#SafariSunday Honored to again be a Delegate at Dubai Chamber Global Business Forum Africa - GBFA

GBF Africa is bringing the trade and investment community together to explore opportunities between Dubai and Africa.

The landmark African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) came into effect in early 2021, creating the world’s largest free trade area—a key step towards Africa controlling its own destiny. The UAE also responded decisively to the crisis, quickly moving to reopen and adapt for the future. What synergies exist between the UAE and Africa, and how can the relationship between the two regions drive progress to realize a shared vision for the future? GBF Africa, building on its reputation as an essential forum for senior government, business, and finance leaders, will look closely at how Africa is responding to current challenges—particularly those presented by covid-19 and examine the role of innovation, collaboration and, above all, trade-in enabling solutions.

#GBFAfrica2021 #Expo2020 #Dubai

UAE Sunset © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday COSTA 2020 Virtual Presentation, Osaka, Japan

Click here to watch my Presentation on
Halal Tourism and the Republic of South Africa –
the Perfect Fit for Long Term Peace & Stability?

Excited and Honored to be Invited to Attend Global Business Forum Africa Hosted by Dubai Chamber UAE

2019 Global Business Forum Africa

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Global Business Forum Africa (GBFAfrica) encourages international revenue flows into Africa by engaging leading decision-makers on the global investment scene. The Forum will involve prominent African stakeholders to engage in a dialogue at the highest level of implementation.

فعالياته يومي 18-19 نوفمبر المقبل، تحت شعار "أفريقيا الغد، نماء المستقبل"، مشاركة رفيعة المستوى من رؤساء دول أفريقية، و17 وزيراً أفريقياً، وعدداً من كبار المسؤولين الحكوميين ورؤساء كبرى المؤسسات الاقتصادية الأفريقية والعالمية، بجانب عدد من كبار الشخصيات الاقتصادية ورواد الأعمال من مختلف دول القارة السمراء، وذلك لبحث سبل التعاون الاقتصادي وتعزيز نمو الأعمال ومناقشة مختلف القضايا المتعلقة بالتجارة والاستثمار المشترك.

ويشهد المنتدى الذي يعد من أبرز منتديات الأعمال العالمية حضور فخامة جورج ويا رئيس جمهورية ليبيريا، وفخامة داني فوري رئيس جمهورية سيشل، بالإضافة إلى عدد من الوزراء وكبار المسؤولين الحكوميين والشخصيات الاقتصادية في أفريقيا.

We are ready to welcome heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to our 5th Global Business Forum on Africa, on November 18-19. Among the high-level attendees taking part in #GBFAfrica2019 are: H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia; H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia; as well as high-level public and private sector stakeholders from several other African countries, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists. Under the theme “Scale Up Africa”, the forum will highlight the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and accelerating’s Africa’s next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.

#WildlifeWednesday Cats Are Coming Out of Hiding! Arabian Caracal & Taiwanese Leopard Reappear!

Happy Wildlife Wednesday! In less than 2 weeks - 2 awesome stories of the “reappearance” of the Arabian Caracal & the Taiwanese Leopard.

Click here for the link to the amazing the first sighting of the Arabian Caracal in 35 years in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

And, click here to read about the discovery of the believed to be extinct Taiwanese Leopard, last seen in 1983.

Welcome back you Majestic Cats!!!

Louvre Abu Dhabi - A Universal Museum in the Arab World - اللوفر أبو ظبي

First Sighting

Seeking the warmth of the Arabian Gulf, leaving behind the Siberian High sweeping through Korea, in 2016, my husband and I sought out one of our favorite places, Abu Dhabi. During this trip, our tour guide pointed out the construction of the Abu Dhabi Louvre.

I have traveled numerous times to Qatar and seen its spectacular Museum of Islamic Arts, as well as their unrivaled Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

I was curious about the new entry in what I call “The Gulf States Arts Race.”

Jean Nouvel Desgin Louvre Abu Dhabi © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Unexpected & The Architect

Open just under a year when I visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, I was surprised at how I fell in love with the Museum. In the just less than two years since I was last in Abu Dhabi, the project had slipped from my sphere. From time to time I would see an article on its progress, but I was busy with other projects. I simply hadn’t made visiting the newly opened Museum a priority.

The Architect, Jean Nouvel’s vision sees "Bridging Land and Sea." He succeeded. I believe he created the perfect background of calmness with which to view "the cultural achievements of mankind from prehistoric times to the present day."

And, while I certainly wouldn’t call myself a Jean Nouvel “Groupie” I do have a bit of history with his work. I have had the pleasure of seeing his:

• Museum Two, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul, South Korea

• Doha Tower Skyscraper, Doha, Qatar

• 100 Eleventh Avenue, Manhattan, NY, USA

• Golden Angel (Zlatý Anděl), Prague, Czech Republic

And in my opinion, prior to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, one of his most iconic & my favorite of his work - Gasometer A, Vienna, Austria.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum Café © Flyga Twiga LLC

Museum Café

Even the Museum's Café was designed by the Louvre’s famous architect, Jean Nouvel. His vision for the Café was to create a space where, "visitors can hope for waves of the sea to touch the sky," while enjoying your dining experience.

Every detail in the Café has a nod to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, such as the paper placemats with the iconic roof design. The Café’s desire is to tell “international stories that highlight the similarities between us, in harmony with the spirit of the museum."

Dappling Light© Flyga Twiga LLC

A New Light

Nouvel’s play on light in the Louvre Abu Dhabi I feel falls under one of those extraordinarily rare places where even the most vivid of descriptors cannot reveal the experience. Each corner of the Museum offers a new play on light, a new way of viewing the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi, and the piercing Sun of the Desert.

This extends into the play of light in how he offers light for exhibits. During this visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, I was particularly moved by an Oriental Rug Display. Light plays on our souls in different ways.

And, while among the great works of art from van Gogh to Picasso to da Vinci and the multitude of early Islamic works and writings, this piece spoke to me of my childhood. The plays of light I grew up with in my family home in Virginia. Light from the sky, enlightening our home.

Oriental Rug Louvre Abu Dhabi © Flyga Twiga LLC

Jean Nouvel Design Interpretation of Light © Flyga Twiga LLC

A Universal Museum in the Arab World
 اللوفر أبو ظبي

The Art World and the development of Museums are nearly always plagued by controversy. As someone who incorporates Art into my Travels, I have been blessed with the confidences of those in the Art World who have shared their experiences and opinions with me about several new museums which have recently opened.

I view Museums as much like Theaters. Do I really care if the Director and the Leading Actress had a raging dispute before the play? No. I care about the performance.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi spoke to my soul. I found it to truly be a Universal Museum in the Arab World whose light offers new perspectives on as they had hoped in a "spirit of respect, curiosity, learning, and self-reflection."

View from Louvre Abu Dhabi © Flyga Twiga LLC

Abu Dhabi Sheraton - A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Thanks in part to the 1998 purchase by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Sheratons, particularly those located outside the USA, have retained their grandeur. Add to this the 2016 purchase of Starwood by Marriott and you have all the power that comes from being the largest hotel chain in the world.

Inroom Office Area © Flyga Twiga LLC

In the Heart of Abu Dhabi

One of the perks of staying in a Sheraton in the heart of the Abu Dhabi is the perfect mixture of work & play. Located on Corniche Road, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton offers, in addition to Adult and Children’s Pools, a private Lagoon. This provided me with some much needed beach & suntanning time, when I wasn’t working in the spacious office area in my room.

Private Lagoon © Flyga Twiga LLC

Club Level © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Club Floor

One of the things I love most about many of the Marriott owned properties, and Sheratons in particular, is they have exceptional Club Floors. Each property, in my experience, interprets the design differently. The Abu Dhabi Sheraton had a relaxed, comfortable feel, as well as a separate Smoking Area.

I always make sure to book the Club Level. In addition to what I consider a full Breakfast, they also offer evening Cocktails & Canopies. I’m often asked if it is illegal to drink in the United Arab Emirates. It is not. Rather, it is illegal to be drunk in public. At the Sheraton Abu Dhabi I enjoyed delicious, well made G&Ts, as well as a nice variety of Australian Wines.

Club Breakfast © Flyga Twiga LLC

Islamic Patterns and Design Bathroom Sheraton © Flyga Twiga LLC

Nods to Traditional Islamic Architecture & Design

From intricate mosaics to dramatic arches, the Abu Dhabi Sheraton blends modern hotel design with nods to traditional Islamic Architecture & Design. Combined with the muted, Earth tones of the Emirati Desert, the marble details & features throughout the Sheraton provide the mood of how the UAE honors its heritage while embracing modernity.

Lobby Abu Dhabi Sheraton © Flyga Twiga LLC

Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort -
A Beautiful Respite in the Middle of the UAE Capital

New FAQs - Traveling To The Middle East For The First Time? 10 Frequently Asked Questions For The Female Traveler.

Click here to read my new Frequently Asked Questions for first time female travelers to the Middle East.