This week I learned even more about my beloved field of hypnosis: Agatha Christies work has been identified as being extremely hypnotic!

Stories are brilliantly powerful and a most engaging way to communicate.

Pretty much every culture, religion and tradition has storytelling as a teaching component, many traditions pass their history on through stories. I remember hosting a story telling evening with a wonderful man from the Chippa-Waa Cree nation, he is a metis from a nomadic shamanic tribe in Canada.

He learned his people’s history in stories, he also learned about life and humour through stories, he laughed and cried at stories told by his elders each evening in much the same way that I laughed and cried in front of the TV as a youngster!

Parables from the bible are another wonderful example;

I can remember that following a truly brilliant training course I attended by here in Bournemouth that I had a very problematic client who was extremely difficult and I had concerns about. I discussed this with the trainer and he told me one or two stories, one of which was a parable from the bible. He did not tell me directly what he thought I should do, rather, he guided me through stories and metaphor and it helped wonderfully.

In addition to bible parables, we can look at Sufi stories, fairy tales, Native American storytelling, Norse sagas, Indian Puranas (stories of wisdom), children’s fables – they all have stories as an integral part of them.

These aren’t just random stories. They’re often used to teach people valuable moral principles and life lessons. And they’re stories designed to have a specific effect upon the listener.

Why do they work so well? They work because they engage both the conscious mind (the linear, sequential mind) and the unconscious mind (the emotional, symbolic mind). A story has both a linear, logical sequence and emotional and symbolic content. Engaging the mind at both the levels is an extremely powerful way to communicate. Imagine how that can develop rapport, enhance relationships, increase sales and much more.

This brings me on nicely to my main topic today. A metaphor is also a story. A metaphor is a covertly hypnotic way of talking about something without talking about it. Let me explain that:

“Never try to teach your pet dog to sing. It wastes your time and irritates your dog.”

If you wanted to get the message across to someone that they were going to a lot of effort that would only result in problems and frustration, you might use the dog quote. Firstly, it is a more gentle way of introducing an idea. It is much softer than saying “You’re just wasting your time. Don’t bother doing it.” It’s softer because you’re talking about something without talking about it directly. Do you see what I mean?

Equally, I tend to open my speaking events with stories about myself and my experiences. If I were to stand up and say:

“hello everyone, I am Adam Eason and I am windswept and interesting and extremely funny!”

That would make me look full of myself, conceited and ridiculous (Even if it is all true!!). I have job enough trying to make sure I don’t appear that way! If instead, I decide to mention an incident that happened to me while speaking in Dubai last year that I responded to in a witty way, then it shows me to be well-travelled, quick witted, successful and other things, without me having to actually spell those traits out to my audience.

Both of my books to date open with chapters telling a story from my life to illustrate a point and introduce myself and my take on the subject. That is how important I think stories are to our communication.

Why is it then, that I think metaphors and stories are so Powerful?

In order to explain why metaphors and stories are so powerful, let’s get into the roles of the different parts of the mind. (For a fuller understanding of this, read my article Hypnosis Explained)

Part of the role of the conscious mind is to analyze incoming information to determine whether or not the incoming information agrees with your current beliefs, behaviour patterns and attitudes.

When new information disagrees with current beliefs, the new information is often ignored or rejected. We call this part of the mind the critical factor.

When you’re using metaphors, telling stories or using other covert hypnotic language, we don’t want the person’s conscious defence systems and resistance to be activated. One way to make sure we successfully avoid this trap is to avoid activating the critical factor.

If we avoid the critical factor; the analytical, reasoning, evaluating, judging part of the mind is subsequently relaxed, allowing new information and ideas to more easily enter the subconscious/unconscious mind, with less emphasis on previously held beliefs.

When the critical factor is inactive, new ideas are accepted more easily.

When the critical factor is relaxed and the mind of the listener is fully engaged by a story, we can get the same results that a good hypnotherapist achieves in their office!

In short, a good compelling story puts a person in a trance state; it keeps the critical factor out of the way and gets them concentrating powerfully on an idea. The unconscious mind recognizes the parallels between the story and the listener’s life and applies the lessons of the metaphor or story.

There are lots of ways to either bypass the critical factor or avoid it in everyday life. For example, people often suspend their judgement in favor of an authority figure’s judgment. I know I would believe everything my doctor, Dad or early school teachers told me as a young man. Things they told me I just accepted as the truth without thinking; this is bypassing the critical factor.

Daydreaming and hypnosis are other ways that we bypass the critical factor intentionally. Becoming involved in a story is a natural way to bypass the mind’s critical factor.

As you all know, my first love is hypnosis. One famous definition of hypnosis is: The bypass of the critical factor of the mind and the establishment of acceptable selective thinking. Let me explain how metaphor and stories, conversationally, can accomplish the same thing.

I have mentioned the critical factor bypass but what’s acceptable selective thinking?

Well, selective thinking occurs when a person concentrates fully on an idea. A stage hypnotist might ask a person to concentrate on the idea that a raw onion tastes as good as an apple. (That does make me laugh to think about!) A hypnotherapist might ask a client to focus on the idea that they’re accomplishing a personal development goal. With the critical factor out of the equation, the unconscious mind concentrates on those ideas so completely that they become the subject’s reality!

What can get in the way? When the subject doesn’t want to do it! If they don’t want to accomplish the goal (or eat an onion!), their critical factor may be activated and then fight the suggestion. That’s one reason it is known as acceptable selective thinking.

So, how do we keep the critical factor out of the way and at the same time get someone concentrating powerfully on an idea?

A powerful, compelling story (a metaphor) does just that. The critical factor does not get activated because you’re not talking about them! Yet the unconscious mind gets involved emotionally. In other words, the mind concentrates on the ideas presented in the metaphor (acceptable selective thinking). The unconscious mind is also a lot better than the conscious mind at spotting symbolism. So, if a metaphor is symbolic of a situation in a person’s life, the person will relate the story to their situation. You don’t even have to consciously point it out! Their unconscious mind does that for you! Cool eh?

Coming up, I am going to explain how to design your own metaphors, when and how to use them and much more. Look out for that article (part 2) very soon.

For now, think about your own stories from your own life; when did you overcome great odds to achieve something? What is something really self-deprecating or humorous that happened to you? Describe a time when someone you know acted with great kindness to you. I will tell you how to use these stories to enhance your communication, develop better relationships and create more success in your life in that next article.

When it comes to choosing a holiday, we are all spoilt for choice. There are thousands of destinations available through travel agents and on the Internet. However, the problem is that most packages only offer accepted types of holidays. In other words, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary then you really have to look for it.

When trying to find a funky hotel or holiday, you should start researching the market a few months before the day you wish to leave. Funky hotels are not widely advertised as such, especially if you fall into an older age bracket. They are generally only offered in unusual package holidays that are marketed towards individuals below the age of thirty. However, to give you a head start on your research, the top 10 funky hotels in the world are described below.

1.Katerina City Hotel, Moscow – This Russian hotel boasts a prime location just a few minutes walk from the sites of the city, as well as the entertainment and nightlife. It is decorated in pastel and lightwood to give a more relaxed feel and is thus informal. The food is good, the environment laid back and the modern feel makes it a lovely place to stay if you are looking for something out of the ordinary.

2.The Mosser Hotel, San Francisco – This hotel has created a culture of its own. The atmosphere is extremely laid back and relaxed. Its claim to fame is that it has the only hotel recording studio in the city! It is also only a few minutes away from the shop and nightlife areas of the city.

3.Caesar’s Palace Hotel, Las Vegas – The name says it all. This hotel is located on the strip and so has immediate access to the casinos, clubs and bars. The hotel itself is extremely elegant, offering excellent guest service, a spa and fitness suite and great food. The location makes it funky, but the sheer luxury of the hotel serves to heighten that.

4.Creatif Hotel Elephant, Munich – As soon as you lay eyes on the hotel, you know immediately that it is funky! The front is painted a variety of blocked colours, and the inner rooms are decorated the same way. It boasts modern facilities and access to all of the Munich’s main attractions without its guests being disturbed by the noise of the busy city.

5.Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo – Located in Shinjuku, this hotel is a spectacular sight as you approach it. It stands out above the other buildings because it is illuminated and looks very impressive. All of the facilities are modern and of the cutting-edge technology. It is located within a short distance of the city centre and provides a great place to relax.

6.Magnificent Plaza Hotel, Shanghai – Located in the heart of Shanghai, this hotel is a short distance from all of the main attractions of the city. All of its 182 rooms are modern and equipped with up-to-date facilities. It offers a variety of food options from around the world too. There is no better place to stay in China.

7.K-Port Inn, Dubai – At first glance, this hotel seems to be no different from any other. It could even be described as stately… until you walk through the door! It is in the city centre and offers contemporary furnished rooms with all of the latest amenities. However, it has Iranian and Arabic clubs, an American discotheque and an English pub on site! You cannot get any funkier than that!

8.Grand Oasis Resort, Cancun – This hotel’s appearance is phenomenal. It is a giant pyramid located in the heart of Cancun that seems to be rising from the Earth! You can play golf or lie on its half-mile beach until your heart’s content. You could also sit in one of the seven bars, or join in with other two themed parties the hotel holds every week. The choice is yours.

9.Leonardo Hotel, Prague – This is a converted Post House in the centre of Prague. It is absolutely gorgeous and extremely funky! The room décor combines classic and modern styles with skill and provides a pleasant and comfortable place to stay.

10.The Bellclaire Hotel, New York City – This hotel is funky primarily because of its crazy and friendly surrounding environment. It is in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of everything you would ever want to see in the city. It is very luxurious but also very modern. It was built in 1903 and is a fantastic place to stay for any tourist.

If you are looking for something different from your break then staying in a funky hotel may be the way to go for you. The hotels above all have their own unique quality that makes them stand out from the rest and staying in them may just enhance your break significantly.

Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The group of designers, writers, producers and project managers based in Cincinnati, Ohio, named by the Wall Street Journal as “one of the world’s more prominent design firms”, promotes its ability to conceive, visualise and realise exceptional experiences for museums, corporations and entertainment clients worldwide.

As part of this global ambition, JRA is proactively developing business in the emerging markets and has been involved with a number of recent high profile projects:

• HarborLand, Ningbo, China – This new theme park, part of an urban development in Ningbo, China, opened in Feb 2006 with a master plan and design created by JRA. As a first step in the master planning and design process, JRA created a fairy tale story around which the park is being developed. The story is inspired by the Phoenix, the mythological firebird and a symbol of happiness in Chinese culture.

• Guangdong Science Center, Guangzhou, China – JRA provided overall exhibit design for the children’s portion of this 450,000 sq ft science centre, set up in Guangzhou in 2007.

• Restless Planet, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE – Projected to open in 2008, Restless Planet will blend entertainment and natural history experiences in a first-of-its-kind destination. JRA is currently managing the overall design and production of Restless Planet, including development and oversight of all attractions and media. It is being linked with the Mall of Arabia, which is currently the largest mall under construction in the world. Working with London’s Natural History Museum, and other experts, the team is developing a synergy of architecture and experiences that take guests on “the world’s ultimate theme ride back into the mists of time,” enabling them to explore Earth as it was millions of years ago. From rides that plunge visitors into the world of giant sauropods and terrifying raptors to special zones exploring the prehistoric past and links to the latest discoveries, Restless Planet will combine breathtaking theme park experiences, enhanced by dramatic lighting and audiovisual effects, with cutting-edge educational content.

• Al Kaheel Park, Dubai, UAE - When completed, Al Kaheel Park will become the most comprehensive equine tourist attraction ever built. It will extend over almost 9.1 million square feet of preserved desert landscape. The mixed-use development will have real estate and commercial components. JRA has been hired as part of the consultant team and will provide attraction planning and design for the complex. Al Kaheel will be an educational theme park and working horse farm dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse.

• Ferrari Theme Park, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Built around the legendary Italian company, the theme park will consist of family rides, driving school and virtual simulations as well as retail merchandising. JRA is providing design and co-ordination.

Keith James, President, JRA, has been at the center of cutting-edge projects within the themed entertainment industry for more than 30 years and has been instrumental in opening new markets in India, the Pacific Rim and Eastern Europe for JRA. Blooloop talked to him about JRA’s approach to developing business in the emerging markets and asked him to reflect on JRA’s 20 years in the business:
Which markets are you targeting?
“Right now we are focusing on museums, theme parks and attractions, halls of fame, corporate visitor centres and sports venue interactive zones. Geographically we are looking to the Middle East, China, Russia and when the occasion arises, the USA. We simply go where the work is.”
How are you developing your business?
“We have an ongoing marketing effort that includes tradeshows, advertising, PR the Web site, referrals and our relationship with current and past clients but more importantly our closely-knit industry results in numerous referrals from friends and other companies.
We are always sensitive to the culture of the countries we pursue. We meet clients, endeavour to understand their needs and satisfy those needs. As a company we are client sensitive instead of JRA sensitive. Luckily the approach works both ways for the USA and foreign countries.”
Do you structure work proposals differently from country to country?
“Each proposal depends upon the client needs rather than what country it is from. Again, the differences between HarborLand and Restless Planet are determined by the client’s relationship with qualified local buyers and requirements of the project itself. Either way, we always work closely with people the client assigns to us.”
How do emerging markets’ requirements differ from the North America?
“We look closely at the culture and maintain a sensitivity to the culture that’s local to the project. For example, in some countries there’s less emphasis on thrill rides than in the US. Typically there is an independent market analysis that helps us determine the program mix. Food and menus are always different.”
Are there any lessons you’ve learned from working in these new markets? Any surprises?
“One thing learned is that universally people want to have a good time in a clean and safe environment. With new markets we recognize it’s important to understand the culture of the region socially and business wise. We always develop a product jointly with the client. Collaboration is a MUST.
Speed in the Middle East to establish business is a challenge more than a surprise. Some areas of the world are trying to skip generations and land squarely in the 21st Century and when this happens, you have to be careful not to lose the established foundation of experience when you make that leap. After all, these are businesses that need to be successful.”
What have been the key changes in the Industry over the last 20 years? How JRA has responded and what changes do you foresee in the future?
“Technology has grown in leaps and bounds. However, one on one experiences in our projects are still important and we have to make sure people have a personal relationship with the message. As our CEO, Jack, once said, “the first interactive was two people talking,” and we have to make sure we don’t lose sight of that in our technology. The blending of our industries of sports, museums, theme parks and corporate visitor centres are a notable change. 20 years ago museums would not have talked to theme park people and now those lines between them have gone away. Now they are able to learn from each other and explore areas they might not have looked at before from the audience perspective.
We always emphasise the people in business and the audience itself.”

There are many theories about the origin of the word Dubai, some say this term was given to the region because it was considered a smaller version of a thriving market which name was “Daba”, other theories suggest that this particular word means money. Regardless of the word’s origin, the fact is that Dubai is a well known city due to its landmarks, wealth and architectural achievements which represent a great attraction to tourists and investors.

Dubai real estate market has blossomed in the past fifteen years due to implementations of one-of-a-kind projects such as “The Palm”, “The World” islands and “The Walk”, this fantastic place has earned the interest of the world’s wealthiest people, mid-size and small investors. Today, most of Dubai population is Asian by origin, has a population which covers 185 different nationalities and offers great returns on investment to more than five thousand companies.

When someone thinks about the United Arab Emirates the first thing that comes to mind is a hot desert area, which might not be a glamorous place to live in, but the truth is that Dubai has a multicultural and sophisticated society which lives up to international standards.

Due to its accelerated growth, property investments in Dubai have become a real goldmine to everyone who is willing to contribute and participate in all the wonders this place offers. Private sector investments are now calculated to surpass the 4000 million.

The success of Dubai property sales resides in the fact that the city is properly diversified and has what are referred to as “Free Zones” which offer incentives to investors such as: repartition of profits, complete foreign ownership, tax exemptions for Levi construction and extended leases.

A few Free Zones which have skyrocketed property investments in Dubai are: media and internet city, Jebel Ali free zone, gold and diamond park, etc. Dubai property sales have also attracted major financial institutions and insurance companies which are currently regulated by the UAE central bank and are restricted to have up to 8 branches per institution after meeting government regulations.

Other important factors which have skyrocketed property investments in Dubai are the fact that businesses can be established in 20 minutes in free zones, there are no income tax and corporate tax regulations which represent a huge advantage for investors, low cost work environment as well as low energy costs and a state-of-the-art city which could be considered the eighth world wonder!.

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if youve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, its time to take matters into your own hands.An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep they are the action.You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho €¦ but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.1. To the LighthouseLove all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse. There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Browns Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keepers dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the keeper program, in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org2. Go Climb a TreeIf it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out and up.The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.Theres a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.Though its a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com3. All Aboard the Romance TrainTo conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139. Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net4. Were You Raised in a Barn?Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.Youll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com5. How About a Yurt?Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; its an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. Youll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com6. Batting Around in a CaveYou may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.Dont worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com7. Digging the Dug-OutThe Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au8. Sleeping in the PipelinesIf you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on €¦ Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.If youre concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net9. Sleeping with the FishesWith both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you cant wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. Youll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but theyll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if youre certified. 305-451-2353, www.jul.com10. Doing TimeThe new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former drunk tank.But if youre looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, youll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the prison that nobody escaped from.Today, it welcomes (if thats the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. http://www.karostascietums.lv/1/EN/newsBy Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.sPeter Greenberg is a preeminent expert on travel. His focus is on the journey, providing insiders tips and recommendations to an increasingly savvy and demanding traveler. Peter is also author of The New York Times best-selling series, The Travel Detective, which uncovers secrets the airline, hotel, cruise and rental car industries dont want consumers to know. Check out Travel Hotels for more insider information.

What is the difference between a short haul and a long haul holiday?

Let’s discuss the 2 types of holidays and what the differences are.

Short Haul

A short haul holiday normally comprises of a flight less than 4 hours from the UK. Destinations include France, Italy, Greece and Turkey fall under the short haul category.

A short haul destination is good for families as the travel isn’t that far for young children to sit on a plane, normally you can find discount holidays to these destinations from leading tour operators such as Club Med.

The Club Med total all inclusive package is ideal for the family holiday and many discounts are usually on offer for the featured destinations.

That’s short haul looked at now let’s discuss long haul.

Long Haul

Long haul holiday destinations are the more far away areas of the world such as India, Thailand, China and Japan to name a few.

The flights to these destinations are normally 8 hours plus from the UK and sometimes require a change of plane en-route especially destinations such as Australia and New Zealand.

Kuoni holidays are a long haul specialist travel company and have the whole world covered when it comes to long haul travel, they pride themselves in supplying luxury accommodation in these destinations and won various travel awards for the past 25 years which stands Kuoni out from the crowd.

There is a middle haul destination range for flights about 6 hours from the UK and places to visit include Dubai, Egypt and more.

The best place to find discount holidays usually is the short haul market as there are more flights that the tour operators will allocate seats on and if they don’t sell they normally go on offer.

Arabic Online Markets: Open Sesame!!

As you might know from having visited MSEO.com, we have a fully staffed office in Hazmieh (Beirut), Lebanon. Our Lebanese team is in charge of the development for all of our Arabic SEO campaigns. Over the years of working with such a talented team of multilingual professionals (most of them speak English/French fluently as well), I have learned a lot about the Arabic online world.

Our Arabic SEO branch is extremely active within the Arabic IT communities. They exhibit this year at the GITEX 08 in Dubai, promoting our World Tour Seminars (I happen to be the speaker at those events/SEO workshops). Our next four events, in November 2008 and January 2009, will be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. I am not writing this in an effort to promote our SEO Seminars, but rather wishing to bring your attention to our targeted destinations: Gulf countries only. Whats going on with such geo-targeted marketing effort?

Well, over the past years, I have developed a personal friendship with Mr. Nadim Sarkis, who happens to be the Director of our branch in Beirut. Aside from being one of the utmost qualified professionals I have ever met in our line of industry, Nadim has truly introduced me to the Arabic online world: an online platform way too often misperceived by the rest of the world.

Getting involved with Arabic Search Engine Optimization has been a fruitful strategic move for MSEO.com (please visit the Arabic version of our website by clicking on the following link: http://www.mseo.com/ar ). It has also allowed me on a personal level to be introduced to a wealthy, educated, and courteous online platform! When covering all cultural and technical ramifications involved, marketing a website to the Arab online community often turns out to be the most profitable Global SEO action of all!

In September 2007, while visiting the GITEX in Dubai, I went on a helicopter ride to see what is, by far, the most incredible and unprecedented real estate development ever conceived by mankind. Like many, you might have seen various documentaries on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf urban hotspots. Anyway, my helicopter pilot conveyed the fact that over 60% of all the construction cranes in the world were present in Dubai (I confirmed such fact by researching on the internet). Perhaps you knew that already, but think about it this way: We are talking about the wealthiest group of individuals in the world who happen to depend almost 100% on imports…imports of goods…imports of services…but also imports of talent, technology, etc.

Arabic online search engines have greatly matured over the years, building the strongest and most efficient communication with the Arab online community. Of course, when starting to interact with Arab online business professionals, cultural ramifications need to be respected. I advise you to do a little research concerning business etiquette and other cultural dos and donts when presenting your products and/or services on Arabic search engines. Most of all users who will find the Arabic version of your website will have the ability to communicate with you in English. However, when communicating with someone in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, it is not Hi, howre you doing? – The average casual American approach will not be welcome! Once again, the Arab online community is financially opulent and features a group of respectful and educated businessmen.

However, the Arabic online world is much more than the Gulf Region. It is the full MENA deal and more (MENA = Middle East & North Africa). From Egypt to Morocco, from Jordan to Lebanon, without forgetting the millions of Arabic native speakers elsewhere around the world, Arabic is by far an online platform I would recommend to anyone ready for a financially rewarding ride!!

Aside from business, when traveling through the Arab world, you will eat better I mean, MUCH better than in any country where English is the native tongue (and, no, I did not refer to the U.S. or the U.K. … maybe I should not think so loud!). Okay! Better food, but also superior hospitality. We are speaking about the Orient and Oriental hospitality is definitely one notch above what we experience in the Western world.

Anyway, since I am at the stage of expressing my appreciation for such a sophisticated community, I will take this opportunity to conclude with the following statement: Our Lebanese people were the best we could find in the Arab world and, on a personal note, I will say that Lebanon also offers the best food of the Arab world. Honestly, the Lebanese rule in the kitchen…there is nothing like eating out in Beirut! I do realize that I should apologize for getting distracted from the Arabic SEO subject, but I just cannot think of my team in Lebanon without associating business with pleasure!!

Mathias Levarek, Ph.D.
SEO Consultant for http://www.mseo.com

The beaches in Dubai are among the most beautiful in the area, and perhaps in the entire world. All you need to do is plop your chair down on the white sandy beaches and relax the day away. A lot of people simply like to lounge on the beach when they go on vacation. If this sounds like you, Dubai can definitely meet all of your needs.



You will probably choose a beach hotel. The hotel beaches are immaculate, and the water amazingly clean and clear, but you do have to go a bit out of town to the likes of the Jumeirah Beach. In addition, most of the hotels in the area can set these activities up for you so that you do not have to do a thing.



The reason that Dubai is becoming so popular among vacationers is that the area offers a lot to do. No matter what your pleasure, you should be able to find something in Dubai that suits your needs. This makes for a great vacation for a couple or a family.



if you are looking for a bit more action while vacationing in Dubai you will not be disappointed; especially if you are interested in water sports. Jumeria Beach is the most popular in Dubai, and you can take advantage of many water sport activities in this area. Everything from sailing to water skiing to paragliding is available.



If you are going to be visiting Dubai with your family you will have plenty of activities to choose from that will keep them entertained for the duration of your trip. One of the most popular family destinations in Dubai is the Wild Wadi Water Amusement Park. At Wild Wadi you can take advantage of large swimming pools and water slides; perfect fun for the entire family. In addition, the Dubai zoo is also among one of the more popular family destinations. Dubai hotels have extraordinary services,Dubai has a great variety of food offerings including American cuisine. This works out well for vacationers from all over the world.



Overall, a vacation in Dubai can be very exciting. Regardless of if you are going alone, with a partner, or with your entire family there will be plenty of activities to take part in. Plan your Dubai vacation if you are searching for something a bit out of the ordinary



Are you looking for a great place to take your next vacation? If so, you may want to consider taking your next vacation to Dubai. Some people have never even heard of Dubai, but the fact of the matter is that it is growing very quickly as a top vacation destination. In addition, Dubai is also becoming very popular among real estate investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio of properties.



Dubai is the ideal place to combine a city holiday with a beach holiday, and has pretty guaranteed sunshine. An increasingly important number of visitors are traveling to Dubai each year, on business trips, to attend trade shows and conventions, or for leisure on the top quality hotels.