Pictures of the Motion Variety

Ahlan wa sahlan! (In Arabic, this greeting literally translates to: "You're like my family, so take it easy!") I've got a bit of free time this morning in between classes and laundry so I thought I'd upload a couple videos I've taken that show two very different sides of the UAE. 

The first clip shown below is from a nighttime excursion to the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping center in the world), which is conveniently located next to the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world). Outside of the mall and the Burj lies a 30-acre manmade lake, and in the center of this lake lies one of the coolest water/light/sound shows I've ever seen: The Dubai Fountain. Here's some more background on this impressive display, courtesy of Wikipedia...

It was designed by WET Design, the California-based company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 feet into the air accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. It was built at a cost of AED 800 million (USD 218 million)."

The next clip shows an entirely different side of this multifaceted country. To live in the UAE is to witness a remarkable study in contrasts. Restrictive social policy butts heads with free market capitalism. Futuristic skyscrapers and tourist attractions are juxtaposed against sand dunes and nomadic heritage. Native Emiratis mingle with a host of international expats. Yet somehow, in the midst of this cultural potpourri, there is harmony. It really is a beautiful thing. In the short clip below, taken while "dune bashing" in the Sharjah desert, you'll be able to see a first-person view of a local recreational activity as well as a glimpse of what the UAE used to look like before the oil money started flowing in. Enjoy!

 ~MH