Dinner With a King: Lessons From the Gulf
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Travel has a way of opening doors, but occasionally it opens one you never expect
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates as a guest of Sam Zakhem, a Denver resident and former U.S. ambassador to Bahrain appointed during the Reagan administration. Zakhem, born in Lebanon, became one of the most prominent Middle Eastern Americans in U.S. diplomacy and played a key role in strengthening ties in the Gulf, including efforts that helped secure a lasting U.S. naval presence in Bahrain.
He had been invited to speak at a Gulf energy summit, and I was fortunate to join the delegation.
The trip offered a firsthand look at a region that has transformed itself into a global energy and financial powerhouse. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi rise from the desert with striking speed and ambition, not unlike the rapid growth we have seen in the American West.
During the week, we were invited to a formal lunch at the Al Nahyan Palace in Abu Dhabi — an experience that remains unforgettable.
The setting was impressive, but what stood out most was the personal nature of the hospitality. During the meal, our host, a member of the Al Nahyan royal family, reached over and placed food on my plate with his own hands — a gesture of respect and welcome deeply rooted in the culture.
The hospitality extended well beyond the table. At one point, our host made available his Rolls-Royce, complete with driver, for a visit to a newly built university. Riding through the city in a car bearing royal flags was an experience in itself — and one that drew immediate attention.
When we returned to our hotel, the reception was noticeably different. Staff greeted us with a new level of attentiveness. It was a reminder that, in any culture, perception can change quickly.
The visit also included a more informal and unexpected encounter. At the invitation of our host, we met with another senior ruler who knew Ambassador Zakhem well. In a relaxed setting inside his residence, the conversation turned candidly to American politics. He spoke openly about his admiration at the time for President Barack Obama and his interest in the direction of U.S. leadership.
There were also broader discussions about the region — including concerns about instability and the movement of arms across borders — underscoring the complexity of the Middle East then and now.
Beyond the formal meetings, time spent in the markets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi revealed another layer of the region’s story. Many of the jewelry shops were owned and operated by Iranian merchants, highlighting the deep commercial ties that cross borders in the Gulf.
The trip offered more than memorable moments. It provided insight into a region where tradition and modern ambition exist side by side. The United Arab Emirates has built not only impressive infrastructure, but also a culture rooted in hospitality and relationships.
For those of us in Colorado, where growth and change continue to shape our communities, there are parallels worth noting. Vision, investment and respect for tradition can coexist — and even thrive.
Still, it is often the smallest moments that endure.
A shared meal. A candid conversation.
And, occasionally, a ride in a royal Rolls-Royce.