It was an experience of a lifetime and one those fortunate enough to have been a part of will store in their memories, for a long time to come. It was also an insight meeting and of fraternity with a great man of achievement-UAE President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Zabeel Palace recently.

For media professionals representing news agencies and publications from many Western and Arab countries the invitation to meet the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a great story.

The invitation to meet him and have lunch at the Zabeel Palace was very exciting. I have travelled to Dubai many times, as my sister and her family lives there. I have seen posters of His Highness before but to meet him and shake hands with him was like a dream coming true.

We set off from Abu Dhabi early morning (24th Nov. 2009) and all were attired in very formal styles. Men in suits and women only a few in the delegation, all elegantly dressed to meet this great ruler who has made Dubai a vibrant city through the prism- of trade, tourism, culture and real estate.

We set off in plush air-conditioned buses as the delegation was too large. A small sign stationed off one of Dubai’s whirling traffic roundabout led us to the Palace where there were no gates, no fences and nothing visible to designate this Palace was anything special.

We know at the residence of any PM’s or President’s or high ranking government officers there are a plethora of armed personnel with guns and walkie talkies. Can any of us go into any of these residences?. Not at all, Here At this Palace there was no tough security and body searches, No stringent rules where no mobile phones or bags in our hands can be taken in.

At the Palace of Sheikh Mohamed there are no checks at all. Only warning we were given was "don’t take pictures of the outside of the palace But inside you can take plenty."

With palm tress and lush avenues of grass along the long driveway to the Palace, we were received by a group of personnel all in their national attire.

Although Sheikh Mohamed is one of the world’s most dynamic leaders and the wealthiest individual there were no barriers or hard and fast rules when entering the Palace vicinity. We were told anyone can enter the driveway for a closer look. Peacocks stroll on the –grass lawns and sparkling fountains were visible in the courtyard beyond the archway. A few armed guards were in the distance but they did not question the curious!

Inside the Palace’s sprawling sitting room we sat on either side both men and women together, no segregation, as there were only five or six women. Wow! was the silence expression of most of us when we walked in.

Beautiful flowers and floral arrangements adorned the sitting rooms. Huge crystal chandeliers were lit up, reflecting the feeling of a beautiful fairy tale, crystal ornaments and vases dotted the areas where we all sat. The fragrance of fresh red roses and perfumes wafted in the air. Arabic coffee was served in gold pots. All of us were given an opportunity to shake hands with Sheikh Mohamed in an orderly manner, while photographers clicked away and video cameras rolled. There was air of easiness and we were able to mingle inside the Palace very freely.

In a tete tete with him he told the media to go out and explore the country and find out first hand the state of development of the country and the economy. He sat on a long settee surrounded by tasteful floral décor. He was warm and hospitable and mingled freely with the press. This is normal practic, he is a very friendly person said one of the presidential aide.

Later we were invited for banquet which most of described as manna from heaven.

There were many chefs in white uniforms who were serving many varieties of food, like huge prawns, lobsters, camel meat, lamb, mutton served in gold plated plates with gold spoons to match the entire ambience. Desserts were many but some of could not eat all because the variety was plenty.

A group photo was taken with Sheikh Mohamed taking the centre stage. When he stood next to me it was a great honour, I told him. Your Highness I am from Sri Lanka. He promptly, replied "I am from Dubai" he said with a broad smile.

After the photo session we boarded into the buses for the journey back to Abu Dhabi.

All of us I am sure will recount vivid memories of the great leader Sheik Mohamed and the beautiful Palace for a long, long time.