Stepping away from the world of BIM and construction tech for a moment, I recently had the opportunity to visit Dubai for work, as part of two global standardisation initiatives.
It was great to catch up with old colleagues from Dubai and Ireland, and meet new people from Poland, the UK and the US. One of the best parts of global efforts like this is the community that forms across regions — it’s more than just process and standards.
I visited during Dubai spring, a cool-sounding term for 38°C days. As a Queenslander, I should’ve been fine, but I still don’t do well in the heat. I got out early each morning, immediately questioned my life choices, and then had a great time anyway.
Dubai was easier to get around than I expected. The metro made it simple to check out Old Dubai and the City of Expo 2020. Rooftop bars, excellent food, and shopping centres that made Australia’s biggest look like a corner store, it’s an impressive place.
On my final day, I visited the Burj Khalifa viewing deck at 6am. No influencers in sight. Just a quiet, pretty incredible view of the city waking up.
Quick Tips if You’re Heading to Dubai
- When you’re exploring, go early or go late – the heat kicks in fast
- Take the metro – it’s fast, clean and simple
- Pack light – sunscreen, hat, water bottle, comfortable shoes
It’s not somewhere I’d rush back to in summer, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Great people, great mix of history and ambition, and always something to look at.
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