THE KEYS
Building Cultural Relationships and Networking Bridges Globally
Building Cultural Relationships and Networking Bridges Globally
Social Media Connects You, Where Do You Go From There?
In the United Arab Emirates, on the streets of Dubai, alone, walking to the Emirates Mall which is a short distance from the Holiday Inn Al Barsha Hotel where I am staying, I feel safe as a single African American female. Aware that my feet step from concrete to sand along the way, surrounded by the sounds of bustling traffic and busy streets. Once again in my travels, I’ve come to an understanding why my destiny has been charted as is. I’d like to think “divinely charted” as I arrive on the first day of the Holy month of Ramadan. I begin to think “there’s much for me to experience here.” Comprehending why “Building Cultural Relationships and Networking Bridges” around the globe is the passion paved for my journey. It comes as divinely orchestrated with each global encounter. The fact is, I could not have taken another direction even if I wanted too.
On my brief, but very educational pre-visit to the UAE as founder of Women Entrepreneurs Worldwide (WEW) it’s the personal experience necessary for my return with women from various parts of the globe who will travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in October, 2012. Factually, women, possess common bonds, regardless of race, nationality, religion, etc. and are in life, like the very walls of the womb that support, sustain and keep us from conception to birth and generation to generation. By our very nature, we are charged with this responsibility and much more. It is an understatement to say that “we are the threads, and ties that hold it all together.”
Dubai’s desert sand and concrete pavements share history and modern time, telling a story that begins with the pearl industry to the rising of the oil era. Prior to 1971, the emirates were known as the Trucial States. On December 2, 1971, the seven small emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah, united as a federal state and formed the United Arab Emirates. It is evident that much has to be contributed to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai as one of the visionaries of the region making Dubai what it is today. Very obvious, is the pride exhibited by the people regarding what has been accomplished in forty years. Although, Dubai did not escape the grips of the global economic recession, Dubai rooted in facing challenges head-on, has risen as not to be defeated. Its continued dedication for the welfare of children and healthcare (partnering with various U.S. medical institutions) has a total section of Dubai built for healthcare.
Dubai is about 17% nationals and the remaining expats. What grabs your senses here in this foreign land, you are strangely comfortable. First-hand experience reveals what has been highly publicized and echoed about the region, it’s beautiful, welcoming, clean, safe, and inviting for those with an open mindset and a respect, for "Opinion, Perception & Perspective” of cultures and religions, with an understanding and appreciation for humanity. It’s alive, but most respectful of the Holy month, Ramadan, as activities resume after sunset.
It was an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to visit in Sharjah (the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates) with one of my Facebook and LinkedIn connections and her family who have resided in the Emirates for more than twenty-five (25) years. Sharjah is very close to Dubai and only about 30 minutes drive down Sheikh Zayed Road. I was welcomed into their beautiful home and enjoyed immensely my conversations, and time spent with their children. I owe much of my education about the region to them, as this was priceless. The view, from their balcony in Sharjah that boarders (has land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman), along with the delicious meals prepared, as the sun set, overlooking Sharjah, toward Dubai leaves you breathless. As I watched the sun set during Ramadan, and heard the call to prayer, my confirmations were profound—“that you must know people, establish a relationship, based on respect and trust." It is a true saying “the eyes are the windows to the sole.” We dined and laughed with smiles that were genuine and the sense of peace that I felt from arrival at the airport until my departure flight echoed in my body. Sometimes in life we search, to no avail, for a reason for why experiences and/or encounters leave us with no explanation, such was not the case here. I was destined to be there in that place and time with the family and the reason only has to do with my life’s journey
In
October, 2012, WEW will return to Dubai and to Abu Dhabi with participants to
continue our global relationship building and hopefully share with women there “opinions,
perceptions, perspectives " with mutual respect. WEW intentions are to encourage, strengthen,
support, educate, and share business opportunities, and build personal as well
as, professional relationships in an effort to bond for the purpose of humanity.
This is the first of our six tours. I am confident that WEW’s participants’ experience
of the Emirates will be no less, but will mirror mine.
We
Invite You to Travel With Us!
1st Abu Dhabi &
Dubai, UAE
October 9-18, 2012
2nd Destination Hong
Kong/China
(Date
to be announced)
Please visit our website at: http://www.wew360womenentrepreneursworldwide.com
