Many business organisations aim to reach the global market. Even small and startup enterprises have their eyes on the international business scene. After all, it is the most crucial competitive strategy, especially since technology has made international transactions a breeze.
But despite the efficacy of technology in expanding business operations, genuine and personal connections are still crucial to globalisation. This is why many people still go on overseas business trips.
For many, going on business trips may seem luxurious. Still, those who actually frequently hop on a plane to accomplish something for work know that business trips are rather stressful arrangements.
First of all, you deal with jetlag. Then, if you’re flying economy, you’ll spend hours and hours in a cramped sitting spot. On top of that, there’s rarely any opportunity to mix pleasure into the arrangement since the trip is mainly focused on getting where you need to go to get work done.
If you visit Yas Island Abu Dhabi for business, your travels don’t need to be like the experience described above. While you may face some discomfort along the way, you can beat those by carefully planning the trip to eliminate the usual hassles and actually find time for pleasure.
So, if you want a more pleasant business trip to Yas Island Abu Dhabi, here are five tips you should follow:
1. Make sure you’re healthy prior to the trip
Load up on your vitamins and get some exercise. Physical activity is effective in reducing stress hormone levels. Studies also show that exercise-induced endorphins help reduce stress-related symptoms.
The fast pace of your life during the business trip will require a fit and healthy body. You’ll have an easier time doing what you need to if your body’s free from aches and other discomforts.
2. Include relaxation when planning for the trip
If you will be staying at one of the top hotels in Abu Dhabi, remember to check if their services include relaxation amenities.
After a long day of travel and work, you need to make sure your body recuperates properly. Don’t just head straight to bed. Getting some much-needed pampering for an hour or two will greatly impact how you feel the following day.
There’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of fun to your business trip, even if it’s for just a moment. After all, stress can affect your productivity – and not in the best way, either.
Whether it’s a quick stroll down Yas Beach, an hour-long massage at the spa at DoubleTree by Hilton, or even just a leisurely coffee hour before or after a meeting, set aside time to unwind. If you’re heading somewhere new, have a moment to take in the scenery.
Who knows? If you explore other places besides your business meeting venue, you may even get the opportunity to expand your network.
3. Research the location
There are always lovely places to see on Yas Island, which offers something new for you to see and do. If they’re nearby, it won’t be too much of a stretch for your time to include them in your itinerary.
Business trips should be enriching, and discovering a new place is one great way to secure such an experience. You can use various phone apps or simply go online and type the events and other interesting provisions. Don’t forget to add “Yas Island” with your search query so the results are narrowed down to your destination.
4. Forget public transport
Getting to your intended destinations fast is crucial when you’re trying to stick to a schedule. This is where car leasing can come in handy.
According to Emirati travel experts, renting a vehicle is more economical than riding a taxi, not to mention more convenient than riding a bus. Plus, it will give you the freedom to include destinations of interest in your itinerary and to rest and recreate in between trips.
Many car leasing and rental companies have a vast collection of automobiles you can choose from while offering better rates throughout the year. They pay closer attention to every client’s specific requirements to ensure complete satisfaction with their service. You can get a vehicle that will go well with the image you need to maintain, as well as your driving style, without creating a big dent in your travel budget.
5. Use the power of your hotel’s concierge
If you wish to eat at a five-star restaurant, check out a theatre performance, or get tickets to a concert during the trip, your hotel concierge can take care of those for you if you’re staying at prime accommodation. All you have to do is tell them what you want, and the concierge will use their connections to make your request happen.
The Takeaway
Business trips that are often perceived as stressful can be transformed into more enjoyable experiences with careful planning. Prioritise your health, choose convenient transportation, and incorporate unwinding into the itinerary. Yas Island is an excellent destination, after all. With the help of your hotel concierge, you can enhance your overall trip to make it both productive and pleasurable.
Mostafa Sayyadi 
Michael J. Provitera
Zachary Jarvinen
Joshua Haecker
Fallon Farmer
Businessmen-Turned-Leaders Can Drive Meaningful Change
By Amanda Davis
In the political sphere, the transition of many a leader from the private sector to public service often showcases the potential positive impact of entrepreneurial spirit on political leadership. Petr Nečas, exemplified this trajectory in the Czech Republic, initially starting out as an entrepreneur in the private security space. His later foray into politics, as a member of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), was marked by a nuanced understanding of economic dynamics and strategic leadership. He later ascended to the office of Prime Minister, serving from 2010 to 2013 and echoing the transformative potential of private sector acumen in shaping effective governance.
The story of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, is a similar one, with Poroshenko starting out as a businessman in the confectionery industry, as head of Roshen group. He would later lead the country through both a pragmatic decision-making process and widescale economic reform, much of which was the product of insights gleaned from private sector endeavours. Bidzina Ivanishvili, famous in Georgian politics, mirrored this trajectory, and channeled private sector experience when building the political party Georgian Dream. Serving as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2013, his tenure underscored the transformative potential of entrepreneurial vision in navigating the complexities of governance. All three of these individuals showcase how private sector experience can indeed catalyse political efficacy, imbuing leaders with the acumen to navigate the intricacies of governance and enact substantive change.
The city of Orhei, in the heart of Moldova and not far from the country’s capital Chisinau, is a place which although many may not have not heard of, tells a remarkable development tale reminiscent of the those of Nečas, Poroshenko and Ivanishvili. The process which the city has undergone under the visionary leadership of a former mayor, businessman, and philanthropist, Mr. Ilan Shor, is indeed a modern-day rendition of the previously mentioned tales and can and should inform the development of many a place in this still developing corner of Europe.
Orhei experienced transformative development between the years 2015 to 2019, when Mr. Shor served as mayor. His successes were seen not only in the way in which he modernized the city’s infrastructure, but also in the way in which the city’s rich historical essence has been preserved. This story puts forth a prime example of the potential benefit of private sector experience in the development of post-Soviet states, many of which, to date, have not managed to create a better future for their citizens through their reliance on traditional development models and investment methods.
Urban development is a key metric in gauging a city’s potential, with Orhei witnessing significant progress in its urban development during Mr. Shor’s tenure as mayor. A significant achievement was the restoration he led of multiple historic city landmarks and facades, revitalizing Orhei’s architectural landscape. Commenced with a project on Mihai Eminescu Street in the heart of Orhei which any of the city’s residents would be familiar with, this was one example of the way in which Mr. Shor’s plan breathed new life into the city’s historical core, while simultaneously honouring its heritage.
A city, at the end of the day, must provide for the needs of its residents and Mr. Shor’s administration made sure to put that first. Specifically, his team saw to the needs of residents from low-income backgrounds. Disadvantaged families were supported through the construction of social housing units, seeing brand new homes provided for families, alongside social stores and pharmacies which made sure that those residents who were struggling were given access to affordable essential goods and often much needed medical supplies.
Despite exceptional progress in Orhei, similar challenges remain unaddressed in other parts of Moldova. Even in Chisinau the capital, unresolved systemic issues which impact residents’ quality of life remain. Indeed, according to a World Bank Report, adequate investment in the city’s infrastructure has not been made in close to 20 years. Among the most pressing, and often dangerous, is not tending to infrastructure and deteriorating structures due to lack of regular maintenance. Many a visitor to Chisinau will note the decapitated entrances, crumbling exteriors, and outdated utilities seen across the city’s urban landscape.
Scarcity of facilities for families, such as playgrounds and educational institutions is notable, alongside deficiencies in public amenities essential for fostering healthy communities. Chisinau’s utility sector has been struggling with inefficiencies in recent years, resulting in inadequate trash removal and snow clearance, among other issues. Last year’s winter conditions, some of the coldest on record, quite literally saw the city shutting down. The urgent need for strategic urban planning and investment is apparent, but more pressing is leadership with a plan to address infrastructure deficiencies and improve living conditions. Examples such as Mr. Shor’s leadership in Orhei should be seen as a beacon of hope, clearly demonstrating the impact that local leaders with private sector experience can have on community development.
On the subject of community, and in order to foster a communal spirit in Orhei, common spaces in the city underwent improvements during Mr. Shor’s time as Mayor, with a reported 100 courtyards renovated alongside children’s playgrounds that were built. Road construction that would ensure the safe mobility of residents was prioritized, and proactive action saw cost-effective infrastructure development at lower costs to city budgets. Over 150 kilometers of roads, or 90% of the city’s road network was thus improved at a fraction of what it might have otherwise cost. Other projects to improve residents’ mobility involved upgrading public transport and even offering free bus rides at peak hours, setting a new standard for urban mobility in the region.
With regard to social welfare programs aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens of Orhei, monthly financial assistance was extended. Most importantly, this was sourced from a municipal reserve fund and did not involve raising city tax. This special project included providing pension supplements to elderly residents, in order to ensure their financial security.
A similar initiative, in the form of the “Maternity Capital” program was introduced during Mr. Shor’s tenure. As many residents simply could not afford to start a family, the program sought to encourage family growth through financial aid to those who wanted to become new parents. Instead of simply handing out grants, and through meticulous financial planning, a tiered financial assistance system was created, granting substantial support to families welcoming children and nurturing family life in the city of Orhei.
A city cannot thrive without culture and as French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle”. Thus, in addition to urban development and social welfare programs, Mr. Shor focused on establishing cultural vitality in his city. Indeed, the city’s cultural scene flourished with a bustling calendar of events, festivals, and performances attracting visitors from across Moldova. This included OrheiLand, a free entertainment park that became a popular tourist destination, contributing to economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
As Moldova works toward the prospect of joining the EU, it must first of all address its internal challenges to infrastructure, utilities, healthcare and education systems alongside citizens’ services more broadly. There is a compelling case to be made for greater private sector involvement in the local leadership of other parts of the country alongside many still struggling post-Soviet states. By leveraging their expertise and resources, businessmen-turned-leaders can drive meaningful change and contribute to the development of their communities, ultimately creating a brighter future. With these examples of Mr. Shor’s leadership as a shining example, Moldova and its neighbours can hopefully continue on their respective and joint development journeys.
About the Author
Amanda Davis is originally from Canada but living in Europe. An aspiring author, she is currently working with refugees from MENA in Europe, and is a proud free market libertarian