Abu Dhabi (AD) , the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone spectacular growth during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 1960 this was a fishing village with an estimated population of 25,000. By 1985 the population had grown to almost 300,000 and today there are over 2 MILLION with growth projected to reach 3 million by 2030. Fueled by oil wealth and a massive ex-pat labor force, AD has transformed itself into a thriving and diverse community.
The leadership has clearly attempted to balance preserving old traditions with the advantages of a modern society. Major investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare are diversifying the economic base and creating an enviable standard of living.
Everything is larger than life with huge and beautiful architecture:
As part of their efforts to to take healthcare to the next level the Emirate has partnered with Cleveland Clinic to build Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), the largest and most modern healthcare facility in the region. The facility will be owned by Emirate and operated by CC. Their shared goal is to bring the exceptional quality and patient experience for which the Cleveland Clinic is known to Abu Dhabi. It is a truly audacious and worthy goal for both organizations and, if successful, could serve as a model for similar ventures in other parts of the world.
As you might imagine the challenges are immense given the scope, scale, complexity, and cultural differences.
It has been said that while Fred Astaire was a great dancer, Ginger Rogers was even better because she did danced backwards and in high heels. I told some of my colleagues in AD that if the Cleveland Clinic is Fred, they are Ginger. To which they replied, "Yes, and we do it on sand too!"
At the job site. Some proof that I actually did some work on this trip too:
In the "belly of the beast" construction is well underway and there is an incredible maze of pipes and wiring:
Important job site safety tips brought to you by Homer Simpson. D'oh! :
It is truly a privilege and honor to play my very small part in this important endeavor.
CCAD = Audacious.
