I have worked at Cleveland Clinic for just over 10 years and it has granted me several great travel opportunities. Prior to this trip, I had visited 22 of our 23 hospitals. With Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary, we decided to take the show on the road and host our March Board of Directors meeting at the hospital.
The weather was beautiful and it was quite the experience.
A small group of us departed Cleveland on Sunday, March 9 and after a 13-hour flight from JFK, we arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, March 10.
We didn't waste any time...as soon as we arrived, we went straight to our first venue, the Saadiyat Rotana Resort hotel. This place was massive and even more beautiful. This is the hotel where all of our board members would be staying. We met with the events team and enjoyed lunch by the pool. Later that week, we hosted our Board of Directors dinner at the hotel.
Our staff and Executive Team stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island. The service was superior and the food options were incredible. It was also an easy 10-minute walk to the hospital.
This visit occurred during Ramadan (March 1-29) which made for quite the cultural experience. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe a daily fast from dawn to sunset, with two key meals: Suhoor and Iftar. Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal, eaten before sunrise, and Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Suhoor is intended to prepare the body for a day of fasting, while Iftar is a time for gratitude and nourishment after a day of devotion.
During one of our first night's, we attended our first Suhoor, hosted by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan at the Emirates Palace.
Best. Hummus. Ever.
During the first several days of the trip, our team spent most of our time touring the event spaces, getting materials ready and rehearsing with presenters. Our team enjoyed many many (many!!) hours together and ate a lot of really great food.
We spent a lot of time in the work room at the Four Seasons. We were amazed at the snacks provided throughout the day...we definitely didn't go hungry...and definitely weren't observing Ramadan!
Our team had dinner together every night...whether it was a casual night on the rooftop, a Michelin Star steakhouse, or a formal work dinner...it was always a good time.
While we were working hard 20 hours a day on little to no sleep...let’s be honest, we laughed even harder.
Teamwork makes the dream work!
We started every day at the hotel's inclusive breakfast at Crust where you could order off the menu or peruse the buffet. I typically did both! The best part of the buffet was the frozen Greek yogurt machine.
Butcher and Still is located inside the hotel. It's a Michelin selected steakhouse, but the grilled king prawns stole the show! We knew we were in for a treat when our dinner was served with a butcher knife.
The Eclipse Rooftop Terrace Lounge had incredible views and great sushi.
99 Sushi Bar is one of four one Michelin Star restaurants in Abu Dhabi. We enjoyed the 13 course Iftar menu.
I repeat, 13 courses...
We went for a "casual" lunch at Cafe Milano, another Michelin selected restaurant. Here we enjoyed the 13 course L'Italia in Tavola menu.
During one of our working days at the hospital, they hosted a private lunch for our team at The Global Bistro, a new concept a la carte restaurant for employees, patients and visitors. We were the first guests to dine here and enjoyed another delicious 13 course tasting menu.
I guess 13 is the magic number. Wow!
Eat Greek Kouzina is a restaurant we enjoyed on our final night...when we were trying to waste time and stay awake before our flight!
I even ordered room service one night...I think it was 1 am...and it was great!
While we worked a lot...I think I went 3 straight days without stepping outside...we did have the opportunity to tag along on some sight-seeing opportunities.
On Saturday, March 15, we enjoyed a day of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi.
We started the day with a VIP Welcome and Tour of the Qasr Al Hosn and House of Artisans. Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone structure in Abu Dhabi, constructed in 1761. It has played an important role throughout the city's history. It was once home to the ruling family, before becoming a living exhibition of Abu Dhabi's past.
Next, we had a guided tour of Qasr Al Watan Palace. Qasr Al Watan is an incredible landmark in the UAE. A Palace offering the world a first-of-its-kind insight into Arab heritage and the governing principles that shaped the country's history and its vision for the future.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a VIP Experience at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The iconic Grand Mosque is adorned with intricate designs and white domes. This spiritual haven is a testament to Islamic architecture and marks the final resting place of Sheikh Zayed. The mosque is one of the few in the region open to non-Muslims.
Later that afternoon, we enjoyed lunch outside at the St. Regis resort, another Michelin selected restaurant. Once again, the food was awesome (and I didn't even get a picture of everything!)
That evening, we were invited to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 10-Year Anniversary Caregiver Celebration. The Suhoor Celebration was held at Um Al Emarat Park, a beautiful and significant venue located in Abu Dhabi. Over 4,000 people attended the event.
On Sunday, March 16, we visited the famous Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art museum located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It runs under an agreement between the UAE and France that allows it to use the Louvre's name until 2047, and has been described as "France's largest cultural project abroad."
That evening, we hosted our Board of Directors Reception, Dinner and Fireside Chat with our CEO and Waleed Al Muhairi. Waleed was instrumental in the ambitious vision to build Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which was inspired by the UAEs leadership to create a world-class institution that would transform healthcare in Abu Dhabi. This event took place at the Saadiyat Rotana Resort + Villas.
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The next day, we hosted our quarterly Board of Directors meeting and toured the hospital, and even saw the room of the future!
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is considered one of the most beautiful hospitals in the world. I have seen so many pictures, but it truly is a sight to see in person.
That evening was the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 10-Year Anniversary VIP Reception. The VIP Suhoor event (with another multi-course meal!) took place at the Emirates Palace Gardens, which is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens. The drone show was very cool!
On Tuesday, March 18, we embarked on an unforgettable day trip to Dubai, a modern city with rich cultural heritage.
We departed Abu Dhabi at 8:30 am and drove about 90 minutes to Dubai. First, we enjoyed an Architectural Walking Tour of the City, blending classic and contemporary Islamic cultural.
Lunch at the Atmosphere Restaurant was the highlight of the day. This exclusive fine dining restaurant is the highest restaurant in the world and located on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Lunch was foie gras, rare salmon with caviar, and a coconut foam for dessert. Quite the extravagant lunch in an even more extravagant Atmosphere! (pun intended)
This exclusive opportunity gave us the chance to experience the best of Dubai in one day.
That evening (or morning?), we departed Abu Dhabi at 3:20 am. After 20-hours of travel, we were finally home in Cleveland.
Overall, this was surely a trip to remember. While it was a roller coaster ride with so many ups and downs…friendship and respect is what got us through.
Once in a lifetime experience? I think so!
