Strategic thinking and long walks in dubai

Strategic Thinking and a Long Walk in The Outskirts of Dubai Nov. 2012

Long walks are extremely stimulating, indeed for strategic thinking.

You get the sense of distance and time, perseverance, exploration, and direct interaction with the environment. This is more so when you are walking alone.

Million ideas just pop into your head. When you are walking you get to see things and details you do not notice while driving. It is also great for recharging.

Dr. Sweid - A long walk in Dubai Nov. 2012

When you aim for a specific remote destination, some 2 – 3 hours walking distance away, then you get the real sense and practice of setting challenging goals and reaching them.

* Photo: A new perspective of Dubai metro station and a small district of the city.


Now to the Actual Walk

I took a two hours walk alone in the outskirts of Dubai. It was a Friday. The weather in November is quite nice, pinned around 30 degrees C. It is even more gorgeous in December with lower temperatures.

I set a target and took off at around 9AM in the morning.

I took shortcuts and walked for over an hour in the sand; I was alone in the open desert space. The rest was along pedestrian lanes. I was immersed totally in my environment. I saw lizards for the first time in Dubai.


I started

out here.


On my way. An Unusual scene in the outskirts of Dubai: Towers and the

human factor: laundry.


I was walking for over an

hour in the sand and the

quiet in the backdrop of the

motorways.

There were some tire

marks but also some foot

prints, including mine.

I noticed suddenly different

prints so I had to take this

photo. Possibly a bird or

lizard was there before me!

I am doing my strategic assessment and research, and I notice other players in this market! This is the detailed research needed for strategy.


I am getting closer to my

destination, but it still

needs some effort and

sweat. There is a lot to see

and discover.


Still walking: I am getting very close to the shopping mall, i.e. my destination


I had to take this snap: There was only desert here in the past! You can still see the sand. Key to the green setting is the power. This is also possibly the vision.


I reached my final destination

after two hours on foot , i.e. Ibn

Battuta Mall .

I had a coffee and rested.


Taking the metro

back.

I felt like I came

from outer space

after this long

stroll in the

outskirts of

Dubai.

Mission

accomplished


About the Author

Dr. Stephen Sweid is a business consultant, researcher and trainer with over 20 years consulting experience on the international scene: Europe, USA, Middle East and Far East. He has involved as expert in technical assistance projects of international organizations, such as UNDP, UNIDO, World Bank, European Commission etc, as well as in consulting projects commissioned by multinationals. He is member of a number of international professional research and consulting societies. He is currently active in the UAE, UK, and other locations. His consultancy focuses on strategic issues, business development, Innovation and Marketing. Profile on Linkedin.

Email: [email protected] web: http://www.cinnosys.com


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Strategic thinking and long walks in dubai

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