Abu Dhabi

dantama · 02-24-2009, 11:23 PM

This place is amazing!

And wow they drive nice cars here. Really really nice cars; Bently's, Maseratties, hotted up Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs etc. The only motorcycles are food delivery people like our pizza delivery.

Being surronded by never ending wealth is strange. I'm used to going places that merchants kind of swarm you if you look American. Here they ignore you totally. They know that there isn't much of a chance of you being any kind of billionaire, so why waste the time?

The friend I'm staying with is the President of a prestigious college here, but even he is just "hired help" here. Everyone who is a citizen, not imported hired help, is rich here....like really rich.

I'll talk more later

**Cajunrider** · 02-25-2009, 03:19 AM

Dan, Be careful over there and enjoy your trip.

ells · 02-25-2009, 07:16 AM

Yeah, but what kind of bikes to they ride?

**taranis** · 02-25-2009, 10:02 AM

I'm surprised you'd be surprised, Dan. The result of $3.00+/gal gas.

darthvulcan · 02-25-2009, 11:03 AM

Dan,

Now don't be scoping out any bridges to ride up, or any other antics!! ;)

Yellow Jacket · 02-25-2009, 12:03 PM

Yup, that's our money in action. Making the Arabs rich beyond imagination. :(

gghost · 02-25-2009, 07:04 PM

Have to be dirt (sand) bikes. Been there, plus Qatar and Saudi Arabia. You can have them all!

**Cajunrider** · 02-25-2009, 08:53 PM

They ignore Americans because they don't like Americans.

**glwilson** · 02-25-2009, 09:27 PM

Have a client who lived there as a consultant for a large international conglomerate. They enjoyed their time there.

However; they felt they were living in a "Disney World". In other words... Abu Dahbi is in the middle of "nothing" but sand; and they said many of the buildings were not occupied -- creating what could be considered a "movie-set" -- because everything was new and "un-touched".

Apparently many investors from all around the world invested in the real estate development going-on in Abu Dahbi in hopes that it would be a great investment; however according to my clients... it remains mostly empty shells of buildings.

Another interesting observation by them was that several people could be employed for the same job; but they would be paid accordingly to which country them came from. (I personally do not know this to be true and am only going by what I was told --a reliable source. Maybe Dan can elaborate on this later.) As an example: an individual from India working as an engineer in Abu Dahbi would be paid far less than another that was from the U.S.

My client's consultant job paid him more than other individuals from other countries. He said that it was a weird experience in that respect.

In conclusion: my client left Abu Dahbi after 2-years because he felt the corruption was not what he personally wanted to be involved with. He said once he discovered the corruption (wide-spread according to him); he literally left in the middle of the night.

While the citizenship of Abu Dahbi is relatively small; the average net-worth is in the multi-millions.

The last time I looked; (which was a year ago during the oil-price highs) Abu Dahbi's gross inflow of money was somewhere around 6 billion per month.

Dan; I envy you in being able to go there. I have wanted to go there myself; but was unable to arrange it. Please be sure to post more about it, if you would. I would be interested in hearing about it.

dantama · 02-26-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ells

Yeah, but what kind of bikes to they ride?

The police bikes are ST1100's

The delivery bikes are small 700cc? bikes, and other than that I haven't seen a bike. They just aren't out on the road here. I got a picture of each, but don't have a way to get them on the net here, I'll catch it when I get home.

I went to the camel track today to watch the jockey's run the camels. Kind of fun to see.

gl, I'll elaborate more when I get home and can really sit on the computer; but my friend showed me something where the Emirate is making more money on the investment returns on thier money than they are on the oil revenues. Gas here costs about $3.00 US.

flightdoc · 02-26-2009, 01:18 PM

Hey Dan,

Borrow a bike and maybe you can pickup a few extra hundred thousands bucks delivering pizza!

vin

**glwilson** · 02-26-2009, 10:26 PM

Dan, I'll look forward to your "report" on Abu Dhabi. There is much to discuss regarding it.

In the meantime; have a fun and safe trip.

Greg

jamiep24 · 03-01-2009, 11:48 AM

They may not like us Americans, but we're the sole reason they're rich. And don't forget to tell them "You're Welcome". Wouldn't want to live in any country run by dictators.

dantama · 03-01-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flightdoc

Hey Dan,

Borrow a bike and maybe you can pickup a few extra hundred thousands bucks delivering pizza!

vin

Don't tempt me :)

dantama · 03-01-2009, 05:49 PM

I don't want to turn this forum into eveyones vacations that have nothing to do with bikes, so if I put a blog together of our trip, I'll post a link.

The short of it all is that it was a wonderful trip, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It was a great place.

I got my photo to use on my application for being Sheik of something important there. :)

And trying to appeal to the locals in a mosque to see if they can help me become sheik of something important.

02-24-2009, 11:23 PM	#1
dantama Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 0	Abu Dhabi This place is amazing! And wow they drive nice cars here. Really really nice cars; Bently's, Maseratties, hotted up Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs etc. The only motorcycles are food delivery people like our pizza delivery. Being surronded by never ending wealth is strange. I'm used to going places that merchants kind of swarm you if you look American. Here they ignore you totally. They know that there isn't much of a chance of you being any kind of billionaire, so why waste the time? The friend I'm staying with is the President of a prestigious college here, but even he is just "hired help" here. Everyone who is a citizen, not imported hired help, is rich here....like really rich. I'll talk more later Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-25-2009, 03:19 AM	#2
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Abu Dhabi Dan, Be careful over there and enjoy your trip. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
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02-25-2009, 07:16 AM	#3
ells Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boulder County, Colorado Posts: 2,014	Abu Dhabi Yeah, but what kind of bikes to they ride?
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02-25-2009, 10:02 AM	#4
taranis Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 802	Abu Dhabi I'm surprised you'd be surprised, Dan. The result of $3.00+/gal gas. __________________ _______________________ "Taranis" and the Lovely Ann KawaNOW Oldschool #885 His: 2006 Nomad Hers: 2008 VN900 Classic LT
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02-25-2009, 11:03 AM	#5
darthvulcan Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 217	Abu Dhabi Dan, Now don't be scoping out any bridges to ride up, or any other antics!! ;) Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-25-2009, 12:03 PM	#6
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	Abu Dhabi Yup, that's our money in action. Making the Arabs rich beyond imagination. :( __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
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02-25-2009, 07:04 PM	#7
gghost Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 626	Abu Dhabi Have to be dirt (sand) bikes. Been there, plus Qatar and Saudi Arabia. You can have them all! __________________ gghost
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02-25-2009, 08:53 PM	#8
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Abu Dhabi They ignore Americans because they don't like Americans. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

02-25-2009, 09:27 PM	#9
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Abu Dhabi Have a client who lived there as a consultant for a large international conglomerate. They enjoyed their time there. However; they felt they were living in a "Disney World". In other words... Abu Dahbi is in the middle of "nothing" but sand; and they said many of the buildings were not occupied -- creating what could be considered a "movie-set" -- because everything was new and "un-touched". Apparently many investors from all around the world invested in the real estate development going-on in Abu Dahbi in hopes that it would be a great investment; however according to my clients... it remains mostly empty shells of buildings. Another interesting observation by them was that several people could be employed for the same job; but they would be paid accordingly to which country them came from. (I personally do not know this to be true and am only going by what I was told --a reliable source. Maybe Dan can elaborate on this later.) As an example: an individual from India working as an engineer in Abu Dahbi would be paid far less than another that was from the U.S. My client's consultant job paid him more than other individuals from other countries. He said that it was a weird experience in that respect. In conclusion: my client left Abu Dahbi after 2-years because he felt the corruption was not what he personally wanted to be involved with. He said once he discovered the corruption (wide-spread according to him); he literally left in the middle of the night. While the citizenship of Abu Dahbi is relatively small; the average net-worth is in the multi-millions. The last time I looked; (which was a year ago during the oil-price highs) Abu Dahbi's gross inflow of money was somewhere around 6 billion per month. Dan; I envy you in being able to go there. I have wanted to go there myself; but was unable to arrange it. Please be sure to post more about it, if you would. I would be interested in hearing about it. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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02-26-2009, 01:18 PM	#11
flightdoc Sr. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Barrington, New Hampshire Posts: 1,285	Abu Dhabi Hey Dan, Borrow a bike and maybe you can pickup a few extra hundred thousands bucks delivering pizza! vin
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02-26-2009, 10:26 PM	#12
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Abu Dhabi Dan, I'll look forward to your "report" on Abu Dhabi. There is much to discuss regarding it. In the meantime; have a fun and safe trip. Greg __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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03-01-2009, 11:48 AM	#13
jamiep24 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yazoo City, Ms Posts: 965	Abu Dhabi They may not like us Americans, but we're the sole reason they're rich. And don't forget to tell them "You're Welcome". Wouldn't want to live in any country run by dictators.
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03-01-2009, 05:49 PM	#15
dantama Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 0	Abu Dhabi I don't want to turn this forum into eveyones vacations that have nothing to do with bikes, so if I put a blog together of our trip, I'll post a link. The short of it all is that it was a wonderful trip, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It was a great place. I got my photo to use on my application for being Sheik of something important there. :) And trying to appeal to the locals in a mosque to see if they can help me become sheik of something important.
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