Moderation is the catch word for travelers worldwide

Recent news reports of a decision by the Dubai Executive Council have had mixed reactions particularly on the blogs. But as Chris Pritchard writes in the Sydney Morning Herald, it makes good sense for international travelers to be sensitive to cultures and sensitivities in various countries.

Marketers however, often believe that being bold is not just beautiful but makes for a healthy bottom line too. Here's another story from the Sydney Morning Herald of how an airline is promoting 'no hidden extras' in its low-cost, low fares business model.

How to make your career recession-proof

People the world over have been hard hit, many below the belt. The IMF predicts the worst is yet to come. Ben Bernanke says next year will be better. The President of the UAE has himself weighed-in to shore up confidence in the UAE and Dubai.

In this article on the CiB website, Julie Blunt tells us what we should be doing to make ourselves recession-proof.

Having fun with words on Kipp

The Kipp Report has generously used my comments on the current doom and gloom. It certainly brightened my day. Read it here.

Whodunnit?

The attack on the Sri Lanka Cricket Team in Lahore has benumbed the international cricket world and underscored the importance of security for high profile sportspersons.

The large haul of arms and ammunition showcased by the Pakistani police as having been abandoned by the attackers appears inconsistent with the fatalities and injuries reported. An inconsistency that we should all be thankful for, as the consequences of an attack using all the lethal capability of the weaponry displayed would have been horrendous.

Two reports suggest that the Sri Lankan Team Manager had in fact asked for additional security before the Lahore test and that it had been given. Television footage of the attack and the accusations leveled by some members of the Sri Lankan team and the Match Referee would indicate that this was certainly not the case.

With its long-running conflict, Sri Lankans are well aware of the sometimes frustrating security measures adopted in the country where entire localities are virtually sanitized prior to a VIP visiting the area or even simply passing through. When the visiting team was assured of being provided in Pakistan the security provided for a Head of State, they certainly would have expected no less.

In that case what went wrong?

The answer could well lie in the confusion that arose following the unseating of the PML governor in Punjab. Many questions arise: Why was the security insufficient? Did the attackers know that there would not be much security? Did the attackers have any link to the political demonstrators whose actions apparently prompted a call for more security by the Sri Lankan Team Manager?

The only reported security response in the immediate aftermath of the attack was where the stranded umpires were driven to Lahore Stadium by a Police Officer after removing the dead driver’s body from the minibus.

Cricket fans around the world, as indeed the cricketers themselves, would be waiting for a report from the Pakistani authorities.

The International Cricket Council should lay down minimum standards of security for all tours and these should be enhanced depending on separate threat assessments for each event.

Chinese Circus at Festival City

Its well worth the visit. A good night's family entertainment. Though the young performers make it look oh, so simple, it's a highly skilled performance that I intend going to see a second time.

Check it out:

http://www.festivalcentre.com/news_eventdetails.aspx?event=2&eid=137

Dubai rising!

A few days back (Early February 2009) it seemed as though the Emirates Towers and the other buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road were simply rising out of the clouds. It was surreal.

Check out these pictures.

Out of the Box ...

On a recent visit to Lamcy Plaza I was looking at some watches when my neice pointed out that the signboard had the name of the shop misspelt. Ever ready to do a favour, I quickly pointed out to the salesman at the counter that the letter 'U' was missing from the signboard. He quickly pointed to me saying, "Sir, that's you! We are missing you."

A clever way of engaging the customer and establishing a harmonius bond. I was well and truly taken in. My compliments on a clever ploy drew an even quicker response, "The credit goes to my boss, he's a very clever guy." No doubt.

Rare creativity in Dubai's communications landscape.