Abu Dhabi takes Trinity to new heights

[The stunning Yas Viceory Hotel]

What an  unforgettable few days in Abu Dhabi for the 10th anniversary edition of The Trinity Forum.

The settings for the Forum and the Gala Dinner were stunning, the social events spectacular and the content probably as rich and challening as any Trinity Forum since the first one way back in 2003.

Other than the superb hospitality of our host Abu Dhabi Airports Company, my enduring memory on the social side will be of the stunning performance at the Gala Dinner by an 18 year old sand artist, UAE-based Omani Shayma al Mughairy.

Working with just a lightbox full of sand linked to a giant screen, this young genius produced an amazing storyboard linked to Abu Dhabi International Airport and The Trinity Forum. Backed by sweeping arabic music in the magnificent outdoor surrounds of the Emirates Palace, it was a marvellousy evocative experience for the spellbound audience. To see the Trinity Forum and Moodie logos drawn so beautifully in sand at the end of the performance was a personal thrill that will always stay with me.

The Forum itself  featured arguably the strongest line-up of presentations and panels in the event’s 10-year history, with day 2 scoring even more highly in most feedback forms than a power-packed opening day.

It was great stuff but as always after such an event I was left feeling shattered afterwards as the adrenalin stopped and the sheer pressure of being on stage trying to facilitate an always unpredictable group dynamic was relieved.

I always ponder ‘never again’ at the the end of Trinity. But it’s a special event that attracts special people. And no doubt I, and hopefully many others, will be back for more.

[The magnificent Emirates Palace was the Gala Dinner venue]

[Abu Dhabi by night]

[Martin Moodie with Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Dan Cappell and Julie-Ann Beattie of Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand]

[Colm McLoughlin of Dubai Duty Free and Evelyn Danos of JR/Duty Free]

[DFS Group Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus delivers a compelling day one address]

[The Moodie Report Deputy Chairman Dermot Davitt moderated many of the Trinity sessions]