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DKL in Abu Dhabi: Building Connections Beyond Remote Work

Since May 4th, 2026, a group of DKLonians has been working on-site in Abu Dhabi as part of a large-scale international project. The experience has brought the team together in a collaborative environment beyond the usual remote setup. It is a chance to share everyday experiences, strengthen relationships, and build trust by working side by side on the ground.

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DKL Team
May 21st, 2026

    Human side: from remote colleagues to everyday teammates

    For a company like ours, used to distributed collaboration, spending time together in person has had a remarkable impact on team dynamics. Sharing time and routines has created opportunities for stronger personal connections that are difficult to replicate remotely.

    After the first on-site deployment led by Matías, Hian, Elías, and Joel, this marks the team’s second return to the field. The group on the ground currently includes Matías, Hian, Joel, Miguel Ángel, Jesús, Alfredo, and Claudia. Together, they have created a close-knit environment where collaboration flows naturally both at work and outside. Luiso is preparing to join soon, expanding the on-site team from 7 to 8 people! What a crew!

    Living and working in Abu Dhabi has also offered the team an enriching cultural experience, that broads everyone's perspective.

    From left to right: Jesús, Miguel Ángel, Claudia and Alfredo at the Royal Palace / © Hian Cañizares // [Qasr Al Watan, known as the “Palace of the Nation,” is Abu Dhabi’s stunning presidential palace. It serves as both a government headquarters and a cultural landmark, renowned for its magnificent architecture, lavish marble-and-gold interiors, grand library, and spectacular nightly light show.]
    From left to right: Jesús, Miguel Ángel, Claudia and Alfredo at the Royal Palace / © Hian Cañizares // [Qasr Al Watan, known as the “Palace of the Nation,” is Abu Dhabi’s stunning presidential palace. It serves as both a government headquarters and a cultural landmark, renowned for its magnificent architecture, lavish marble-and-gold interiors, grand library, and spectacular nightly light show.]
    In the foreground, from left to right: Alfredo, Claudia, Miguel Ángel, Jesús, and Hian; in the background: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / © Hian's left arm // [The Sheikh Zayed Mosque was named in honor of the first president of the United Arab Emirates. Built between 1996 and 2007, it is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It features four 104-meter-high minarets, and its largest dome reaches a height of 85 meters.]
    In the foreground, from left to right: Alfredo, Claudia, Miguel Ángel, Jesús, and Hian; in the background: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / © Hian's left arm // [The Sheikh Zayed Mosque was named in honor of the first president of the United Arab Emirates. Built between 1996 and 2007, it is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It features four 104-meter-high minarets, and its largest dome reaches a height of 85 meters.]

    While the work itself is demanding, the experience comes with exceptional conditions that make the stay even more memorable — including accommodations that could easily rival a luxury getaway ;)

    From right to left: Hian, Miguel Ángel, Claudia, Jesús and Alfredo enjoying themselves by the swimming pool / © Hian's left arm
    From right to left: Hian, Miguel Ángel, Claudia, Jesús and Alfredo enjoying themselves by the swimming pool / © Hian's left arm
    From left to right: Kind of deconstructed version of Hian, Alfredo, Jesús, Miguel Ángel, and Claudia gathered in the lobby of the 'Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers' hotel / © Claudia Gómez // The fragmented reflections and layered geometry feel almost symbolic of our fully remote team: individuals working from different places and perspectives, coming together in person to create something whole
    From left to right: Kind of deconstructed version of Hian, Alfredo, Jesús, Miguel Ángel, and Claudia gathered in the lobby of the 'Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers' hotel / © Claudia Gómez // The fragmented reflections and layered geometry feel almost symbolic of our fully remote team: individuals working from different places and perspectives, coming together in person to create something whole

    Professional growth in a global environment

    Working on-site has accelerated collaboration and decision-making, allowing the team to operate with greater alignment. Being immersed in a fast-paced international environment has also provided valuable exposure to new ways of working, cross-cultural communication, and large-scale operational challenges.

    Can they look more professional and smart? No way! :) From left to right in the foreground, with the big bosses attitude: Miguel Ángel and Claudia; in the background: Jesús, Hian, Alfredo, and Joel. For some SOs, seeing them in blazers and/or suits has been a dream come true :)
    Can they look more professional and smart? No way! :) From left to right in the foreground, with the big bosses attitude: Miguel Ángel and Claudia; in the background: Jesús, Hian, Alfredo, and Joel. For some SOs, seeing them in blazers and/or suits has been a dream come true :)

    Beyond technical delivery, the experience has reinforced something essential at DKL:

    Strong teams are built not only through processes and tools, but also through shared experiences, trust, and human connection

    As the Abu Dhabi team continues to grow, the assignment is already becoming one of the most enriching and memorable experiences for everyone involved, with spirits high, teamwork stronger than ever, and nobody going mad… except perhaps for an occasional cheerful Jack Nicholson :)

    The cheerful version of Jack Nicholson, impersonated by Hian / @ Claudia Gómez
    The cheerful version of Jack Nicholson, impersonated by Hian / @ Claudia Gómez