Free Welcome to Dubai (The Traveler) by Omar Tyree Page A

decided to cater to the man’s ego. So he nodded, as if finally able to see the situation with better judgment.
    “My friend, you do understand that my decisions are always made with your generosity and business support in mind. I was only attempting to please
you
as my partner, first and foremost, by making certain that no bad economy would stop us in our goals.”
    Daniel held up a massive right hand of caution and began to shake his head with wisdom. He understood patronization when he heard it. “Abdul, I understand that. I do. And I respect you immensely for it. But you would please me more by delivering a building in due time that does not cause your president and countrymen so much irritation and strain, not to mention the workers. Because I do plan to do more business here. And I would not want to wear out my welcome because of bad business experiences.”
    Abdul nodded again and smiled, loosening up behind his desk. “I’m glad we were able to have this conversation and understanding. It has taken a great amount of weight off of my shoulders.”
    “I can imagine,” Daniel told him. “But at the same time, that does not mean that we slow construction down to a turtle’s pace.”
    “Of course not,” Abdul responded. “But enough talk about business. Have you seen Irina since you arrived here yesterday?”
    Abdul had introduced his partner to a beautiful woman from the independent nation of Ukraine, who had previously worked in his international accounts office. She now worked in a banking office.
    Daniel smiled wide and answered the question before even speaking. Abdul had already realized the Ukrainian beauty had cast a lustful spell on his partner—a bewitching spell that was hard to break.
    “She was ah, waiting to go out with me for this evening. But she knew that I needed to meet and speak with you first,” Daniel responded.
    Irina Kievla was nearly half his age and was quite smitten by his class and wealth. But the divorced father of four was not yet ready to commit to a new marriage with her.
    “Well, now you’ve met with me, and we have come to a new understanding,” Abdul said. “So I guess now you can go out and enjoy yourself with Irina. I’m sure that she continues to enjoy your company.”
    The Russian laughed. “Indeed, she does.” Then he stood from the office chair to make his exit. “And how have you been with your wife?” he asked Abdul while standing.
    Abdul took a deep breath of honest reservation. “I think that she has had far too much influence from Western culture.”
    He was certain that Daniel had heard the many opinions about his outspoken wife around Dubai and the UAE, so it made no sense to dodge the question. It was what it was.
    Daniel countered, “But what is so wrong with a woman having her own thoughts? Irina speaks out with me all of the time about everything.”
    “Yes, but would you allow her to speak out in public on the concerns of your business, while the entire Russian nation watches and listens?”
    Daniel shrugged. “If she were able to speak with as much intelligence and confidence as your wife, Hamda, I would. But Irina is not quite there yet, nor does she desire to speak out on business at this time. She just wants to keep
me
busy showing her a good time.”
    Abdul laughed. “Well, enjoy another great dinner tonight from the lookout of the Burj Al Arab.”
    “I just might do that,” Daniel said.
    Abdul stood and enjoyed another laugh with him as his Russian partner headed back toward the office door. Abdul showed him out.
    “Remember to take your time, Abdul. Don’t worry. Everything will get done in time.”
    Once Daniel walked out with the security team, Abdul returned to his desk and spun his chair around to face the night skyline out the window. Dubai’s skyline was beautiful at night. And the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, was always in view, soaring far above the nearby Emirates Towers and Dubai World Trade