Desert Days, Big Plays: Kaleidoscope Heads to the UAE
- Paton Raman
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
If you’ve spent more than five minutes on my Instagram, you’ll know this: I love travel.
Not the bucket list kind — the kind where you settle in, feel a place, get to know its pace, its people, and its energy. That’s why I’ve set myself a goal: 40 countries before 40.
And this year, I’m putting that passport to serious use — with a few surprises along the way. What started as a loose idea to work remotely from Asia for a few months took a turn at our Kaleidoscope retreat. Over coffee and sea air, while chatting about life design and big goals, both Angé and Betty said (at the exact same time):
"Why Asia? Why not the UAE? ”
It hadn’t even crossed my mind. But the more we unpacked it, the more it made sense. We already work with great clients in the region. It’s a hub for innovation, healthcare, design, and bold thinking. And most importantly, it aligns with how we actually work — flexible, mobile, intentional.
So here we are.
From September to December, I’ll be based between Dubai and Abu Dhabi — deepening client work, exploring new opportunities, and soaking in everything the UAE has to offer.
Why this trip matters (beyond the travel goals)
At Kaleidoscope, we’re obsessed with building systems and services that actually work for people — not just org charts and KPIs. So this trip isn’t just a lifestyle move. It’s a live experiment in the flexibility we believe in.
Whether it’s helping build organisations that work better, shifting culture through small, intentional moves, getting products like Ultrasound into the hands of the right people, or offering clear, creative thinking through the Brandhouse — this is where I do my best work.
(Side note: If you haven’t come across Ultrasound yet — our intelligent theatre booking system that’s revolutionising how day hospitals run — you will soon. It’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting parts of our work.)
Why Dubai?
The opportunity is big.
The appetite for fresh thinking? Even bigger.
One thing that’s already stood out is the gap between the pricing and delivery models of many traditional consultancies in the region. We’re bringing the same level of strategic rigour, creative sharpness, and delivery excellence — just with a distinctly Kaleidoscope edge.
Human-centred. Agile. Built for impact, not for PowerPoint.
We’re not here to undercut on cost.
We’re here to deliver real value, globally.
Let’s connect
The calendar’s already filling up with brand sprints, discovery sessions, and strategy work — but I’m always up for great coffee, some Dubai chocolate, and even better conversation. If you’re in the UAE (or heading that way), let’s meet.
Whether you’re curious about collaborating, exploring new models of work, or just want to connect — reach out. Let’s make something remarkable in the desert.
See you in the sand,
Paton
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