HCT Conference

Yesterday was the annual HCT conference in Dubai. Originally I was to join those going by bus from Al Ain, but at the last minute we worked out K didn’t have to go into to work so we ended up driving; M to the conference, K and A for a day of adventure in Dubai. Lucky I did drive as 1 of the buses that we ferrying staff from Al Ain to Dubai ran up the back of the other. See Aussie in Al Ain’s post about this.

It was held at Madinat Jumeirah, which is a rather spectacular Arabian resort located next to Burj Al Arab. So while I was conferencing, K and A went off to have a look around (which no doubt she will post something about when she has the time), and at the end of the day I went up to Mall of the Emirates to meet them, and the numerous bags of shopping!

The day was interesting with the new staff (including me) getting the “welcome” shake of Sheikh Nahyan’s hand (both the Chancellor of the colleges and the Minister of Higher Education). There were interesting speeches from various people including the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, a nice lunch, plus the craziest indoor fireworks and laser show you have ever seen (accompanied by the worst lingering smell as well as a good deal of retina burn). Unfortunately the only major downside of the whole day for me, apart from the bus accident for those involved, was that I didn’t take a camera and none of the many photos I saw taken during the day have turned up (would love to see the fireworks again and have a pic of me shaking the Sheikh’s hand since it is technically my first “royal” meeting).