Oil & Gas Conference for CIS countries: Niki Cutts - my Dubai experience

Attending an oil and gas conference for CIS countries in Dubai, I had a great experience. When I initially visited Dubai in 2011 on a business trip, I thought it would be like Vegas, a place I have always avoided - a fake city. But Dubai is an international place where the sun beats down on you and the buildings are tall and shiny, quite mesmerising for someone who lives in one of Europe's cities know for it's beautiful historical buildings, Prague.

Despite hundreds of delegates attended the conference, there were only 10 women. This was a disappointment, so few women working in senior positions in the oil & gas sector.

My photos reflect that I spent my time with great people; some of these have since become my friends. I have also learnt that I may have won a new contract from a delegate who attended the conference, so I am happy with the relatively large investment I made in the conference.

My granddad used to tell me: look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. But sometimes, one has to take the plunge - invest in conferences, business trip and new business ideas to advance. Hopefully, I will see new money in the company's bank account due to this trip!

Niki Cutts is the Managing Director of CastleWard