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An Amazing Week in the Desert I spent a week in Abu Dhabi and was mesmerized by everything I saw and experienced: the frenetic growth, the oppressive heat, the kindness of the locals. Being in a Muslim and multi-ethic country was a fascinating experience and I soaked it in. The people I worked with were incredibly kind, which wasn't surprising because Emiratis, and Arabs in general, consider guests with high esteem and treat visitors with a great deal of honor and respect.
At the end of the week, Colin, a British colleague in Otak's Abu Dhabi office, was kind enough to drive us around for several hours so we could get a better feel for the area. The city of Abu Dhabi sits at the end of a flat, sandy island many miles long, but Colin drove us over to the mainland, with its large expanses of sand and desert, dotted with settlements and occasional resorts. This remote area was a world away from the high-rises and fast paced lifestyle of Abu Dhabi. Many of the sweeping expanses of empty desert here, though, would soon be developed, as well.
Gazing at the endless miles of sand on the mainland, it was hard for me to imagine that much of it would soon be filled with communities, golf courses, and swimming pools. But I suppose they said the same thing about Abu Dhabi 50 years ago and look what happened there.
It was a fascinating visit and Abu Dhabi was unlike any place I've ever been. I wouldn't want to live in Abu Dhabi because it's just too different, but I was grateful for the time I had here. It had been an incredible week. But now it was time to head back to Portland.
For the conclusion of this story (and to see if the world really IS round), please see my next entry: July 6, 2008: Around the World in Eight Days (Part 2: Abu Dhabi to Portland)
Above left: Easy riders during Colin's tour of Abu Dhabi. That yellowish-brown haze, from sand storms, is both ubiquitous and constant. It never goes away, and there are no clear days in the Middle East. Above center: The freeways in the U.A.E. are ultra-modern, even more impressive than in the U.S. Above right: Believe it or not, this endless expanse of desert is the future site of Khalifa City with a projected population of well over 100,000 residents.
Above left: I took this shot while strolling along the Corniche on Friday afternoon and sweating like a pig in the 100-degree weather. Weekends in the U.A.E. and in most of the Muslim world are on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is the first day of work. Above right: I was the only Caucasian walking around and, with my SLR camera, I got lots of curious smiles. This sedate fellow pulled at my shirt and insisted on having his picture taken with me. I guess I'm a star, just like Paris Hilton – but with a sweaty shirt and no Chihuahua.
Above left: Most signs here are in both Arabic and English. Unlike English, Arabic is read from right-to-left. Therefore, this sign actually says, "Pots." Above center: According to the Arabic caption, Clint Eastwood is saying, "Go ahead punk, make my day." Above right: So long, Abu Dhabi. I hope to see you again someday!
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