Breakfast Time

Before I tell you about our first day in Abu Dhabi, I want to share the amazing breakfast options we had at our hotel. You may say, are you one of those who always takes pictures of food? The answer is, yes everywhere I go, I like to take pictures of food, as I believe it is often a great way to experience the culture. As a gourmet, I believe that food should be prepared and eaten in elegant way. It is not something you just pass the time and have whatever you have. I believe when you value mealtime, people tend to prepare healthy foods and share stories of their lives with those who come to the table.

When I came to the hotel breakfast area, I was amazed by the variety of breakfast options. There were local and international hot meals, a variety of fruits, fresh pastries, delicious sweets, fresh juices, many pastrami, and cheese options. I felt like everything you could possibly want for breakfast was there. They even had a huge honeycomb for people to cut a piece for their breakfast which was really delicious. While trying to navigate my way through the options, I realized that I spent half an hour taking pictures and videos, and another half hour deciding what to eat. Because of the time I spent, I had to rush through eating everything in just 15 minutes before we left for our first meeting at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi.

American Community School of Abu Dhabi

Welcome to our first meeting place in Abu Dhabi, the American Community School. Our scheduled time was between 8:30 am – 11:30 am. The school, which is described on their website, is a non-profit American standards-based curriculum school serving approximately 1,200 students in KG1 through grade 12 who represent more than 80 countries. It has been in operation since 1972.

We were greeted by amazing administrators and teachers at the front and headed to the meeting area inside the campus. I must mention that anywhere you go in this region, you will always have healthy food, coffee, and drinks available in the meeting rooms. By healthy, I mean freshly baked pastries and brewed coffees and teas, not muffins and cookies. This is how they treat their guests. One of the school administrators gave us a presentation about the school’s operations and curriculum, which was very informative. We then headed to some of the classrooms. Each teacher had their assigned classroom. Mine was Robotics/Engineering as I am a STEM educator. The classroom was amazing, and the teacher was incredible. He was managing about 10-15 students who were all working on various learning opportunities at the same time, from robotics to video/sound products. He was running around to ensure they all had what they need. I was also impressed with the classroom website, where the teacher monitors students’ project progress and all the other videos he created. It was a great way to see project-based learning in action at the American Community School.

While we were touring the school, I want to mention two more things. First, the school cafeteria was excellent, offering hot meals that were freshly made and healthy snack options. As a firm believer in feeding school-age kids healthy foods, I appreciate their commitment to providing nutritious options. Second, I loved seeing some books covered in black in the library. The books only have written hints describing their content, so students select the one they want to read based on the description rather than the cover. I found this powerful because it challenges our tendency to choose things based on appearance rather than substance. It reminded me how we are often blinded by appearances and overlook the actual benefits something can provide.

For more information about the, check out their website.

Meeting with UAE’s Minister of Culture & Youth
As we stepped out of the American Community School of Dubai, my mind was already racing with excitement for what was next on our agenda. We were headed to meet UAE’s Minister of Culture & Youth, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

As a young gentleman, the minister was very passionate about preserving the rich cultural heritage of the UAE, and how they are committed to pass on their identity to future generations, and promote cross-cultural dialogue with other cultures within the UAE and the world. It was mentioned that one of the key areas of focus for the Ministry is Arabic language education, particularly given the incredible diversity of languages spoken in the UAE. The Minister explained how his team is working hard to ensure Arabic remains a top priority among youths. But perhaps what struck me the most during conversation was the Minister’s perspective on UNESCO world heritage site. He challenged the Western-centric view and standards on selection process, and encouraged us to explore places around the world that are not currently designed as UNESCO’s world heritage sites.

As we left the meeting, I felt a great admiration for the UAE’s commitment to preserving its national identity through youth empowerment. It was inspiring to see how the country is working towards a brighter future, with the help of its incredible young people.

For more information about the UAE’s Minister of Culture & Youth, check out their website.

Meeting with UAE’s Director of Humanities and Languages Curriculum

Have you ever wondered how the UAE’s Ministry of Education develops its curriculum within the context of multinational identity? Well, our next destination was to meet Dr. Sameera Abdulla Alhosani, the Director of Humanities and Languages from the curriculum department, and let me tell you, it was eye-opening!

Dr. Alhosaini shared with us that their team is dedicated to creating an integrated curriculum that can be utilized by all institutions within the UAE. From language arts to social studies, they provide top-notch curriculums that have been carefully developed with students’ needs in mind.

I loved how open and collaborative the UAE’s Ministry of Education is. The department was excited to explore potential partnerships between schools in the USA and the UAE! I think it would be really beneficial to reach out to them if you are willing to see different perspectives on your own curriculum. I bet you will find some curriculum best practices in the UEA that could inspire you in many ways.

Meeting with HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State

Have you ever wondered how countries can collaborate and support each other’s welfare on a global scale? Well, during our recent visit to the UAE, we had the incredible opportunity to meet with the Minister of State from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to discuss just that.

Our main discussion was around Foreign Affairs and we expressed our gratitude for the Ministery’s dedication to facilitate educators to visit the UAE.  It was a pleasure to chat with the Minister, who was incredibly humble.

There was a question asked from one of our group how the UAE works to support the welfare of neighboring countries in need. The Minister explained that they often collaborate with third parties to provide support, rather than providing aid directly. She highlighted the Mosul project, where the UAE is partnering with UNESCO to rebuild cultural and religious sites damaged during recent conflicts. She noted that not only is this project reviving Mosul’s cultural heritage, but it’s also improving the local economy by providing employment opportunities for locals. It’s incredible to see how countries can come together and collaborate to make a positive impact on the world regardless of the difference.

As we had a packed schedule, I wasn’t able cover the rest of the day. However, in my next post, I will be writing about our experiences at Qasr Al Hosn and our delightful encounter with Emirati artist & Curator Noor Al Suwaidi during dinner at Emirates Palace, a magical must-visit destination in Abu Dhabi. Stay tuned for more details in my next post!

Hold on tight, because I’m about to take you on a thrilling adventure to Abu Dhabi, UAE! From the longest flight I’ve ever taken to exploring the stunning city, I’ll share all the exciting details that will have you itching to book your own trip.

My journey started with a connecting flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi with Ethiad. As I packed my bags, the excitement and anticipation were palpable. I was nervous about forgetting something, but I knew that I had everything I needed. Once on board, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my seat was at the front of the plane. The airplane was spacious and clean, and it even had a head adjustment feature that doubled as a pillow. The food was decent, but I was more excited about the Qibla direction feature that pointed towards Mecca. How thoughtful!

I intended to read my book, but before I knew it, I was asleep for nine hours straight! When I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready to take on Abu Dhabi. As soon as I stepped off the plane, the beauty and cleanliness of the Abu Dhabi International Airport took my breath away. Arabic calligraphic writing adorned the walls and floors, and groups of people dressed in white were heading to Mecca or Medina for their pilgrimage. It was a sight to behold.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel

As we arrived at our 5-star beach hotel, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, we were blown away by its beauty. I had seen photos of the hotel online before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it exceeded my expectations. Typically, hotel photos can be misleading, but this was not the case with our hotel in Abu Dhabi. It was even better in person and truly an experience worth having.

We were welcomed by a staff member dressed in traditional Emirati clothing, holding a coffee pot and serving coffee to guests. I purposely waited to check in last so that I could savor the coffee and Turkish delights, various sweets, and dates that were on offer. The check-in process was also unique in that there was a dedicated section with individual tables and chairs for each guest, providing a private and elegant experience.

After indulging in some coffee and sweets, I received my room key and made my way to the 46th floor, which was the highest hotel room I had ever stayed in. As I opened the door to my room, I was greeted by a spacious and elegant interior. I quickly went back out to make sure I had captured photos and videos before settling in. My luggage had already been taken care of with a fancy card.

The room was equipped with a king-size bed, antique-looking furniture, and marble bathtubs with an embedded TV and speaker. The view from my room of the city and beach was simply breathtaking. All in all, I felt like a very important person during my stay at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel.

Luxurious Dinner at the Saint Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel

After settling into my luxurious room at the Saint Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel, I decided to go out for dinner. It was already 11 pm, so I messaged my fellow educators to see if anyone wanted to join me. There were several restaurants within the hotel, but I chose the one is called, Azura Panoramic Lounge which had a panoramic view of the city with an elegant seating area.

I should mention that our group leader had informed us that all of our meals during the program were covered, except for alcoholic beverages. As a non-drinker, that meant I didn’t have to pay anything for my food. So, when the waitress came over to take my order, I felt like I could order anything I wanted from the incredibly fancy menu.

After 15 hours without eating, I decided to go with a heavy meal and ordered the mixed grill, which came with lamb chops, young chicken, and beef. The smell was incredible when the waitress handed it to me. I consider myself a great BBQ cook and use special ingredients when I marinate my meat, but this dish had a taste that was beyond my expectations. I couldn’t resist and ate every bite, despite knowing I had to wake up early at 7:15 am for breakfast.

A little after midnight, I went to bed feeling incredibly comfortable in my luxurious surroundings. I set my alarm clock for the morning prayer and got ready for breakfast, which I was already looking forward to.

Next in Expeditionary Learning!

In my next post, I’ll share all the exciting things we did, from visiting the American Community School of Abu Dhabi to meeting with ministers ( Minister of Culture and Youth, the Director of Humanities and Languages Curriculum in the Ministry of Education, and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) and taking a tour of Qasr al Hosn. And let’s not forget about dinner at the Emirates Palace! So come along and join me on this incredible journey to Abu Dhabi, where every experience was a treat for the senses.

As someone with an expeditionary mindset, I am always on the lookout for new opportunities to learn and grow. Recently, during the fall of 2021, I came across an email from the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth that caught my attention. It mentioned an opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a week to learn about the country and bring back that knowledge to our own community. Without hesitation, I applied and was filled with excitement at the thought of embarking on this new expedition.

So Why the United Arab Emirates?

For me, it’s a country that never fails to capture the world’s attention. From towering skyscrapers to ambitious sustainability initiatives and a thriving tech industry, the UAE is a place of fascination for many, including myself. I immediately imagined myself standing in front of those luxurious hotels in Dubai that I had seen on TV or being at the top of the Burj Khalifa, in awe of the sheer engineering feat of constructing the world’s tallest building.

But my interest in the UAE goes beyond its impressive infrastructure. I was also drawn to the country’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its dependence on oil and gas. As a passionate STEM educator, I wanted to learn more about the UAE’s solar power plants, green cities, and other initiatives towards sustainability. I couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of being right there, witnessing these efforts in action.

Another area that sparked my curiosity was the UAE’s advancements in technology and innovation. From AI to blockchain to space exploration, the country has made significant strides in these areas and has become a major player on the world stage. I was eager to learn more about what was driving these developments and how they were impacting the economy and society.

As someone from a similar cultural background, I was also intrigued by the UAE’s customs and norms. I wanted to visit mosques, see how people prayed, and experience the local cuisine. Most importantly, I wanted to hear the Adhan, the call to prayer in Islam, broadcasted five times a day. It had been fifteen years since I had heard it outside of a mosque, and I couldn’t wait to experience the spiritual feeling that comes with hearing it broadcasted outside.

Finally, as an educator, I was interested in exploring the UAE’s educational system. I hoped to visit both public and private schools, meet with UAE educators and students, and learn about their approach to teaching and STEM education.

In conclusion, I couldn’t pass up this incredible opportunity to learn and grow. With so much to discover and experience, I am eagerly awaiting the results of my application and can’t wait to embark on this exciting new expedition to the United Arab Emirates.

Acceptance Letter

After eagerly waiting for months, I finally received the acceptance letter to travel to the UAE in March 2022. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the trip was cancelled and postponed to March 2023. Although I was disappointed at first, I understood the importance of keeping everyone safe.

Months later, in the fall, I received another email confirming that we were definitely going to travel to the UAE in March 2023. This news filled me with excitement and I immediately started preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

In my next post, I will share my experience of traveling to the UAE and all the amazing things that I learned during my time there.