choice in Dubai to be a bit much. It feels like all the restaurants are trying to out-do each other! But there is certainly plenty to choose from.

Of course there are restaurants in Kuwait, but there are mainly three choices of food: Indian, Lebanese/Arabic or fast food. I have honestly never seen so many hamburger outlets in my life. These vary from the standard western fast food chains to more upmarket restaurants. But they all u

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truly a lovely building which in my opinion, takes one back to beautiful 1930s architecture. I thoroughly loved the souks. I couldn’t find any old furniture or jewellery as they all got destroyed during the war or were thrown away. While I was disappointed at the loss of these old treasures, locals take a different approach, preferring to look to the future.

Locals in Dubai do not generally interact with the rising number of foreigners. To me, I could be anywhere in the world when I look around Dubai, as there are lots of tourists and expats. Living in Dubai, you become one of the millions - which personally I don’t really like. Perhaps this is why I loved Kuwait so much! There are hardly any expats compared to Dubai and it was wonderful to have proper interactions with the locals. People in Kuwait enjoy talking to you. They ask where you are from, why you came to Kuwait, how you like the place…etc. This is really nice because you feel as though you learn more about the country. Many of the shopkeepers do not speak fluent English and I hate to say my Arabic isn’t too great either, so this made talking to people very amusing. I found the people in Kuwait truly helpful and friendly.

Driving in both countries is an experience. With an increasing number of cars on the roads,

shopping malls that are certainly on a par with Dubai. My favourite is The Avenues, a very nice mall with all the European high street stores. But if visiting the malls becomes your main source of entertainment, then it can leave you wishing for other distractions.

The weather in Kuwait is fantastic, even during the extremely hot summer months when temperatures soar; it’s a dry heat that be tolerated whereas in Dubai, it is very humid in the summer. Winters in Kuwait are lovely. It gets cold enough to need warm attire but you still have bright blue skies. I believe it would be nicer for tourists to come to Kuwait than to Dubai as far as the weather is concerned but for the moment, Dubai has a better set up for tourism than Kuwait does. Who knows if this may change in the near future as new, luxurious hotels are being built in Kuwait all the time?

If you ask me which I prefer, I would have to say Kuwait. Although I initially found it to be a tough posting, having moved there from Dubai, I eventually I preferred my Kuwaiti experience. It was a much more well rounded expat experience and I felt more welcomed there than in Dubai. Plus, there is always the option to jump on a cheap airline to make a weekend trip to Dubai for a taste of glitz and glamour! n

traffic jams have become more common in Dubai. In Kuwait drivers take a liberal approach towards obeying road regulations, which can make driving a challenge. One thing I didn’t know before I moved to Kuwait is that women are not allowed to drive unless they have a job or school age children. I did manage to drive, but not very much. I sold my car after four years in Kuwait with a mere 9,000 kilometres on the clock!

There is a lot to see and do in and around Dubai. You can explore other interesting locations like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman and have the option to visit animal parks, water parks, huge malls and much more. You can also drive across the border to Oman and explore places like Musandam and see the dolphins. By contrast, there is a lot less to do in Kuwait. I had not realised that Kuwait City is pretty much the centre of everything with very little else around it. Driving to neighbouring countries isn’t really an easy option as you need entry visas to both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The Kuwaiti desert is less of an attraction than in other Gulf locations I’ve seen. It serves as an escape for locals who spend several weeks living on camps sites in the desert during the winter period between October and March. Sadly, rubbish can often get left behind when the temperature rises and they return to the city. Kuwait does have nice

serve mainly hamburgers - in every shape and size. Kuwaitis also love coffee, so coffee bars are very popular, with a variety of creamy coffee offerings available all over the city.

The way food is served in Kuwait took some getting used to. Dishes are brought to the table whenever they are ready. I could be served my soup while somebody else at the table has their main course, followed by their starter. Plates are cleared away as soon as you put your spoon down, so you can go to a restaurant, eat a three-course dinner and be “done and dusted” within half an hour. This was new to me as I am used to the idea of a meal being a social event.

Middle Eastern countries are generally known for their souk heritage, but the impression I get in Dubai is that everything is targeted at tourists, which is a shame. Kuwaiti souks however, were a revelation to me. Kuwait has truly authentic souks, where people go to buy everything from fish and vegetables to pots and pans and much more. Many of the stall keepers are from Iran and they enjoy sharing a super sweet cup of tea and having a chat with you as you make your purchases. You can find the most amazing materials in the fabric souk, which is indoors and has air conditioning, making shopping in this particular souk a real pleasure. The fish souk is

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DUBAI KUWAIT KUWAIT DUBAI

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AMIT KAR

OLD SAILORNot all the boats at Dubai Creek have turned to tourism or leisure. Even today, you can still see large merchant vessels here, running regional trade routes. Men like this old sailor, often operate and live onboard these boats. They are successors of the mariners whose early efforts gave this city its first commercial impulse.

DUBAI: The Untold Photo Diary

DUBAI

In 2013, Dubai saw US $70 billion worth of gold, 40% of the market, physically traded within its borders. That gold weighed 2,250 tonnes or the equivalent of 354 male African elephants!

There is no income tax in Dubai.

The amount of sand required to construct the artificial Palm Islands could fill 2.5 Empire State Buildings.

Dubai’s police fleet includes luxury sports cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and an Aston Martin- pretty classy!

Earlier this year, Outpost Iraq and Outpost Dubai combined their services to become Outpost Iraq Dubai, based in Dubai.

During Ramadan, Burj Khalifa residents on the highest floors wait longer to break their fast than those on the ground because they can see the sun for longer! Amit is a global nomad who has lived in the US, India the UK, Saudi Arabia,

Oman, Nigeria, Singapore and Indonesia. In April 2013 he moved to Dubai with his wife Claire, an Outpost team member, and their two sons, Zach, aged nine, and Rafi, aged five. Photography is Amit’s passion and here he presents a photo essay on a different side of Dubai.

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DUBAI Photography

COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates or UAE; Dubai is one of seven states within the UAECAPITAL: Abu DhabiLARGEST CITY: Dubai OUTPOST OFFICES: Dubai and Abu Dhabi POPULATION: 9.3 million; only 17% are Emirati (Worldbank, 2013)OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic, but English is widely spokenCURRENCY: UAE dirham (AED)INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE: +971BORDERS WITH: Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar (though this border is in dispute with the Saudis)

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Location Profile

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Photography DUBAI DUBAI Photography

Early last year I was in Houston, chatting idly with a taxi driver, and he asked me where I live. When I told him I live in Dubai, he got very excited and told me about a documentary he’d seen on the construction of the Burj Khalifa. Only a few years prior, there would have been little chance of a cabbie in Texas knowing anything about Dubai. I've had many similar conversations all around the world. Dubai has become a global phenomenon recently and rightly so, as the scale of what has been achieved here in a generation is simply astonishing. For most people, this is the only Dubai story they know; the one about grand ambition exhibited in indoor ski slopes, the world’s tallest building, the finest hotels and ubiquitous luxury. This is only part of the story though, and to come to Dubai and experience only the shiny, new stuff is to miss out on much of the city’s unique character. In these pictures, I have tried to show another side of Dubai, one which is closer to the history and soul of this amazing city.

SPICE DUDESThe souks are small but have a warm, old-worldly appeal, especially in late afternoon light. The shop keepers have a palpable “throw-back” attitude and charm.

Photography Photography

Lizzy de Klein, aged seven from the Netherlands, learning to play baseball in Houston.

Kooper Wright, aged 10 from Australia, at Everland Resort Seoul, South Korea.

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CHICKEN ROASTERDubai is a culinary wonderland and the street food is as much a part of the feast as the celebrity chef restaurants. This guy does a mean roast chicken but make sure you try the shawarma as well.

SATWA SCRUMDubai may not be as cosmopolitan as London, New York or Tokyo yet, but as a modern melting pot it has no equal. This diverse scrum of people is a typical streetcorner scene in Satwa on a Friday night.

FISH HEADSBefore it became a trading hub, business in Dubai mainly focused on pearling and fishing. The old fish market in Deira is still worth a trip but perhaps not so much for these guys!


Photography Photography

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HOWZAT?! South Asians are by far the largest ethnic community in Dubai. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that on a weekend afternoon just about any open space is being used for a spot of cricket. These boys have found a patch of grass in an older part of town called Bur Dubai.

SEPAK TAKRAWDubai is an active city; people bring their traditional sports and games from all over the world. Here we see two Filipino teams playing Sepak Takraw, an acrobatic volleyball-like game in which a rattan ball must be hit only with the hands and feet.

CREEKSIDE COUPLEDozens of dhows (traditional wooden sea-faring boats) are tied up alongside the Creek. Many, now in use for sight-seeing or as floating restaurants, are suitably dolled-up. As the sun goes down, they make for a beautiful shot.


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OLD & NEWThe new hasn’t completely replaced the old yet; somehow this ramshackle dwelling remains within a stone’s throw of the skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road.

CREEK GULLSThe river taxi in this shot, known as an abra, may have a few tourists onboard but most passengers are riding it as part of their daily commute. At a cost of only one Dirham (about 27 US cents), why go any other way? On the right side of the picture is Al Bastakiya, a historic district where merchants from Iran settled.


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What is your ideal career choice? I would love to be an inventor.

What are your favourite words in your native language (and the meaning)?

In Scotland, we speak English but there are some funny Scottish words like Ma Laddie which means My Boy, Dinnae which means don’t and Bonce which means head.

Tell me about your first thoughts on Dubai.I thought it was very hot but the pool in our compound was very cool. I also thought the Burj Khalifa was amazing.

What is your favourite local food? Arabic bread and hummus.

What sports/hobbies do you play or do? My favourite sport is rugby and I play in the forwards for the Arabian Knights. I also like football and golf and one of my favourite hobbies is playing with my loom bands.

Where do you go to school? What’s it like?I have just started at Foremarke in Dubai and I love it. I have made lots of new friends and a few of my rugby team mates go there as well.

What do you like and dislike about Dubai?I like that all my friends live here and I love the waterparks. I dislike the heat!

Describe what your parent does for a living at Shell (without asking them).

My daddy goes to Iraq however I’m not sure what he does. I know he is an engineer.

DUBAI FeatureFeature DUBAI

Name Aann Bhatia

Age 8

Born in Delhi, India

Lives in Dubai, UAE

Name Angus Dempster Age 9

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland

Lives in Dubai, UAE

Toy CityClaire Kar, Welcoming Coordinator for Outpost Iraq Dubai, asked seven kids what it’s like to live in Dubai. This is what she found.

What is your favourite local food?My favourite food is Biryani, a mixed rice dish.

What sports/hobbies do you play or do?I play rugby and football.

Where do you go to school? What’s it like?Nord Anglia School; it’s like my old school.

What do you like and dislike about Dubai?I like that we have a house and I dislike that in the garden there is not enough space for shade.


I think he sails on ships.What is your ideal career choice?

My choice is to fly an aeroplane.What are your favourite words in your native language (and the meaning)?

My favourite word is Billy which means cat.Tell me about your first thoughts on Dubai.

I didn’t know it will be really hot and that most of the roads are motorways.

What is your favourite local food?Falafel

What sports/hobbies do you play or do?Basketball

Where do you go to school? What’s it like?American School of Dubai. It is like a second home.

What do you like and dislike about Dubai?I like the location of our house; it’s near the mall and my school.


My dad travels a lot so I don’t get to see him as much as other kids.

What is your ideal career choice?A pro drummer.

What are your favourite words in your native language (and the meaning)?

In the US, y'all means you all. In Arabic, Azrak means blue.

Tell me about your first thoughts on Dubai.It was very busy with lots to do.

Name Sara Elzein

Age 9

Born in Muscat, Oman

Lives in Dubai, UAE

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Feature DUBAI FeatureFeature DUBAI

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What is your favourite local food?Hummus and mutabal (eggplant dip), “miam miam” (yummy)

What sports/hobbies do you play or do?In the morning, we make sand castles on the beach and in the afternoon we go sledging at Ski Dubai, “youhouu!”

Where do you go to school? What’s it like?The Children’s Garden school. It’s a very nice school where half of the classes are in English and the other half in French.

What do you like and dislike about Dubai?We love it all, nice weather, friends from all over the world and indoor play areas in the malls.

Describe what your parent does for a living at Shell (without asking them)?

Hmmmm…What is your ideal career choice?

Astronauts, we want to explore the moon!What are your favourite words in your native language (and the meaning)?

J'aime le chocolat (I love chocolate).Tell me about your first thoughts on Dubai.

We were living in India before. It’s quite different here, but at the same time almost same same.

Names Simran, Kassia and Léo Caban- Sandhu

Age 4

Born in India

Live in Dubai, UAE

What is your favourite local food? Hummus with Kuboos (Arabic bread), Falafel

What sports/hobbies do you play or do? Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, Football, Painting, Photography

Where do you go to school? What’s it like? Jumeirah College. It’s a multicultural environment with good teachers and awesome extracurricular activities.

What do you like and dislike about Dubai? I like the safety, architecture, Sheikh Mohammed, the beaches and Bounce Dubai, Ski Dubai, the Autodrome and the Skate Park. I dislike peak summer heat.


Meetings, extract oil from Iraq and Saudi, travel and maths.

What is your ideal career choice? World famous footballer and cricketerWhat are your favourite words in your native language (and the meaning)?

Diwali means row of lights (It is our festival) in India and dada/dadi, which means paternal grandparents.

Tell me about your first thoughts on Dubai.It’s like a toy city – everything is shiny and new. There are beautiful beaches and it is very, very active, even at midnight!

Name Gautam Ganesh Age 13

Born in India

Lives in Dubai, UAE

Gautam Ganesh

Trail running provides an escape from city life, camaraderie and inspiring views to distract you from all the footwork. Located close to the border of the famously beautiful mountains and deserts of Oman, Dubai has fabulous mountain trails to explore and a sea of stunning sand dunes to enjoy.

Although Dubai is home to a huge running community, with several long-established running clubs, these clubs are mainly devoted to road events. There was no organisation dedicated to trail running until 2012 when Dubai Trail Runners was established to take advantage of the nearby Hajar Mountain range. Intrigued by this opportunity, I made the change from pounding the pavement to exploring a wilder side of the United Arab Emirates.

The Hajar Mountains are about a one-hour drive from Dubai city. Running through them is like entering another world of moonscape rock formations and rolling sand dunes, dotted with date farms and camels roaming freely. Sunrises are magnificent with rich, glorious colours stretching across the sky. The temperature and humidity are significantly lower than in the city, which is especially helpful in summer so that we can keep running during the warmest months and avoid the city’s extreme heat of over 40°C.

Thanks to the hospitality of local mountain communities, we top up our supplies en route with cold water. We typically carry between two and four litres each, along with food and safety provisions. The length of each run is varied according to runners’ abilities, but normally falls

anywhere from 10 to 45 kilometres. We always run in groups for safety.

Trail running through desert landscapes has become an iconic sport due to famous footraces across the world’s largest deserts. The Marathon des Sables, for example, is now in its twenty-eighth year and is considered one of the most gruelling multi-stage adventure races to cross the Sahara. The 4 Deserts Race Series is another annual event, made up of a series of four 250-kilometre footraces across deserts around the world, including the Gobi in China, Chile’s Atacama, the Sahara in Egypt and Antarctica. Numerous smaller races, equally as challenging and enjoyable, have turned trail running into an extremely popular sport.

The desert around Dubai is an easy 45-minute drive from the city. The area around Fossil Rock

(Jebel Maleihah) offers some of the most spectacular natural beauty you will find in the UAE. You can run while enjoying in the breath-taking scenery, climbing dunes and ancient rock formations, appreciating the desert wildflowers and spotting desert animals. There is no need for special equipment, just a good set of running gear, sturdy trail runners and drink bottles or hydration backpacks, whichever you prefer.

The trail running scene evolved even further in 2013 with the establishment of Urban-Ultra, an organisation designed to bring trail-running events and other related sports to our back garden in the UAE. My goal for this season is to complete the Urban-Ultra Hajar 100, a stunning 100-kilometre trail that runs along jeep tracks, through mountain passes and over sand dunes in nearby Ras al-Khaimah. Many of Urban-Ultra’s events also aim to benefit the local and wider communities, with funds being raised to support a variety of charities.

Running for charity helps me focus on my goals, especially when it gets challenging out on the trail. With a few like-minded friends, I co-founded a charity called the “7 Emirates Run”, which involves running through all seven Emirates of the UAE. The 575-kilometre route takes 12 days and involves running through cities, deserts, mountains and beaches, on paved roads, gravel and sand. It is run as a solo event or as part of a relay. Our objective was to help children with leg amputations or deformities to receive the prosthetic limbs they needed to improve the quality of their lives. With the support of our work colleagues and families, we raised 1m dirhams in 2014 and achieved our mission to run “to help children back on their feet”.

Trail running around Dubai is peaceful and inspiring. It connects us to the communities all over the UAE. Join us, run easy and enjoy! n

Deirdre O’Leary, a Canadian from Nova Scotia, has enjoyed running from a young age. After moving to Dubai, she took up long-distance running in the UAE in 2011 and has found it to be a fabulous way to explore new places, train for other sports and spend time with friends. Trail Running in dubai

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DEIRDRE O'LEARY


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Elisabeth Middlemas from Outpost Iraq Dubai asked four Dubai-based golfers about what it’s like to play in the UAE.

Steve Polson (SP), a Cost Engineer, began golfing as a kid, tagging along with his dad. His dad enrolled him in a juniors’ night at the local golf club when he was 10 and he was “hooked”. Steve has been playing golf for 20 years, but much more regularly in the last few years.Karen Lawson (KL), an Outpost team member, has been playing for six years. She started to play in New Zealand because friends suggested it was a good couple activity for her and her husband. Karen exclaims, “It hasn’t quite worked out that way!”Loreen Gordon (LG), a Shell spouse, started to play golf last September. She always wanted to learn to play but never had the time with home and work commitments. Loreen finally has no excuses because on this posting, she is free from work and her children are in the UK. Ian Turner (IT), an Operations Readiness & Assurance Engineer, is the founder and coordinator of an informal Shell golfing group based in Dubai. Ian’s father-in-law was a very keen golfer, having played for over 70 years, and he got Ian into the sport 25 years ago.

course DubaiON TO

What are the best courses in the UAE and how do they compare internationally? SP: I have been lucky enough to play a few of

the courses in the UAE; my favourites would have to be Saadiyat, Emirates Golf Club (Majilis) and Dubai Creek. The courses in the UAE are of a very high standard and are comparable to some of the best courses internationally. There are two European Tour Events held in Dubai with the Tours Grand Finale held at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November. The Dubai Desert Classic is held every year in January and for many years Tiger Woods travelled here to play in it.

LG: I have only played at Dubai Creek as it is very convenient for me, but my play on their 18-hole golf course has been limited. That is all going to change this year! I took a few lessons on my own first, but I have now joined a ladies group that does coffee and golf lessons. The lessons are great; it’s a small group with a one hour lesson followed by coffee and cake with our golf professional and afterwards we play the Par-3.

How often do you play in the UAE?SP: I try to play twice a week. Unfortunately due

to the dark nights, play is limited to the weekend, although there are a couple of floodlit golf courses in Dubai.

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The arid, sandy dunes of the desert surrounding Dubai are perhaps the last place you would expect to see the lush green grasses of a world class golf course. But this is no desert mirage; golf is big business in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the golf courses of the UAE are some of the busiest in the world. This is thanks in large part to the tourists that pass through the region, with both tourists and locals alike preferring to hit the links between October and May when the weather is ideal. In the sweltering summer months, play continues albeit with one major difference – golfers tee off at night!

Water conservation is undoubtedly the biggest challenge for golf clubs in Dubai; the high temperatures and humidity make upkeep of quality turf grass a never-ending job. Golf Dubai uses 100% recycled water (treated sewage effluent water) on all their facilities. The sheer amount of water required can be up to 800,000 gallons (US) in the summer. Maintenance work commences from as early as 4am in summer months in order to present a spectacular green for the golfers to enjoy.

The following introduction is based on interviews given to Outpost Iraq Dubai by Golf Dubai CEO, Christopher May, and Craig Haldane, Director - Golf Course Maintenance at Golf Dubai.


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KL: I play on Wednesday mornings with a group of ladies and I also try to get around the Par-3 with my husband on a Monday evening if he is in town. We have dinner after playing and quite often other friends will join us.

LG: Once a week with the coffee morning and usually another once or twice a week either with my husband, friends or on my own.

What about in the summer, do you still play and if so how do you cope with the heat?SP: Yes, this is the second summer I have played

in the UAE. If the humidity is high, the round is tough; obviously you must drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. The majority, if not all the golf courses offer buggies (included in the green fee) and this is a big help. Plenty of sunscreen and water is the key.

KL: We usually take a summer membership which is cheaper than a full membership. Lots of people travel during the Dubai summer but we usually don’t because it’s winter at home in NZ; instead we stay in Dubai and play right through summer. It is really quiet on the course and we enjoy it. Key tactics to keep up your

momentum during the summer heat include using golf carts, drinking lots of water, maintaining good nutrition, wearing sunscreen and most importantly, knowing when to stop. The clubs also provide cool towels.

What is your proudest golfing achievement or moment?IT: I’ve actually got two proudest golf moments

and one is not in Dubai! First one is going to the 2012 Ryder Cup and seeing Europe beat the USA on the final day after being 10 – 6 behind. Second one is in Dubai watching my wife, Kate, nearly get a hole in one on the Par-3 14th hole at the Creek.

LG: Beating my husband on the Par-3… Although he does not consider that a golf course! n

If you are headed to Dubai and are keen for a round of golf, Steve Polson provides the following tips:

Do you need a handicap to play in UAE? Depends, some courses ask for it, however generally they will let you on without a handicap.Is it expensive? Can people hire clubs? Golf in the UAE is quite expensive in comparison to other locations, however the courses are of a high standard and the maintenance required to keep them at a continual high standard in this climate is costly. You can hire golf clubs; they’re reasonably priced and are up-to-date clubs from well-known brands.

What do keen golfers need to know about Dubai’s golf scene? 1. Climate – best time to play is October through

to April. 2. Look at the total yardages of the courses;

some of the courses can be quite long. 3. Take plenty of golf balls if you plan to play

Dubai Creek.What about beginners? For those who have never picked up a club and fancy giving it a go, there are numerous golf professionals offering beginner’s classes across the UAE. There are also a number of Par-3 courses in the UAE that are perfect for beginners.

The Dubai that most visitors and residents know today is a relatively young city. Located in the centre of the world, at the junction of the African and Asian continents, but still close to Europe, Dubai has a character all of its own, showing

centre worldOFTHE

a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. It is an incredibly popular place where millions of travellers every year either pass through for a brief visit or stay for months or even years to experience its unique culture.

For my family, living in Dubai has been a fantastic opportunity to experience our first overseas posting while still being close to our homeland of India. Although the relocation was full of challenges for our family, the relocation teams, Outpost Iraq Dubai and the transfer advisors made the whole process as smooth as possible.

Joining Shell in 2002, Bharat Bhatia first sailed on Shell fleet tankers before moving ashore in 2007. He and his wife, Chikur, have two boys, Aann and Arth, who are now eight and five years old.


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Arriving here in July 2014, the city’s lifestyle and weather were totally different to anything we had ever experienced. Temperatures were in the high 40s - even touching the low 50s at times. The fasting month of Ramadan had just started, with eating and drinking in public not allowed during the day. Wanting to drive, but still needing to complete the necessary residency paperwork, was one of the challenges we faced soon after our arrival.

It is now more than one year since we moved to Dubai. Looking back, there are several things that would be useful to know for anyone preparing to be posted here. Schooling and transportation are two of the most important issues for families to learn about.

Schooling is big business in this country. Not only are the costs high, but the quality of education varies from one school to the next. If you have two or more school-aged children, having them admitted into the same school, especially for the junior years, is not easy. We made use of the comprehensive information provided by Shell Education to learn what each of the schools had to offer, which helped us in finding the right school.

Next, you need to decide on housing. We wanted a home as close as possible to school. Unlike in the UK, walking to school is not possible in Dubai due to the extreme heat, dense population and long distances between schools and housing. Although most schools have buses for driving children to and from school, children may spend a great deal of time in these buses, depending on how far they live from the school. We also needed to consider which direction our house was located from the Shell office to avoid time-consuming traffic jams in the morning and evenings.

Dubai has limited public transportation which basically services the areas close to Sheikh Zayed Road. It is important to get a driving license as quickly as possible. For most new residents who have western passports, it is an easy switch to a UAE license. However, many others are required to go through the grind of sitting a driving test, which is costly and can be challenging. Once your residency paper work is in progress, you are not allowed to drive and are limited to using local taxis. Although taxis are generally cheap, they can be difficult to locate during the busiest periods of the day, especially at 4:00pm and 7:00pm until 8:00pm.

Before you start driving in Dubai, it is mandatory for all Shell employees to undergo a Defensive Driving Course. This is also available for spouses and is highly recommended. Because Dubai blends driving techniques from all over the world, the quality of driving is generally not of a high standard. For example, at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, you still witness a great deal of tail-gating and fast changing across lanes of traffic. Despite this reckless style of driving, the police and speed cameras are quite good at keeping these non-compliances under control.

Once you have organised schooling, housing and transportation, and as the other formalities of

moving to a new country gradually fall into place, it is time to start enjoying the fantastic opportunities that Dubai has to offer.

There is much to enjoy in Dubai from dune bashing and going on desert safaris to visiting some of Dubai’s fantastic beaches, water parks and resorts. Mountain trekking is also popular, as well as skiing down the slopes of artificial snow in the indoor Ski Dome. Hatta Dam, a 90-minute drive from Dubai near the border of Oman, is located high in the Hajar Mountains and is a popular place to escape the coastal heat and humidity.

The working week generally begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday, which we found a little strange at first, but we quickly adapted, and haven’t had a case of the Monday Blues since! Living and working in Dubai has been a lovely experience and we are looking forward to our next year of living in the “Centre of the World”. n

Schooling is big business in this country

It is time to start enjoying the fantastic opportunities that Dubai has to offer.


Raising Cultural Awareness with GlobeSmart

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Working with people from diverse backgrounds is one of the many advantages of being part of a multinational organisation. Whether you are travelling on business, moving to a new location to take up an international assignment or working within a multicultural team in your home country, there are opportunities – and challenges - that come with having different points of view and different ways of working.

To help employees maximise the benefits of working in an international environment, Shell has recently introduced a special online tool called GlobeSmart. The tool allows you to input details about yourself in order to produce a cultural profile outlining your personal approach to the work environment. GlobeSmart also provides a general cultural profile of workers in a given location. You can compare your cultural profile to the location’s profile, which helps you to highlight areas of potential differences and encourages you to work towards a better understanding of your co-workers.

Graham Sparks, VP for Diversity and Inclusion, notes that this enhances Shell’s drive to improve the business by promoting inclusion and encouraging high-quality working relationships:

“Embracing inclusion and building trust will help to unleash the collective capability of our diverse talents resulting in better business performance. When our employees feel included and engaged, they leverage the richness of ideas, backgrounds and perspectives to create business value. Awareness of different cultures and ways of working of our colleagues, customers, suppliers and joint venture secondees around the world is critical to our success. I first used the GlobeSmart tool prior to a business trip to Qatar. The tool is simple and quick to use and provided me with an overview of my own cultural profile. I was able to compare my profile with the average profile for others from my own nationality and also with individuals from Qatar. The gaps are easily identified and the tool gives good advice on what to consider when in the host country, how to conduct business as well as practical do’s and don’ts. This is a well-designed product that offers much more than a Google search.”

So how does GlobeSmart work in practice? Destinations looked at three different applications of the tool – firstly as a means of understanding local working culture for an Australian expat living in Geoje, South Korea; secondly as preparation for business trips to Russia and Nigeria for a British expat living in The Netherlands and finally as a team-building

Before you began your international assignment in your current location, you probably spent some time finding out about important issues related to relocation such as housing, healthcare, transportation, education for children and career opportunities for partners. It’s also important to consider whether your personal working style is compatible with practices in your new location.

exercise for a multicultural team working in an HR department in The Hague.

The Expatriate:GlobeSmart was pretty easy to use and it gave quite an accurate reflection of me and my working style. It highlighted some gaps between some of my views and the perspectives of people in Geoje. I have to say I was aware of many of these issues as I already have a basic understanding of Korean culture, but the advice given was very helpful. For instance, there were tips on how to approach working in an environment where people do not typically challenge authority and are more subtle in expressing their disagreement than people in my culture would be. It was good to be reminded that there isn’t just one way to be – and it’s possible to find a good balance between the two approaches.

The Business Traveller:I was surprised by some of the results. I consider myself to be more independent than interdependent, but the results of the questions suggested otherwise. I would also have thought of myself as being more task-oriented than relationship-oriented, but on reflection this is

quite astute as I have found that I work best in teams where I have felt there is a common goal. Overall, I think this is a fair assessment. I recognised aspects of my profile that have caused me to have to adjust my way of thinking when working in different locations. For example, I am strongly egalitarian and this was seen as unusual by a team I managed during a previous posting in a location where hierarchy is important. For business trips, I found the country advice quite useful, though it may take a minute to digest all the information that’s available.

The Team:We used GlobeSmart as a tool to help our team work together more effectively. Each team member set up their individual profile and then opted to allow their profile to be shared. Using the “Compare Profiles” tab, we could see how each team member differs on issues like independence, status and risk. We used this information as a starting point for a team-building exercise to highlight differences in our multi-cultural team. Our team consists of people from four different continents who have all lived in many different locations, so this was an interesting exercise. GlobeSmart provided advice on “style switching” – for example suggesting that a very direct person could expand their skillset to be more subtle when dealing with people who are not used to that particular approach. For us, it served as a good starting point for a team discussion.

To find out more and to sign up for GlobeSmart using your Shell email address, visit the D&I portal at:

https://eu001sp.shell.com/sites/AAAAA9387/SitePages/Cultural%20Awareness.aspx

In the news In the news

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Outpost website visitors can read Destinations online, browse through Outpost Inside Guides, photo galleries, advert listings, event calendars, as well as get information on office opening times, contact details, and the various services offered in each Outpost location.

Registering is Quick and Easy: A Shell Employee? We need your name, email address, and Shell User ID.

A Family Member?We need your name, email address, and your partner or parent’s Shell User ID. (Please note Shell employee’s will be asked for verification)

AN EXPAT WORLD AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTONwww.globaloutpostservices.com

WITH OFFICES ALL AROUND THE WORLD, OUTPOST ASSISTS SHELL EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES ON THE MOVE.

JUST VISITwww.globaloutpostservices.com

OUTPOST GIVES BACKOutpost teams around the world celebrated our 20th anniversary in October and November 2015 with a series of charity events designed to bring people together and to collaborate with existing ventures in our host communities. The Outpost Gives Back initiative included a range of events such as:

n A community sanitation projectn Helping out at a food bankn Raising funds for refugeesn Donating clothing and household materials n Contributing to efforts to help displaced indigenous groups

And much more…

Our OutpostIn the news

DID YOU KNOW?

Our GEMS provider is changing from Bupa to Cigna effective January 1, 2016. Please make sure you review the GEMS transition updates to stay informed. Welcome kits, including your new virtual membership cards will be sent by Cigna in early December. Please register on Cigna Envoy, Cigna’s secure customer portal, before heading off on your year-end holidays to ensure you have all the required details in case you need to contact Cigna after January 1, 2016.

More information including FAQs will be sent to GEMS members in mid-November 2015.

As a reminder, please ensure you submit any claims incurred in 2015 to Bupa as soon as possible.

WHO IS CIGNA?

n Cigna Global Health Benefits offers a full line of coverage for globally mobile employees.n Cigna has over 890,000 members who can contact Cigna 24/7 in their preferred language

and time zone.n Cigna provides access to a global network of health care providers in more than 205

countries and jurisdictions.n Members have complete freedom of choice and can access over 1m providers in Cigna’s

global medical network.n Cigna’s secure customer portal, www.CignaEnvoy.com and Mobile App provide Shell

employees with access to all the essentials of their plans anywhere, anytime. After registration on the website and App, members will have a range of health information and services available at their fingertips.

NEXT ISSUE DESTINATIONS ISSUE #75FOCUS ON: New Perspectives (Spring 2016)

Destinations is a magazine for Shell employees and their families, exploring what it is like to live and work in various Shell locations around the world. Issues are distributed globally, and the magazine can also be viewed online at: www.globaloutpostservices.com

The next issue is called New Perspectives and will focus on Shell employees and their families taking on new opportunities.

We would welcome contributions on any of the following topics: Changing career or exploring new roles

Your first posting abroad or a posting to a location you never expected

Settling back into your home country after postings abroad

New graduates on the move Embracing diversity Unconventional projects

If you have an idea for a story or photographs to share on a New Perspectives topic, please contact [email protected] to discuss further.

Documents

DESTINATIONS - g · PDF filelittle access to food or water outside of the hotel ... 10 revolutionised in Kuwait in 2006 when Paradise in Kuwait ... Iraq and Saudi Arabia NATIONAL FLOWER: