Failaka Island, here I am!

It was early morning, 6.00am, when the plane started its descent into Kuwait; the last time I had arrived by plane in July 1991, it had been through dense smoke caused by the oil fires started many months earlier by the retreating Iraqi army; this morning it was very clear and upon landing it was the start to a nice summers day.

I was met at the airport and taken to Safir International Hotel, my old home for six months during the GCC summit thirteen years earlier.

I checked in and was escorted to my room, had a quick wash, shave and change of clothing, and then down to see Peter Janssen and also say hello to many old friends from 1991.

We had a meeting to discuss the Failaka project with other corporate directors when Peter's mobile phone rang, "has he arrived", Peter mentioned that I had and the owners wanted me on the island immediately. At 2pm I was on the speedboat bound for Failaka Island arriving 30 minutes later.

What a surprise! did I mention a "Mad Max" movie? It could have been made on Failaka Island which had been completely devastated.

Two years previously I had left my last overseas posting on the beautiful island of St Lucia as General Manager of Anse Chastanet Resort and now here I was on Failaka Island, I felt that I had left Heaven and been transported courtesy of British Airways and a speedboat to the lower bastions of Hell.

Our last overseas posting before Failaka, Anse Chastanet is nestled in the hills

Failaka when I arrived, I thought I was Mel Gibson playing Mad Max in the movie  

It was hot! Boy was it hot! I was taken to the Heritage Village in an old mini van that was so dented and damaged it had probably been used in the war. The Village was a hive of industry but at this time had no character.

I met the owners, had a meal, and then at 8pm in the evening became the 'Robinson Crusoe' of Failaka Island (without my 'Lady Friday' who would not join me for a month), when everyone left for the mainland. A room which was very basic was made ready for me, and after cursing Peter and everyone else I fell into a fitful  and nightmarish sleep.

The next morning was different, refreshed and rejuvinated I was ready for the fray; I had been told that it would be hardship for the first six months, and beleive me this was hardship with a capital 'H'.

Failaka Heritage Village and Failaka Island in May 2004

Over the following pages you will follow the tials and tribulation experienced by myself, Denise and our management and staff. This website is a tribute to all of them, as it is to all at Masharee Al Khair.

Without the participation of everyone, Failaka Heritage Village would still have been a dream....we have all made that dream come true by creating a Heritage Village that is not only unique to Kuwait but to the Gulf region as a whole.

Join us in the next few chapters in building Failaka Heritage Village....................