The world is going through the same financial tsunami with responses to that varying. But the origins of this catastrophe were not in Dubai and we are yet to see the same financial meltdown that is crippling the car industry and financial institutions in Europe and the US. Jobs are being lost and certain projects are being scaled back but this doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up and go home. Bling made the headlines and help sell turgid tabloid rags. Over the last 30 years, Dubai has taken its natural resources and looked to build an economic oasis out of nothing. Dubai’s not perfect. Far from it. But where is?

Sheikh Mohammad was interviewed on 60 minutes a few years ago. (Still on youtube). It’s an interesting piece constantly sent and resent on emails around the UAE. Dubai’s “fight back” is about getting back to the dream laid out in the piece not just about giving Lindsey Lohan somewhere to kick back. Yes things aren't perfect here but if Blair or Brown had given me a reason to believe the UK was somewhere one could chase one’s dreams, perhaps more of us might still be trudging to work on the Central Line (well the replacement bus service today). However, this morning’s Sunday Times tells me otherwise. Throwing stones at Dubai’s glass buildings seems to be a salve for those in Europe (especially the UK) suffering from an equally bad economy, poor weather and economic systems moving toward nationalization. Doctor heal thyself.

We may be suffering a from a bout of sickness but I’m hoping that the reports of Dubai’s death may have been a little exaggerated and so, I’m off to the Atlantis for our client event while one of my colleagues deals with the Tennis. Oh, Roddick’s pulled out now…