Boots on the Ground | Head in the Crowds

2003 Dubai, UAE

I first came here in 2003 to see what all the fuss was about. The Burj al Arab had appeared on the cover of Condescending Traveler, catching the attention of a greater part of The West with articles on the luxe of the world’s first Seven Star Hotel and the plethora of unique and uniquely-themed shopping malls with wonderful entertainment centers (at least that’s what the article said).

“The Burj” was - and remains - breathtaking in the magnitude, elegance and realization of vision. The only way to see it was with a reservation at one of the restaurants:I took my driver to Tea at the top so that I could see the interior of the property.and the views… Good story for another time…

Outside, the drive through the desert was augmented pretty much only with the free-standing Hard Rock Cafe and not much else. The Palm was under construction. Desert was everywhere. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.

Cut to 2012.

After being invited to Dubai to create an upcoming parade at the Yas Marina Formula One track, I stayed to deliver Dubai National Day 2012, open Yas Waterworld and write and direct the water park’s Pearl Diving Show, “Hoyamal” in 2013. Back and forth for myriad agencies doing shows, ceremonies, openings and launches until 2016; when I was contracted to write the Live Performance talent search, execution methodology and milestone calendar for EXPO2020DUBAI.

Loading in National Day 2013 - Festival Village, Dubai

Rehearsal for Yas Waterworld Opening 2014

My experience of Dubai during those mid-decade years was good; I like it here. It’s been exciting to see the vision becoming realized as buildings were springing up like sunflowers and the City exuded an atmosphere and air of a heavily financed Gold Rush; as though Las Vegas and Monte Carlo had had a love child.

Things moved fast; fueled by privilege and impatience, the money flowed. Buildings were built, shows and ceremonies were launched and even theme parks were built in vastly compressed schedules of immediacy.…and, to be candid, a LOT of money was wasted and quality was lost in the race to be the tallest, biggest, newest…

The vision was then and now remains aspirational and is today…inspirational. In retrospect, looking through the lens of the macro; that early period now seems more like a physical manifestation of the dotcom startup maelstrom in Palo Alto. Part of the process?

Now, in 2025…Things. Have. Changed.

Dubai is now inarguably a Real City and well on the way to becoming a Great one. In place of the frantic and breathless of ten years ago, I’m noticing a more solid stance: a confidence in herself that gives this city an air of a more quiet energy, more steady and thoughtful. She now has a bit of Legacy and is rising into the new world, possibly in preparation for being a leader of it.

As the West is crumbling, with principles, ethics, reputation and trust falling like trees in a tornado, the UAE, KSA and the GCC seem to perhaps be preparing to step in. The future may well be right here…

Of course, there’re still a lot of crazy projects in some areas…but here in Dubai there is a solidity I had not expected. A destination far more than fanciful.

And that’s why I am here: to be a boots-on-the-ground local resource with nearly 40 years of experience available to build, lead, inspire, mentor and manage projects and project teams.

For local entrepreneurs, institutions, agencies and organizations; one of the best and most effective experience creators in the business is available without airfare, accommodation, per diem or agency markup.

For Western-based companies, agencies, corporations, design firms or themed entertainment companies; this offers an experienced and talented Advance Person in situ with the price of a Zoom. The Guy is available on a project basis; the resource now exists with access to an experienced, worldwide and local network.

No airfare, per diem, lodging…just pay the non-exorbitant fees and still come out ahead.

The plan is to work independently: vetting and building or augmenting local teams, sourcing vendors and scouting and negotiating locations for both local and offshore companies, each individual of which will contract directly with the client; offshore or local. No markups for anyone. NO commissions.

The Guy’s experience, skill, network, knowledge: all at no markup or support.

You need someone to do something that can support quality and save time while supporting delivery at world-class standards?

Now, you know The Guy!

Kile Ozier - The Guy

Is Now In Dubai

kile@kileozier.com | +1.347.268.2953 WhatsApp

Creating Global Community Through Shared Experience

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