This
was not my first encounter with the Middle East. Granted, a little deeper than
“middle”.
The first time was a refueling stop in
Sharjah
on
my return flight from Thailand some years ago. That time, walking the Sharjah airport
deep at night (at 1 am), I was shocked seeing all the jewelry shops open – for
just a few transit passengers. Gold and smiles everywhere !
Some time later, upon
an invitation to examine a PhD thesis at the University of UAE in Al Ain, I landed in Dubai to be impressed even more. At the edge of a desert - more gold and
affluence to the max that, unfortunately, I did not have much time to examine.
● AL AIN
The University limousine was waiting for me at the Dubai airport and whisked me those deserty 150km to Al Ain, an inland city. A former major oasis at the foot of rugged mountains – the springs still there.
●
United Arab Emirates University
is the first and oldest of the three government-sponsored institutions of higher
learning in the UAE.
At the College of Engineering, I admired advanced lab
equipment as well as the type of research conducted. 
To my surprise, it appeared that Engineering studies
there are populated by women, whereby men tend to major in business education - surely learning more than only how to sell oil and to buy and sell gold. No women in business.
For women undergraduate studies there is a separate Women Campus in Al Ain.
●
Rich DUBAI
Dubai is certainly a "phenomenon" of our age. Although I may have my opinions on its longer-term sustainability. In contrast to its insane opulence, the place is not even capable of handling its own sewage ! When we dispose of the insincere 'political correctness', appropriate for Dubai perhaps is the label of utter irresponsibility and self-centered disregard for sustainability. Built on the foundations that rip off the earth's riches it contributes so little towards well-being of the mankind. To the contrary, slave-labor conditions of immigrant workforce in Dubai cannot escape attention.
Is it really necessary to own a gold-plated Lamborghini with a cheetah ?
For a rather arrogant show off - just like all the gold in the jewelry shops. Oh, that vain and greedy human race ! Leaves one wondering if we really could be all that proud of ourselves ?
However, I have not had the pleasure of spending much time in Dubai. It certainly is worth expanding on a bit more. But even this little exposure made me reflect and think a good deal.
It naturally offers a comparison with Singapore's growth to riches - on quite a different basis though. Simply "different people" in Dubai and I could add - apparently not 'better'.
And WHY is Dubai so rich ? The following 'borrowed' video tries to explain Dubai riches in mere 2-and-half minutes. Just be prepared for "the largest" and "billions" - but all considered, these statistics may not mean all that much and certainly don't tell the whole story :
And what do they eat in the UAE ?
● Emirati cuisine is a blend of many Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.
The modern diet of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is cosmopolitan, featuring dishes from around the world. A lot of people confuse Levantine food as being Emirati/Khaleej, but shawarma, hummous, tabbouleh, and mixed grill, whilst having similar characteristics, are fairly recent additions and do not do justice to the "soul food" that makes up the Emirati menu.
Seafood has been the mainstay of the Emirati diet for centuries. The UAE cuisine is a reflection of a great Arabian heritage and vast exposure to civilizations over time.
Muslims are prohibited from eating pork, so it is not included in Arab menus. Meat, fish, and rice are the staple foods of the Emirati cuisine. Lamb and mutton are the more favored meats, then goat and beef. An Emirati specialty is camel meat.
Hotels frequently have pork substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labeled as such.
Popular beverages are coffee and tea, which can be supplemented with cardamom, saffron, or mint to give it a distinct flavor.
Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah).
All nightclubs and golf clubs are permitted to sell alcohol. Specific supermarkets may sell pork, but are sold in separate sections.
Dishes forming part of the Emirati cuisine include:
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