Duabi, UAE: May 19-24, 2009

I was invited to speak at the first Teacher Leadership Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Academy was organized by a colleague, Christine Coombe and sponsored by Dubai Men's College and a grant through the Middle East Partnership Initiative. This was my third visit to the UAE. I always enjoy meeting teachers and students from this part of the world.


My colleagues, Liz England and John Schmidt, were also there. We observed an English class on our first evening in Dubai. The students are wonderful!




Through a connection with another colleague, Mashael Al-Hamly, we were able to visit the Burj Al Arab hotel. If you've read anything about UAE, you've probably seen photos of this luxurious hotel. A one room suite goes for $2,500 per night. The Royal suite goes for $16,500 per night. Knowing that I would never be able to affor staying here, just being able to visit was a great opportunity.



The view from the top of fantastic! The water is glorious just before sunset.


The two-day conference was really good. There were only about 200 people in attendance which provided an opportunity to talk to people and really engage in meaningful conversations. The participants were eager to learn how to be better teacher-leaders.


We were able to meet and spend time with Mashael Al-Hamley and her family. From left to right: Jamal, Sara, me, Ahmed, Mashael, and Yousuf.


Yousuf and Ahmed were great hosts. Look what Yousuf can do with his tongue!


It was about 100 degrees outside. Dubai has one of the world's largest indoor skiing facilities. It was great fun to watch people skiing indoors. There is one run with a tow-rope or a chair lift. The Emiraties looked like they loved getting dressed in their winter clothing and putting on their skiies to enjoy some skiing time in-doors. May on a future visit I'll give this a try.