Geekfest at Shelter - coolest thing in Dubai so far

Last Thursday a few friends and I attended an event called Geekfest, a lovely gathering of people who love all things geeky (specifically in terms of technology). It was really great to be around a group of like-minded folks, all interested in something a little deeper than what drink to have next at the bar (not that there's anything wrong with that, I just personally need a little more to think about sometimes).

It was a social networking event at which many people already knew each other. Their topics of conversation ranged from the latest on Twitter to personal projects to charity events. We got to see a short CGI film (the first to come out of Dubai) created by a group of guys who had enough passion for the project to volunteer endless hours of their time. They're going to Cannes Film Festival--which is awesome. A big thumbs up to them (and for anyone interested in checking it out: http://www.xero-error.com/).

We also sat in on a presentation by these two ladies organizing a biking trek from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp in an effort to raise money and help build a playground for an orphanage there. Needless to say, I'm tempted. Very tempted. They're looking to set off at the end of July 2011...I think I can train enough by then...maybe? I should probably look into owning a bike...or riding a bike for the first time in 10+ years before I decide to do something like this. I'd like to at least support the, and I'd like others to support them too...sooo, here's the site: http://www.trekkingfornepal.com/

The location is also something to note. More people in Dubai need to know about Shelter. "Shelter is a flexible and cost-effective community workspace that provides a unique office infrastructure aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship within small businesses. An intellectual haven for forward thinkers and like-minded creatives to connect and exchange ideas, Shelter offers the ideal environment in which to convert social interaction into successful businesses." (They described themselves perfectly on their site: www.shelter.ae). A person can rent a workspace at Shelter and use their resources to start up their business or work on important projects. You pay a membership fee, because something has to keep this place running, but from what I can tell, you get your money's worth. I love the concept. I hope it catches on.

This was, by far, the coolest thing I've seen Dubai offer. It brings insight into the possible culture forming here. The city is young, it can't be as evolved as New York or Paris or London, I get that, but the lack of depth here was starting to trouble me. Well, I'm glad to see that there is more to Dubai than the glitz and glamour--there's a forum for a deeper discussion, and there are people interested in participating in it. Even more, Dubai is actually creating, just like New York or Paris or London did, and I think the world is ready for what this little city has to show for itself.