This blog has been moved to http://hirajaved.wordpress.com/.

So I realized that I’m really bad at keeping up with my blog when I travel. Mostly because I’m too busy exploring my surroundings and taking it all in. It’s not everyday that you are fortunate enough to be in another part of the world. Although the trip was mainly for academic purposes, I did manage to squeeze in a few days to wander the streets of Deira Dubai, browse through the Gold Souk, gaze at the incredible architectural icons, watch water dance, eat the most delicious shawarma pizza, bargain in the spice market, ride the driver-less metro, and walk on the largest man-made island. Fantastic trip is definitely an understatement. 

If I were to describe Dubai in one word, that would be: spectacular. Everything from the malls to the airport, buildings and even the metro station, everything was grand, glamorous, and luxurious…truly meant for spectators. Dubai, a city definitely committed to growth, has truly formed its identity as a fantasy world for tourists. It’s the Vegas of the Middle East! It boggled my mind to see two completely different worlds in one city: the reality of the average working class and the glitzy fantasy world of the privileged residents and tourists. 80% of UAE’s population consists of expatriates, making the Emirati citizens a minority in their own country. Makes me wonder how sustainable it is to not only build a city powered mostly by foreign human resources, but also create an identity as a materialistic dream world? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic city, I just couldn’t handle the alternate realities. 

The main reason I was in UAE was to present a paper (more on this in another blog) at the Global Islamic Marketing Conference in Abu Dhabi. This annual conference is a platform for academics and professionals in the Islamic Marketing industry to collaborate and engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities for this niche market. Delegates came from far and wide…mostly from countries where there the Muslim consumer market is more developed. I was lucky enough to meet people from Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Australia, Tunisia and Iran. I was one of the two Canadians present at the conference. This makes sense since only 3% of the Canadian population is Muslim. But this number is expected to triple by 2030; even more reason to study this niche market.

I was recently appointed as the Canada Chair for the 3rd Global Islamic Marketing Conference. So if there’s someone out there interested in the Canadian-Muslim consumer, get in touch!

It’s showtime!

Location: Amsterdam-Schiphol Internatioan Airport, Amsterdam, Holland 

Arrived here at 7:30 in the morning. I’ve successfully managed to kill about 3 hours, wandering around the terminal, browsing through the stores, taking pictures, reading, prepping for the presentation, eating, wandering some more. Really nice airport. Lots of stores, restaurants, a casino… I think there’s a museum here too. Maybe I’ll check that out for the remaining 2 hours before my flight to Dubai.

Weird/interesting findings: 

I think the escalators in Amsterdam are faster.

Wifi- I think the free version (2-30 minute sessions only) is intentionally slow, so are forced to purchase the premium version.  (I only have 3 minutes left…hence brief statements).

3 tulip shops (not flower shops..Tulip shops) Must be a story behind it.. will research later. 

HJ.

Date: Jan 14th, 2012 

Location: Toronto Pearson International Airport

I’ve got the travel bug! I’m off to Abu Dhabi to present a paper at the Global Islamic Marketing Conference. Waiting to board the plane. Thank goodness for the special “recharge your-choice-of digital-device” chairs in the waiting area.You know these devices have become an extension of our bodies when the airport authorities make the effort to tell you that you can get free wifi even in the bathroom stalls. (Don’t worry, I’m not updating my blog from there!) 

A Day in the Life of Social Media

First of all, I apologize for dropping the ball on my blog half way through the trip…a few reasons: lack of free wifi and I also wanted to experience my surroundings. Here’s a snap shot of how the rest of the trip shaped up: went to Google’s R&D Center, visited the Baha’I Shrine, stayed at Hebrew University, heard a lecture from Professor Gad Yair, touched the Wailing Wall, explored the streets of Old City in Jerusalem, ate fresh figs, bargained in the markets of Jerusalem and visited Yad Vashem (holocaust memorial).  So now that I’ve had some time to reflect on the trip, write a 10 page paper and put together a video project, I can provide a less touristy response to the question: “How was Israel?” The purpose of our trip was to understand Israel’s start-up culture and their high-tech industry, which is experiencing an unprecedented growth rate. A strong sense of a common purpose as a nation keeps the high-tech ecosystem going. Because of its “don’t-tell-us-it-can’t-be-done” attitude, building start up nations has become a national sport, said Keren Rubin, Executive Director of Bronica Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at Technion  University. Questioning authority, tearing down the red tape and “get it done now” attitude is what fuels their culture of innovation.

Professor Gad Yair of Hebrew University writes about the cultural code of casualness, in his book The Code of Israeliness: The Ten Commandments for the 21st Century. Casualness is very deeply related to the first code of conduct: Fear and Trembling. Not too optimistic about their future, Israelis have developed a very short line of sight. He said that Israelis are not very good long term planners, which leaves a lot of room for creativity and improvising. “If we have a problem, lets solve it now”, explained Professor Yair, is why entrepreneurs have become the new cultural heroes. It’s ironic that a country with so many politically and religiously historical sites, has less than an optimistic view of its own future. Anxiety and fear is their everyday reality, resulting in a culture of constant survival mode. This pragmatic view of life fuels creativity and flexibility. The culture of casualness makes it possible to adapt to changing circumstances. The cover of Professor Yair’s book perfectly captures the casualness of the Israeli culture; man wearing a gas mask and underwear, sitting casually on a roof top, with the city scene in the background. The sheer casualness of owning a gas mask, which is a common house hold possession, signifies the normality of the conflict.  

While on a walking tour of Haifa, we came across graffiti that said, “The revolution has been postponed due to rain”. Our initial responses to this image were giggles. In a humours way, this image captures the casualness of the revolution where rain is just a minor setback to the revolution that is currently under way. We spotted another piece of graffiti art that not only captures the casualness of the Israeli culture, but it also displays the Israeli cultural code of defying authority. A shillouett of a dancing figure and it caption reads, “Yes Sir, I can boogie”. It is an excellent example of Professor Yair’s point that based on the history of the Jewish people, there is this innate rejection to anything of authority or power.

 Here’s what I’ve learned: nervous energy is necessary to do something difficult. Innovating is challenging, but the real battle is maintaining the innovative spirit. Change must be embraced. Bureaucracy must be dismissed. It requires guts. It requires nimbleness. 

Haifa: Day 1 First thought as we stepped out of the bus: should have packed more sweaters because its cold! I miss the sun and the beach in Tel Aviv. On our to Haifa we stopped at Caesarea- An ancient town located midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, built by King Herod. He named it Caesare to honour Caesar Augustus. He wanted to make it the centre of entertainment and culture so he built a roman theatre and a hippodrome- Greek statium for horse and chariot racing. Mission successful. We also visited the Druze community, explored the local market and ate some traditional mediterranean Israeli food. It was deeeeeelish! After we got to the hotel, we put our bags down and headed out again in search of free wifi. For a digital media group, we’re experiencing some serious wifi withdrawal syndrome.

Tomorrow we have a full day of presentations at Haifa University, Technion and Haifa Hi-Centre.

P:s- Hebrew words learned so far: Shalom: Hello Toda Rabba: Thank you very much Lo: No Bo nachgog: Let’s party

Tel Aviv: Day 3 They have a saying here that perfectly sums up the characteristics of the 3 major cities in Israel: Haifa works, Tel Aviv plays and Jerusalem prays. Tel Aviv is definitely one of the liveliest cities, bursting with culture, rich history and excitement. As we walked closer to the old city of Jaffa, away from the urbanized part of the city, we saw Jewish and Arab families picnicking by the beach, flying kites and enjoying the sunshine. It was refreshing to see a side of Israel that is not usually portrayed in the media. While walking around the city, we randomly came across a wifi street party. People our age, from different backgrounds, all wearing wireless headphones and dancing. The most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. This is what you call a digital generation :D
On our last day in Tel Aviv, of course we had to end things off with a bang… so we decided to climb Masada mountain. After climbing 750 meters, the view was worth it! The experience also reminded me that I need to go to the gym more often lol.. Floating in the dead sea was the perfect way to cool off… After catching up on sleep during the bus ride back to the hotel, we headed to a nearby restaurant to have dinner with the University of Waterloo alumni currently residing in Tel Aviv. It was inspiring to hear their stories and how far they have come. Excited about what the future has in store for this inaugural class of Masters of Digital Experience and Innovation :)

Tomorrow we head to Haifa. The adventure continues!

P:s- I apologize for the lack of details in my previous blogs. Just found a place with free wifi. Yay for internet.

p:p:s- I’ll post pictures and videos when I come back home :)

Tel Aviv- Day 2 Fantastic day! Fresh fruits and dates for breakfast. Presentations in the afternoon by the CEO of Dice Marketing and a professor from Tel Aviv University. Tour of Tel Aviv. Now Dinner by the beach ( stuffed peppers with melon-mango shake).

Tomorrow we leave for the dead sea, bright and early!

HJ.