The View Today

There was rain in the desert today. But not here in Dubai - or at least not in our part of town. But Abu Dhabi obviously had some serious rainfall and to be honest: I was hoping it might rain here too. But it didn't. And while I do not like dark, cold rain, I do love me some rain in warm temperatures. Maybe another time. 

The temperatures are in the meantime creeping up the scale of the thermometer and we are nearing the critical line of 40 degrees Celsius during day time. 

But back to the rain - so even if it didn't rain right in front of our door, the air was nonetheless much clearer than for many weeks now. As a matter of fact, the last time I could see so clear and far into the horizon must have been shortly after we moved here.  And so I have some pictures and videos I want to share with you in the hope that these will do the scenery some justice. The morning started dramatic, with strong winds and a rainy grey-scale.

The early afternoon then graced us with bright blues and a rare view on the shipping port. Actually, one could see the huge tankers coming in from afar today but my camera, the quality of the Zoom made it a fruitless task to try and capture them as they were far out on the horizon. 

And now, in the very early evening, the drama was back on again with sun beams, clouds, scales of grey and blue, shadows and still a gorgeous view on the shipping port as well as lovely contrast out towards the Palm Jumeirah. 

Ramadan Kareem!

"Ramadan Kareem': Blessed Ramadan is on everybody's lips these days and like every festive season, it brings a joyful flair with it. 

The moon- sighting committee of the UAE had gathered on Monday evening to sight the crescent moon and determine the exact beginning of Ramadan. It was announced that the holy month of fasting was to begin today, Tuesday. But Ramadan has been in the air already the last week. Lamps, crescent moons and green plants have been put out as decoration, the offering of Iftar buffets in restaurants don't know any limit, regulations and does and don'ts have been communicated at least for a week, opening times for authorities and school schedules are adjusted from today on. 

I enjoy thoroughly being guest in a country and have the roles changed: now I am in the minority and get to experience Ramadan in a society in which it is the norm. So I keenly look for any opportunity to wish "Ramadan Kareem", just as I like to wish and hear "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter" when I am celebrating these holidays. 

There are by the way nine catholic churches in Dubai with the oldest being established in 1967 (I am catholic, albeit not practicing). Other religions that are being practiced here In Dubai with their own places of worship are Hinduism (by far the biggest religious group after Muslims), Sikhism, Buddhism and even Judaism with a synagogue in Dubai.