The new King Francis I of France 
Many people enjoy looking into the future, learning about artificial intelligence and the technologies that will shape our future.
I sometimes do that, but although I have spent part of my career working on digital projects before it went mainstream, oddly, the older I get, the more interested I become in looking at the past.
I have always been interested in contemporary history. The 20th century has a wealth of characters and stories to learn from.
The way I look at history is influenced by my liking a certain type of man with a certain mentality. The Kennedy’s, both John and Robert, and Malcolm X have always seemed more interesting to me than Stalin or Lenin.
But in recent years, I have developed a growing interest in the European Renaissance, probably connected to my living in Dubai and my interest in Saudi Arabia.
The Renaissance was an exciting time for the countries we now know as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Interestingly, I see many similarities between that era and what we are experiencing in the Gulf today.
Just like during the Renaissance, we have merchant cities along the coast, foreign visitors from distant lands, thriving trade, wealth, flourishing arts, and family businesses.
The European Renaissance was an exciting time for the countries we now know as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Interestingly, I see many similarities between that era and what we are experiencing in the Gulf today.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit some of those cities such as Florence, Sienna, and Genoa. It was fascinating to imagine that what I experience in Dubai today is not unlike what Florence felt like during the 16th century. I find it exciting to think that I live in a modern-day version of Florence.
In this perception of reality, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the new King Francis I of France. Interestingly, they look alike.
It is no secret that the French have a complex relationship with monarchy, but Francis I is actually the favorite king of the French people. He brought innovation, top artists, and skilled craftsmen to France, ushering in an era of progress and prosperity, which is why the French people hold him in such high regard to this day. His name is synonymous with elegance and douceur de vivre.
It is exciting to look at reality that way. It is like a metaverse, only based on your intellectual ability to reconsider reality from a different perspective.
In the era of 24/7 news channels, I see my perspective as some form of inner intellectual resistance. Following the news, yes; buying into the instant analysis lacking long-term historical perspective, no.
If anything, it is exciting to remember that we live in the same era as people who will keep historians talking 300 years, 600 years from now.
I always think those historians will be much kinder to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman than the reporters of today. I think they will recognize his bravery and determination.
I wonder if the crown prince sometimes thinks about being a historical character, and if so, if it affects his behavior.
Surely, I wish this long-term perspective was considered more in the never-ending flow of news.
• Nadine Laubacher is a French independent business and communication consultant, and an expert in tourism, media, and culture.
