An international meeting in Dubai
Alongside organising Meetings, incentive travel, concepts, Events and trade missions, it was time once again to meet our international UNIGLOBE colleagues during one of the annual gatherings somewhere in the world. This time the destination was DubaiI have many favourite destinations, but Dubai is definitely in the top 10!
Not an unfamiliar city to us, after all we have already many Group holidays to be able to organise for Dubai, but this time I set off with a different purpose. Namely, to gather inspiration with colleagues during the meeting in Dubai. In addition, I was going to meet suppliers such as Emirates and Etihad, among others.
Business class to the meeting in Dubai with Emirates
I was fortunate enough to experience the airline Emirates first-hand once again, as they had made an A380-800 Business Class ticket available, and that is no punishment, dear readers! Aside from all the “normal” Business Class features, Emirates always stands out on a number of points. It's mainly down to the service with a ‘genuine“ smile. Your own personal assistant introduces themselves to you at the beginning of the flight. You immediately feel very welcome and are thoroughly pampered.
Your personal assistant is happy to explain all the ingenuity within your reach and a drink of your choice is poured immediately. The food is exquisite, you can choose delicious à la carte dishes, but the cherry on the cake is undoubtedly the onboard bar of the A380-800. That is located above, behind the Business Class compartment. A meeting place for passengers where, while enjoying a delicious drink or cocktail, they can catch up or network.
Now, it is certainly true that Emirates’ Economy Class is also more than fine, the service is the same and in an Emirates A380 you also sit very comfortably in Economy Class. But Business Class provides a special experience and you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Read also our Blog once about the Airbus A380-800!
Marhaba service in Dubai
Upon arrival, I was also assigned to the Marhaba service. This means, among other things, that you don't have to wait in all the long queues. In Dubai that can take up to an hour, even in the fast lane. With the Marhaba service you are at the baggage carousel within a few minutes and outside.
This service can also be booked through goMICE, including in combination with a limousine service to the hotel! As a business class passenger, your suitcase is the first one on the baggage carousel, so we were able to walk straight through.
Meeting in Dubai
Having arrived at the hotel, it was time to go to bed so as to be able to take part in the meetings refreshed the next day. In addition to attending the UNIGLOBE meetings and catching up with colleagues from all over the world, these meetings are also always dedicated to visiting various sites and taking part in various activities.
Things to do in Dubai
One of the activities in Dubai was exploring Dubai on a yacht. A unique way to see Dubai from the water! During the time I was there, it was still very hot in Dubai, so it was wonderful to find some cooling relief on the water.
Hotel Atlantis (at the tip of the Palm) and the Burj Al Arab hotel (Burj = tower) were still looking very lovely.
But my favourite hotel remains: the Jumeirah Dar al Masyaf! A true gem within the Jumeirah chain. A wonderful complex with villas by the sea or along the rivers that wind through the complex. A private butler and fantastic restaurants, including Shimmers, Villa Beach and Alhambra, amongst others.
Dinner after the meeting in Dubai
Our dinner took place in a Lebanese restaurant with a frontal view of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest tower in the world!) and the spectacular fountains.
Visit to Etihad Airways
We paid a visit to Etihad Airlines. Did you know that Etihad translates as United? We integrate visits of this kind so that we can keep our relations informed about their innovations that have already been brought to the market or are about to be launched.
We left early by bus for Abu Dhabi and it was definitely worth it. Before arriving at the head office (for the participants who hadn't been there yet), we visited the largest mosque in the world. Yes ladies, in a black robe, otherwise you simply won't get in!
The Etihad Airlines innovation centre
In the innovation centre, we were introduced to the newest aircraft and classes, including The Residence, essentially a small apartment on an aircraft (A380-800 from Abu Dhabi to London). Including a sitting room, spacious bedroom and shower/toilet. A return ticket in The Residence costs only £40,000. You are allowed to come as a pair and you won't pay a penny more! At least you'll arrive well-rested.
Naturally, there is also plenty of new stuff and extras for the smaller budget. All classes have had a substantial facelift and aircraft with the new interior are already flying right now.
We concluded our 5-day trip to Dubai in one of my favourite restaurants (fortunately with branches outside Dubai too): the Buddha Bar. I can actually keep this brief. The surroundings and the view are lovely, but the dishes are beyond description, simply delicious.
Because I almost know the menu by heart, I was able to advise our party well with their choice. We had these served up on the revolving tray in the middle as sharing dishes. I have never seen so many dishes consumed in such a short space of time. Everyone was unanimous: “More than excellent food!”
And so this inspiring meeting in Dubai came to an end. With a lovely Business Class journey with Emirates still ahead of us, we all headed home with new information and a bag full of fresh ideas.
See you in Dubai!