In a rather random sequence of events and ending in a really thrilling surprise this little blog was not only nominated for the Ahlan! Hot 100 but made the final selection in the Up and Coming Section for 2009. This was a real shock and quite an honour – though I found the whole photo shoot a little embarrassing.
The Ahlan! Hot 100 is a collection of Trendsetter, Style Icons, Unsung Heroes and Up and Coming folk who have some way contributed into making Dubai what it is today. I feel very humbled to have ever been considered let alone appear along side some people who have done some amazing things (great feats of charity or exploration). It was also nice to see Mr Prakash Parmar make the list – he is of Parmar Tailors fame and I am a proud owner of one of his bespoke suits. Coincidently it is the most viewed post I have ever written on this blog by some margin.
There was a party to celebrate the naming of the list which was held last week. Sadly, I was in Cannes at VMworld and unable to attend. The photos from the party looked like it certainly lived up to being one of the social events of the year. Maybe they will let me in next year if I ask nicely…
I have scanned my entry for those not able to purchase a copy :
And the write up was:
When he arrived in Dubai from the UK two years ago to work for a large American software company, Aaron White had no idea his relocation would lead him to becoming a celebrity blogger. He says, “This was a chance of a lifetime, so I started a blog to document my adventures. Today, http://englishmanindubai.com has become so popular that I receive regular hits from all over the world.” And he’s not kidding. Aaron’s blog has received almost 70,000 hits to date as well as offers from companies who want to advertise on the site. And he never tires of writing about his adventures either – whether it be moving into his new Dubai Marina apartment, or crashing into a barrier at Dubai airport or wading through Dubai’s sometimes endless red tape. He adds; “Dubai is a remarkably tolerant Islamic city where you can have fun within very clear guidelines. Part of the reason I write my blog is to give my readers the reality of what the city is really like.”
Pull-quote: “Dubai is great for seeing the outcome of your efforts – you get out of the city what you put into it.” – Aaron White
So there you have it – I appear to have made a small impression on this part of the world simply by sharing my thoughts and experiences over the last few years. In part, a lot of this has been due to the continual encouragement from my friends, family and most importanly readership. I want to thank you all for contributing to this little corner of the blogoshpere.
congratulations!
I enjoy reading your words, as they remind me of my short stay there. Hope you’ll continue to find the energy to share a tiny bit of your life with us!
By: g on March 2, 2009
at 11:43 pm
Only 2 years? It seems longer than that since we corresponded over marina apartment rental prices and then started stalking each other’s blogs!
Congratulations on the recognition, Aaron. It’s well-deserved and your blog is a nice positive Dubai site written from your perspective.
I think that I have contributed a lot to those “regular hits from all over the world” in recent times!
By: nzm on March 3, 2009
at 2:03 am
Aaron,
That is quite an accomplishment, well done!
If I were 15 years younger and didn’t have a wife and 5 year old I’d be on my way to join you
Regards,
Terry
By: Terry Jones on March 3, 2009
at 2:30 am
This is fantastic news Aaron! Congratulations on your win & looking forward to learning more and sharing more about Dubai from you. Keep it up!
- Casey Andrews
By: One World Travels on March 3, 2009
at 9:43 am
AARON!!! You’re famous dahlink! And i know you…. That makes me Z-list at least! =D xx
By: Reggie on March 3, 2009
at 12:43 pm
Congrats Aaron, you’re getting even more famous !!!
cheers
jerome
By: jerome on March 3, 2009
at 7:48 pm
hi aaron,nice work,i come to dubai on 22 march i will be staying at the harbour residence,i am curious how the hotel will be,regards yves belgium
By: BORGHS on March 4, 2009
at 12:20 pm
Thank you all for your kind comments! It has been nearly three years since this blog has been going and it has been a real roller-coaster of a ride – I look forward to more adventures with this blog.
By: Aaron on March 5, 2009
at 8:39 pm
wow, congradulations aaron! i really do enjoy your blog. you have amazing pics and stories and you manage to update frequently.
By: ilka on March 6, 2009
at 2:03 am
Congratulations Aaron! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Your blog really helped assuage much of my trepidation when we were first heading out here from the USA; several of my friends and relatives were sure we were going to be kidnapped, beheaded, and then sold to white slavers. Thanks for your humor and sense of being.
By: Natalie on March 9, 2009
at 9:03 am
Nice one Aaron, you deserve the recognition – you have made me smile with your positive posts about DXB – reminding me that life here in the sunshine maybe isn’t so bad!
Flickster. x
By: flickster1 on March 9, 2009
at 2:16 pm
Ilka – thanks for your comments and making the blog what it is today.
Natalie – that really made me chuckle – I am in some way pleased I made it less scary for you. Also because you made me laugh I will add you to my blog roll.
Flickster1 – I am glad to have made to you smile and thanks for dropping by.
By: Aaron on March 9, 2009
at 9:46 pm
Wow, how cool. Right above sandinmypants, too. Doesn’t get better than that. I’m stoked. Thank you!
By: Natalie on March 10, 2009
at 7:51 am
Congratulations and well deserved – yours is probably the best and truest view of life in Dubai from an expat’s persepctive. Good on you. May you long continue with your blog – it’s on my recommend list for wannabe expatters.
By: grapeshisha on March 11, 2009
at 1:32 am
Thanks Grapeshisha – it means a lot coming from you!
By: Aaron on March 11, 2009
at 9:28 pm
Your positive outlook on and genuine excitement for everything you do and see has always been the thing I love about you most. Your blog is just an extension of that and I’m chuffed it has been recognised for what it is. Well done A.
By: Andrea on June 22, 2009
at 2:46 pm