Dubai - the office

Hi All. Today was my second day at work. I arrived on the Saturday and started work yesterday, Sunday - our work week is Sunday to Thursday. It was the usual drill on Sunday - setting up systems, learning the ropes, introductions.

The office has a great spectrum of nationalities. I share an office with Abdelilah, a Sudanese lawyer. Next door is Warren (Aussie) and Yassir (another Sudanese lawyer). There are oodles of aussies, brits, indians, Canadians and locals. It is quite surreal. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

I have been thrown into the work today - drafting a business acquisition agreement and related documents for the managing partner, Tom Deegan . I am beginning to come across local legal quirks asociated with the free trade zones.

My supervising partner, Phil Reynolds (ex G+T circa 1993), has me getting my head around Middle East telecommunications policy and drafting upcoming presentations.

The office is an 8 minute walk from my hotel (the Crowne Plaza). I don't have a car and I am quickly realising that I will need one to get around Dubai. The public transport system is non-existent but the road system is vast.

Tomorrow I start searching for an apartment to call home.