Abundance at its best – cars & watches 

It’s always good to be back in the Middle East. The sun and the sea create such an immense ease and flow, combined with the feeling of being safe, that it lets the last parts of tension subside. Having just finished my way-too-short Middle East trip, I feel so much lighter, but most importantly, inspired again. Inspired by the omnipresent ease of abundance and how it can flow without the trained lack mentality, which I’ve grown used to in Europe over a few short months. The separation of levels of abundance is just another layer here in Germany.

Anyhow, let’s talk about the delicious time in the Middle East – and why a trip there might also change your understanding of abundance.

My first stop was in Doha, Qatar. It was my first time, and I loved every second of it, particularly the peace. I experienced no rush on the streets. (In fact, my driver told me that passing a red light would be charged with 6000 Qatari Riyals, hence there was no aggression on the street, which one is so used to while driving in Dubai.) The city feels carved out of a movie, as everything is brand-new or polished to the dot on the i.

But my heart started to sing the moment I stepped inside the Exhibition Center. The Doha Motor Show was on. The beauty of a wide range of luxury cars – from old-timers to the latest models – delighted me to no end and haunted my dreams for days afterward. Well, at least the ‘roars’ of the cars. I loved how easily all visitors – across all age groups – enjoyed a great day together with our most favorite toys – cars. But have a look yourself; aren’t they just such beauties?

For all adrenaline seekers like me, we booked a drift ride, and Ali gave it his all :). After so much adrenaline chasing and cheeks hurting from smiling, I finished that day with a visit to the churrascaria in Doha West Bay. One has to cram all the best things into one day to make it the most unforgettable, and I sure made memories for life. Surely enough, I will come back to this nice place for a lovely beach vacation – or maybe better, just buy a flat on Gewan Island…

My second stop – well, it’s not really a stop at all; it is and has always felt like ‘coming home’ – was Dubai. (I’d say I am almost a nomad when it comes to the number of my living places, but Dubai has always felt different; it felt like home (my sun line – astrological – runs through Riyadh, so not so far off…). And coming home does what it does – it fills one’s heart with joy and peace.

Lucky me, I made it just in time for Dubai Watch Week. Burj Park was transformed into a tiny ‘watch town’, full of small retail houses of the renowned watch brands, a few restaurants and coffee shops, a live band, and of course, a stage with speakers. It was like stepping into a small luxury watch dream – again, like stepping from one into another. Abundance was again just omnipresent. It flowed with ease. People traded, and no one would ever come up with the idea to stack up security. This type of ease is created through safety – it makes you relaxed on a level you’ve forgotten while living somewhere else. Anyhow, my favorite watch is the “De Bethune DB25 Perpetual Sky.” Isn’t she beautiful?

Yet, Breitling surprised me with their modern-traditional marketing—a great mix of funky jazz music and bright yellow colors that effectively addressed the extroverted sensing type. Very refreshing, I must admit. Nonetheless, the most mentally stimulating part was the panel discussion about succession planning in UAE family offices. I will dedicate a separate post to this topic here.

After indulging in abundance and beauty for a few days, I ended my trip at my favorite hotel brand, the Hyatt Group. As always, entering the Park Hyatt feels like entering my home, and my home provided me with a heartwarming evening I will keep relishing until I come back; thanks to the Assado grill team for their attention, and of course, the oh-so-delicious food.

Goodbye for now, my lovely Dubai; yet, I will not make you wait for me for too long :).