Web Analytics Made Easy -
StatCounter

    Glimpses of the United Arab Emirates

    Temple, Abu Dhabi
    Temple, Abu Dhabi

    In December 1971, seven independent sheikhdom's in the southeastern most tip of the Persian Gulf were brought together into the new country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The festival celebrating this event was ongoing during our visit in February 2015.  We're pleased to have been part of it.

    We were in country as part of a photo expedition team, so we didn't get a chance to assess the country for roving.  But we can tell you it's worth a quick trip to snag some photos and grasp a quick sense of whether it's worth a longer visit.

    Abu Dhabi Skyscrapers
    Abu Dhabi Skyscrapers

    Take a ride aboard an elevator to the top of the tallest building in the world in Dubai. Or check out a skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, and you'll see two glistening, modern cities springing up out of the desert where tribes fought over territory only a few decades earlier.

    The police drive around in Mercedes and Lamborginis. Photo-radar cameras abound. Some of the wealthy engage in an unofficial, unspoken contest: get as many speeding tickets as possible to see who can get the highest fines — and then go to court to see if they can get their case dismissed!

    UAE-Light Painting in the desert @ night
    UAE-Light Painting in the desert @ night

    New, clean, bright, shiny and modern abounds here. The waters are azure and the beaches lilly white. And there’s sand – lot’s of it – as far as the eye can see, uniformly tan in color.

    Emerati’s are proud of their country and culture. They’re welcoming. And they want to share their thoughts and feelings about it with the west. They want others to know they are pleased and eager to be among the nations of the world contributing to the global throng of progress. And — they're anxious for westerners to understand they DO NOT agree with nor are they representative of or connected to the Jihadist terrorists.

    UAE-Skyline
    UAE-Skyline

    Having said that, snapping photo’s in the UAE is a bit of a challenge. There’s rules about what one can and cannot do around the iconic mosques and the peoples of this culture because their religious beliefs.  And not all residents are eager to pose for pix as most are in the Far East.  Remember to ask permission before you flick pix!

    UAE-Light Painting in the desert
    UAE-Light Painting in the desert

    In fact, there’s a difference between Emerati’s and residents. Emerati’s are because they IS. They are born into their status as descendants of the founding families. All the rest — immigrants — Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalize, and mixtures of those born here are simply residents. They can never be Emerati’s.

    We had a grand time in this country. From the mosques, nights out in the desert sleeping under the stars, watching the camel races (a hoot!), light painting in the desert and more, the UAE is certainly an interesting place.

    UAE: Camels
    UAE: Camels

    Traveler Security Alert!

    As of March 25, 2017, travelers to the United States from Abu Dhabi International Airport cannot carry electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone in airplane cabins.  Laptops, tablets, cameras and e-readers must be put in checked baggage. This ban does not affect flights leaving from the US towards Abu Dhabi.

    When we get a chance, we'll put up a slide show of pix from this place on this page.  We think you'll enjoy them.

    Tom, for RoverTreks

    UAE-Light Painting in the night desert-"Force Lightning"
    UAE-Light Painting in the night desert-“Force Lightning”
    Tom @ RoverTreks
    Tom @ RoverTrekshttp://tomtalleur.com
    Writer, futurist, and NASA Advanced Technology Programs Executive (ret.), Tom Talleur connects the past, present and future to inspire audiences and action. His writings and commentary in print, radio and television media span an array of topics, including technology security, history, culture, space, travel, public policy, law, and the future. Media appearances span television, radio, and dozens of print and online publications over the past 25 years. See TomTalleur.com for more information.

    Related Stories

    spot_img

    Discover

    Why Now Is The Ideal Time Go go To...

    Update July 2020: We no longer recommend Thailand as a long-stay destination. See our...

    Shopping In Thailand: Malls as modern as you’ll...

    Update July 2020: We no longer recommend Thailand as a long-stay destination. See our...

    The Motorbike Reigns In Southeast Asia!

    Motorbikes reign in Thailand and throughout South East Asia!  And yes, that's not surprising....

    Sneak peek: hot new seafood buffet in Chiang Mai,...

    Sneak peek: hot new seafood buffet in Chiang Mai — and not a tourist in...

    Laos — Our Trip To The “Pussy” Market

    Laos.  Ok.  A somewhat lighthearted and funny story to share with you. So we arrive...

    Cambodia — 3 Great Reasons To Go There

    Cambodia. The mere utterance of the name conjures up images of a grim, war-torn,...

    Popular Categories

    Comments

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here


    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    You cannot copy content of this page

    TwitCount Button