Magic Stone Update

The appeal has been heard and a decision handed down.

The government was not able to test the veracity of the gem dealers claims because "because they lacked proper scientific methods or equipment to test whether the onyx stone was bulletproof or to decide its real value. Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre did not have the necessary equipment to carry out the mission."

I think all they really had to do was call Mythbusters and set them to work. The court reduced the gem dealers sentence from 6 months to 3 months. And deportation, of course. This was probably very close to time served already but his lawyer is not satisfied. He wants a full acquittal.

"We will appeal yesterday's verdict before the Cassation Court... I am seeking my client's innocence and not a reduced term. My client has pleaded not guilty since the beginning," Q.M.'s lawyer Saeed Al Ghailani, of Saeed Al Ghailani Advocates and Legal Consultants, told Gulf News on Monday.

Head Count

Saudi Arabia performed 9 executions in May bringing their year to date total to 62. Most of the executed were convicted murderers.

National Identity

The blog Experiencing the Emirates has a summary of news articles concerning National Identity. Here is the link.

Obviously, this issue is of great concern to someone. IMHO, the actions of the Emirates government are shaping the National Identity. You can't make mega construction projects that require large labor forces a national priority and then complain that expats are diluting the Emirati population. You can't claim to embrace openness to all cultures, open your doors to thousands of foreigners and then complain that Arabic is not being spoken enough or that Muslim values are being diluted. You can't promote an Emirati Identity if the only people tourists interact with are outsiders that you hire because you don't want to do the work.

British Birdman Completes BASE Jump from Burj Dubai

A British man has made a BASE Jump from the Burj Dubai to set a new world record. See the story here. Unfortunately, he now faces a year in jail and a fine of about $1400 for "illegal entry".

Some people will do anything to avoid the Salik tols.

Garbage in Dubai

The National ran an article about waste. Dubai produced 27 million tonnes of waste in 2007. This was from a population of 1.5 million people. If you do the math, the per capita production of waste in Dubai in 2007 was a little over 20 tons per person. The average per capita waste production in the USA is a little less than 1 ton per person.

You can argue that much of this waste is generated by the hotel and tourism industry as well as all the massive construction projects. But you can’t escape the fact the Dubai, for all its glitz and glamour, generates one hell of a lot of trash.

Dubai likes to brag about their “green” buildings. But you cannot escape the fact that living in the desert and building such unlikely venues as indoor ski slopes and mega mega shopping malls, requires a lot of energy and generates a lot of waste.

For the record, I’m not a believer in the Cult of Global Warming and I think Carbon Footprints are load of BS, but even I can see that Dubai needs to do something to clean up its act. If the Sheikh put the effort into waste disposal that he puts into building monuments to hubris, Dubai could become a world leader in recycling and waste disposal.

This could offset the perception that Emiratis are a rich, spoiled, wasteful and lazy people who have no concern for the welfare of those outside their tribe.

UAE National Identity

I've noticed a great deal of discussion in the press lately about a UAE National Identity. What puzzles me is that in all the rhetoric on that topic, I haven't seen anything describing what the UAE wants that identity to be. Two issues always surface: language and expats. Leaders are chagrined that Arabic is not spoken more often and blame the hoards of foreign workers for dilution of the culture. Finally, there has been absolutely no assessment of the current perception of the UAE by the rest of the world and how that differs from the identity the UAE wants to promote.

If you want to take the journey of developing a National Identity, it seems to me that you first have to determine the current status of that Identity and then define what needs to be changed to meet your ideal. That will require that leaders hear some rather unpleasant criticism, something the Arab culture is not good at giving or receiving.

Head Count

Saudi Arabia executed 16 people in April bringing their year to date total to 53. Ten of those executed were convicted for drugs, 4 for murder and 2 for rape.

The case of Mohammud Kohail, the Canadian convicted of murder during a school ground fight is still working through the appeals process amid international political pressure.

Another Dead Canary

SeaBee posts about a real estate project in trouble in Umm Al Quwain (another lesser Emirate). The project cannot get, you guessed it, electrical power, water and sewage. The government claims that providing those services is not their responsibility so Tameer, the developer, is putting the project "on hold". I don't know how it works in the real estate game, but in oilfield construction projects that phrase was the kiss of death that no project manager wanted to hear. I'm sure the investors feel the same way.

Methinks the bubble is looking a little thin right now. People who prepaid for these developments are losing their investment. It won't take long before concern for the stability of Emirates real estate investment is called into question and potential investors will dry up like spit in the Rub' al Khali. It will make the sub-prime crisis look like pocket change.

Big Mo is Watching You - Follow Up

I told you I'd follow up on the two women arrested on the beach for "sleeping like married couples". It seems they got one month jail followed by deportation.

Can't have any of that dangerous cuddling going on can we?

Heil Dubai

Dubai is cracking down on transvestites. They will be questioned and possibly arrested for "public indecency and behaving like a man or woman". In announcing the five day crackdown, the chief of police stressed the "danger" they pose to society. (Well, there was that little crime spree down in New Orleans a couple of years ago.)

PE suggests that Dubai capitalize on their population of transvestites by opening a tranvestite stage show or a restaurant where the wait staff is made up entirely of transvestites. Perhaps Dubai can become a destination for those seeking sex change operations. PE is also not sure how one differentiates between a transvestite, a dyke lesbian or a fashion model wearing a mans shirt and tie? Could a Scotsman in a kilt be considered a transvestite? What about a woman wearing pants (its considered a no-no by the more conservative Baptists, by the way).

The whole issue stikes me a little silly and xenophobic.

Harrasment in Any Culture....

Melanie, a relative newbie to the Emirates, tells of an interesting intercultural experience of a semi-sexual nature. I didn't know that solicitation by mothers was part of the culture.

Big Mo is Watching You!

In the first case of its kind to hit the Dubai Court of Misdemeanors, two women were charged with indecent behavior at a public beach. Said behavior included kissing, cuddling and "sleeping like married couples." (I wonder if that included snoring and flatulence) The ladies are currently out on bail pending a judgment. I'll keep you posted on this serious offence as the case unfolds.

In other news, you'll be glad to know its OK to carpool and help reduce traffic, providing you first get permission from the RTA, list your passengers, make sure they have a background check done and keep to a 4 passenger limit. After all, we can't have serial carpoolers running amok.

And in an update to the abandoned baby story, Abu Dhabi authorities are going to take a sample for DNA. It's not immediately clear who they are going to check the sample against. Or maybe they'll just take DNA samples from everyone. They could start with the carpoolers.

Suffer the Little Children....

A three week old baby was found abandoned in an Abu Dhabi park. Two hospitals refused this baby treatment and she was taken to a third.

The baby was taken to the Corniche hospital first and then to Al Mafraq hospital. After both hospitals refused to admit the baby to neonatal care, the child was taken to Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC).

What does it say about a culture that does not protect children?

Story is here.

Utility Problems

It seems that the lesser Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman are having public utiilty issues. It is taking as long as five years to get electricity, water and sewage connections to new construction projects There are some 30 high rise apartment buildings in Sharjah and Ajman that are unoccupied because of it. The story is here.

The problem is not the result of slow bureaucracy but a reflection of municipal systems that do not have the capacity to keep up with the demands of the rapidly growing emirates. Ahmed Al Abdullah, CEO of New Dubai Property, which operates in Sharjah and Ajman, said population growth had made it difficult to resolve a current lack of capacity despite efforts to expand infrastructure in both emirates.

Some developers are thinking about building their own power plants. The promise that power is about to be provided is a commodity that increases the value of a property before anything is built.

This problem is the canary in the mineshaft giving warning about the runaway growth in the Emirates and failure of infrastucture to keep pace.

Divas Defer

Mariah Carey and Fergie have either cancelled or postponed their upcoming concert in Dubai, depending upon which news source you prefer. Gulf News' version is here. The stated reason is the logistics problems caused by the short time frame of a concert announced 10 days ago. The singers are, of course, "disappointed". However, a line in the Gulf News story makes me wonder if other factors might be in play. The promoters say that the "cancellation had nothing to do with the singers themselves".

Given that both divas have a penchant for diplaying their rather bodacious bosoms, I wonder if concerns about Emirati sensibilities were a factor.

Stuck

The UAE Community Blog is a site where UAE web diarists can post articles of interest. It's been stuck for more than a week now on one topic, probably because of blocking by the Telecommunications Regulation Authority. (The UAE can block anything they deem to be pornographic or critical of the government and its leaders)

The amusing thing that it is blocked on a story describing the pitifully small payout made to victims of the child camel jockey scandal.

My Introduction to Middle East Politics

I used to work for a major oil company. Before the oil bust in the mid 80's, we used to take engineers from other affiliates who came to work in the Gulf of Mexico as a training assignment. (Yes, those were the good ol' days when New Orleans and the GOM was the center of the offshore oil industry) One year we got a Saudi engineer from ARAMCO and I was appointed to act as his supervisor. During the welcome and familiarization discussion, I suggested that he may want to consult with one of our other engineers if he had any questions about New Orleans. This engineer happened to be Iranian. He immediately gave me the steely eye and said, "He is not Arab. He is Persian!" in a tone that made his feeling about Iranians in general very clear. That was my introduction to the politics of the middle east.

The Ongoing Saga of the Magic Stone

The 52 year old Yemeni gem merchant who was trying to sell the onyx with bullet deflecting properties has been released on bail pending his next scheduled court appearance on 12 May. There was no mention of any testing results. His lawyer wants the Dubai Courts to send the stone overseas for testing.

Note to Dubai Courts: You may want to rent the episode of Mythbusters where they tested the ability of a magnetic field to deflect a bullet.

Here's the story.

Fouad al Farhan Freed

The Saudi blogger imprisoned 137 days ago has been freed. Fouad, who was often critical of the Saudi leadership, was arrested on December 10, 2007 and held without any specific charges.

Bill Starbuck Comes to Riydah

Evidently not being content to leave things to the Will of Allah, the Saudis have been experimenting with cloud seeding in order to increase rainfall in The Kingdom and thereby increase water supplies. Some 11 aircraft are employed in the effort. Maybe they need to find a copy of The Rainmaker to see how Burt Lancaster did it.

Tomorrow it will rain, enshallah!

Floating Poetry

A Dutch company, Dutch Docklands, has been contracted to build a series of floating homes as part of the Jebel Ali Palm development. The twist is that the development will be formed into the shape of Arabic letters spelling out poetry written by Sheikh Mohammad. The development will form an inner ring inside the main breakwater of the Jebel Ali Palm.

What does the Sheikh have to say that's so important? The translated poetry follows:

Take wisdom from the wise.
It takes a man of vision to write on water.
Not everyone who rides a horse is a jockey.
Great men rise to greater challenges.

National Identity II

Shaikh Mohammad reviewed a study on UAE national identity prior to the beginning of the 2 day conference on the same subject. The study was done by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development. He had the following to say about it:

"The creative proposals need deployment of individual and collective efforts to be undertaken in a civilised, practical and scientific methods that could render it a successful model to be emulated locally and regionally as the first study of its kind," Shaikh Mohammad said.

I challenge anyone to find a better example of government double speak. Will someone please explain what this means?

A National Identity

Sheikh Mohammud is having a two-day conference on forming a national identity for the UAE. The problem is that that Dubai and the other Emirates have little history or identity outside of the one he created.

What is now the UAE was a sandy little crossroads known for its pearl trade. There was little else there to recommend it as a permanent settlement. If it wasn't for British protection, they probably would have been swallowed up by King Saud when he joined all the tribes to form Saudi Arabia.

Today they are known as an elegant, if artificial, oasis for tourism and business, builder of world wonders and architectural marvels. Unfortunately, they are also known as enslavers of children in the camel racing business and owners of Dubai Ports, the port operation deal soundly rejected by the people of the US. They also have an image as lazy, preferring to hire outside labor than get dirty themselves. 99 percent of private sector jobs are held by ex-pats. In a country that is hungry for labor, the unemployment rate among Emiratis is 13 per cent.

And they are invisible. A visitor to the Emitrates could spend his entire trip there and the only Emirati he may see in a working capacity is the passport control officer. (I'm not counting the ones at the shopping malls, of course)

Sheikh Mo has his work cut out for him. If he wants to develop a national identity, he will first have to change the welfare state he has created.

Business, and Freedom, in Dubai

Bloomberg has an excellent article on Dubai. Go here to read it. It reinforces my personal opinion that Dubai is a good place to make some money but you have to trade off some personal freedoms to do so. It then becomes a decision as to what those personal freedoms are worth to you.

More Magic Stone

I reported earlier that the Dubai courts had requested an expert to study the magic stone with bulletproof properties. The job was assigned to the police criminal laboratory. In a twist to the ongoing tale, the police lab claims not to have the equipment to test the stone. Therefore, the courts have turned the stone, an onyx that was marketed by a Yemeni gem dealer at 1,800,000,000 dirhams ($450,000,000), to the Dubai Metals and Commodity Center. The DMCC is not a scientific organization but a commodities exchange owned by the Dubai government. In any case, they are supposed to determine the stones value and issue a report by April 14.

Head Count

Saudi Arabia executed 7 people in March for a 1st Quarter total of 37. All 7 were convicted of murder.

UAE and Afghanistan

It seems the UAE has troops in Aghanistan. Who knew? While their mission is primarily humanitarian, they sometimes have to fight their way out of Taliban ambushes. That's combat in any language.

They got my respect and thanks.

Sharia, and You

There has been a conference in Abu Dhabi over the past few days discussing Sharia Law as a legal system. The conclusion of the conference that included 32 nations including the US, Australia and France, is that Sharia is equivalent to other legal systems.

Coincidentally, there is an article at the Middle East Media Research Institute web site that discusses Sharia law as it could be applied in Europe. It raised these differences to the law should Sharia be applied in Europe:

1) Permit polygamy for European Muslim citizens, and not punish them for it - [even though] this is considered criminal under European law;

2) Permit European Muslim citizens to beat their wives to discipline them, as the Koran urges;

3) Allow men to unilaterally decide to divorce without requiring any court proceedings, as this is a right guaranteed [to men] by shari'a;

4) Give daughters [only] half the inheritance rights that sons have, while widows receive only an eighth of the inheritance;

5) [Not] consider women's testimony the equal of men's in shari'a courts;

6) Deprive a divorced woman of custody of her children if she remarries;

7) Allow European Muslim citizens to marry in traditional marriages without the need to officially register these marriages;

8) Eliminate adoption, since it is contrary to shari'a;

9) Force a woman whose Muslim husband converts to another religion to divorce him, because he is an apostate;

10) Prevent European Muslim women from marrying non-Muslims

The article also listed the following three concerns regarding the effect of Sharia Law on human rights:

1) The concept of citizenship in Europe will change. There will be [different] classes of citizenship and of citizens, with some citizens being exempt from having the general law applied to them because they belong to a particular religion or belief. There will be a Muslim [class of] citizen, a Christian [class of] citizen, a Buddhist [class of] citizen, a Confucian [class of] citizen, and so on. Each will apply his own laws... Thus, faith will not be an individual freedom or belief; it will [come to] have extremely serious public ramifications.

2) If some or all of these laws were implemented and recognized by European legislative bodies, it would not only seriously damage human rights legislation - it would spell the end [of this legislation]. This is because everything I mentioned above is a negation of human rights principles.

3) Recognizing all, or [even] some, of these laws would take European societies back to the age before the Enlightenment and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a result, the West would revert to barbarism.

Magic Stone Followup

On 7 February, I introduced the gem dealer who was trying to sell a stone that gave the wearer protection from bullets. He claims to have tested its efficacy on a sheep. He was subsequently tried, found guilty of attempted swindling, and sentenced to 6 months. Now, in the appeals court, he has asked the court to appoint an expert to examine the stone and test it for its bullet proof powers. The court has done so. There is no indication as to who the expert is or his qualifications. Stay tuned as there is bound to be more to this saga.

On another note, it is a little disturbing that a country that could acknowledge even the legal possibility that a rock could hold magical properties is going to become the first Arab country to generate electricity with nuclear power.

Harbingers

Back on 18 February I posted a story about DEWA (Dubai Electric and Water Authority) raising rates on non-Emiratis in an effort at conservation. Today, DEWA is requesting all residents to conserve water. They say that Dubai uses 136 gallons of water per person per day, one of the highest consumption rates in the world. They advocate short showers ("You don't need to take a 20 minute shower") but they haven't gone so far as to suggest you share a shower with a friend.

I've predicted before that the infrastucture is being strained beyond its capacity. Combine that with poor construction quality and you have a city on the verge of collapse. It will happen slowly. It will start with minor inconveniences and progress to brownouts and rationing. It's time for the sheikh to get some real planning started.

Tolerant Islam II

The Shoura is what passes as the legislative body in Saudi Arabia. It's members advise the King. They are also appointed by the King, so any resemblance to a Democracy is purely accidental. It recently voted to reject a resolution stating in part:

“the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall work in coordination with Arab and Islamic groups and others at the United Nations to draft an international pact for respecting religions, their symbols and leaders, and prohibit insulting them in any way.”

The objection to this resolution was that it would require the recognition of religions that practiced idolatry (such as Bhuddism and Bahai) and this was forbidden under Islam. The vote was 77 to 33.

In other news, 20 clerics have supported the recent fatwa by Shaikh Abdul Rahman Al Barrak calling for the trial of Saudi newspaper columnist for apostasy. Apostasy is punishable by death.

Happy Mawlid!

Somehow that just doesn't have a "ring" to it. And greeting friends with "Eid al Mawlid al Nabi" seems a little cumbersome. But today is the birthday of the Prophet (PBUH) which is probably one of the reasons Osama (NOT Obama!) came out of his cave and issued his statement.

UAE Declares War on Denmark

Well, not quite, but theUAE Foreign Affairs Minister Anwar Mohammad Gargash has sent a strong memo to the Danish Ambassador decrying the re-publishing of the infamous Mohammad cartoons (or Motoons). It said in part,

''The UAE has been keen in bolstering and maintaining its relations with countries around the world, including Denmark, because the UAE respects religious freedom and tolerance among people all over the world,''

BUT (isn't there always a BUT?)

''It condemns the unwise stand of the Danish government in not preventing the reprinting of the cartoons, defaming Islam and the Prophet Mohammad..... This will definitely cast a shadow on bilateral relations between the two countries,''

And in a closing that seems to contradict the opening statement,

The UAE refuses to accept the use of press freedom as a cover for defaming ''our religion and Prophet''

They feel that just because the UAE has a tame press that every country should be able to do the same. They somehow cannot grasp the concept of the 1st Amendment and that it applies to stuff you don't like as well as the stuff you do.

Some grocery stores in the UAE have already started to pull Danish products from their shelves. I doubt that a boycott of Danish milk and cheese will have a large impact on the Danes. But just to make sure, eat a Danish Pastry today in honor of our Danish friends.

Freedom of Speech in the UAE

A local gossip rag, 7 Days, had the following story about the internet block put on the blog Secret Dubai Diary. At least he isn't in jail.

"Secret Dubai Diary, one of the emirate's most popular blogs, has been shut down in a move that has upset the many thousands of its readers. The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has decided to block secretdubai.blogspot.com, calling it, “a web site for slander, defamation and vilification against Dubai”.

The same site was blocked in 2005 for similar reasons. However, since laws to block web sites were not concrete then, the site was eventually unblocked. This time, the TRA says the content was more offensive.

TRA spokesman Rasheed Joumblatt told 7DAYS: “Many people contacted the TRA complaining about the offensive language and the lies that had been spread on the site, 'mutilating' their beautiful city and twisting facts to dishonour the development and progress of the city…“The TRA browsed the web site and found that it is a site for slander, defamation and vilification against the city of Dubai… and UAE individuals and personalities.”

However, one expat who regularly read the site said he was disappointed to see it had been blocked. He said: “It offered a nice irreverent look at life in the UAE. I do not believe it was slanderous or anti-Dubai. It was just people speaking their mind and giving their own, honest views on people living here. I hope the ban is lifted.”

The good news is that the blog is not blocked outside of Dubai. Follow the link on the left and judge for yourself if the blogger "mutilates a beautiful city and dishonors their progress".

Cat is Out of the Bag

British TV executive, Cat le Huy, recently released from prison in the UAE, tells about his experience. He was held when the Dubai police found 0.03 grams of hashish in his suitcase. (That's the size of a grain of sugar, folks) What is interesting is the numbers of foreigners he met in prison. He said that during the Dubai Shopping Festival, an event designed to attract tourists, that the prison was receiving about 9 foreigners a day. UAE apologists say things that we "should respect their culture" and obey their laws but any free human being can see that the application of the laws and treatment of prisoners are unreasonable. Americans fought a revolution over just such treatment. But I digress.....

I first went to Dubai in 1979. We stayed in company supplied housing. We had movie night on Wednesdays. The first movie I saw there was "Midnight Express". Go find it in your local rental store and it will cure you of trying to commit a crime in a Muslim country.

"Unfantasy Island"

Secret Dubai Diary sends out an email newsletter that contains items that otherwise might get his blog blocked by the proxy server. The latest issue had this tidbit concerning the expensive villas on the Dubai Palm.

"it's an island dream for Palm residents! Shoreline apartments have lovely eco-friendly ventilation thanks to structural cracks and underground car parks have been turned into free
swimming pools. And replacing the naff fixtures and fittings is easy, with chandeliers crashing from the ceiling! "

Just the Usual Security

Easter approaches and Dubai is making sure that no homicidal bombers attack the Christian churches there. Security has been increased and measures include parking in a remote area and bag searches.

It probably difficult for the subjects of this security to distinguish between a concern for the safety of "people of the Book" and harrassment of non-Muslims.

Tolerant Islam

A couple of newspaper reporters are in trouble with the Saudi clergy over an article that suggests Muslims should be free to follow other religions. The top Saudi cleric is calling for their deaths for committing the crime of apostasy.

Official Language

I have often said that Dubai and the UAE serve as an example of what could happen to the USA if illegal immigration is not controlled. About 80% of the population of the UAE are immigrants, typically uneducated manual laborers who come to earn money in the Dubai building boom. If you travel the Emirates, you will hear mostly English and Urdu. English because that language is now almost the universal language used to communicate between different cultures, and Urdu because most of the population comes from India or Pakistan and they speak it between themselves.

However, Dubai has now passed a law making Arabic the national language. Obviously, there were concerns about losing the national identity. It will be interesting see what happens because with the majority of the population speaking a language other than Arabic, provisions will need to be made for non-Arabic speakers in government transactions or the system will grind to a halt.

Battle of the Burj

Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal wants to build a mile high tower. Al Waleed is a Saudi billionaire and grandson to the founder of The Kingdom. The tower, built in Jeddah, could be twice the height of Burj Dubai, currently the tallest bolding in the world and not yet topped out. By the way, this is the same guy that offered $10 million to NYC after 9/11 and that Rudy G refused to accept.

I can't wait to see what Sheikh Mo will do once his precious Burj Dubai is no longer the tallest building in the world.

The problem, you see, is that Arabs have not read the Bible and learned the story of the Tower of Babel.

Canadian in Trouble in The Kingdom

Canadian Mohamud Kohail, 23, has been sentenced to be beheaded for murder by a Saudi Court. It seems he went to a school yard to help defend his 16 year old brother who had been accused of insulting a female. He was met by a group of young men with clubs and knives. In the ensuing brouhaha, one of the young men was killed. Friends and family think the Saudi Court ignored evidence when handing down the sentence for 1st degree murder and want the Canadian government to intervene.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

An "Asian" man and his girl friend, both in their 20s, confessed in Dubai Court of Misdemeanor to having an "illicit relation" and also to assault. When asked why they hit each other, she stated that her lover broke wind in bed. A heated argument ensued which then led to blows being exchanged.

It sure seems like a lot of aggravation to go through for a little spontaneous gas. Not to mention the waste of time for the Court.

Head Count

Saudi Arabia executed a total of 10 people in February for a 2 month total of 30 people. Most of those executed were murderers. Three were for drug offenses. These were all public beheadings.

The UAE is on the scoreboard with 1 in February. They shot a murderer.

Guns, Emirati Style 2

I spent a fair amount of time at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club during a recent assignment to the UAE. I found there were three basic categories of shooters. First was the serious shooter. This was either a civilian enthusiast or a policeman who wanted to improve their hand eye coordination. Second was the young stud (always an expat) who would bring their girlfriend (also an expat) to shoot, probably in the hope that the excitement of holding something warm and powerful in her hand would lead to something sexual. And finally there was the Emirati thrill seeker who wanted to shoot the .357 magnum. He typically couldn't hit the back wall but it made a big noise and had a big recoil. After 25 rounds, his hand hurt so bad that he went home. The .357 will soon be retired as the UAE police have decided that no private gun club can have anything larger than 9mm.

The club is sponsored by an international oil company. I was surprised to see its logo prominently displayed on the firing line. The photo above was taken from the club web site. If you go there now, this photo has been removed. I guess the image of their logo juxtaosed with Arabs with guns was not PC.

How dare they, the hooligans

Prosecutors in Saudi Arabia have begun investigating 57 young men who were arrested on Thursday for flirting with girls at shopping centres in Mecca. The men are accused of wearing indecent clothes, playing loud music, and dancing in order to attract the attention of girls, the Saudi Gazette reported. They were arrested following a request of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The mutaween enforce Saudi Arabia’s conservative brand of Islam, Wahhabism.
Earlier in the month, the authorities enforced a ban on the sale of red roses and other symbols used in many countries to mark Valentine’s Day. The ban is partly because of the connection with a “pagan Christian holiday”, and also because the festival itself is seen as encouraging relations between the sexes outside marriage, punishable by law in the kingdom.
The Prosecution and Investigation Commission said it had received reports of 'bad' behaviour by 57 young men at a number of shopping centres in the holy city of Mecca, the Saudi Gazette said.

Grooverider in al Slammer

BBC 1 DJ "Grooverider", aka Raymond Bingham, has been sentenced to 4 years in Dubai Jail for possessing marijuana. He was arrested last November as he entered Dubai to start a new nightclub. They found a little over 2 grams of Marijuana in his baggage. (This is less than 0.1 oz)

According to the British Foreign Office, 64 Brits have been jailed in the past 12 months for violating Dubai's drug laws.

Guns, emirati style

Gotta love boys playing with guns, even ones too weak and/or incompetent to handle them... (Though the last shooter, who's not even the biggest guy in the video, doesn't have a problem with it.)

Expats Pay, Emiratis Play

DEWA (Dubai Electric and Water Authority) has announced they will raise rates on heavy consumers of water and electricity as a means to encourage conservation. (DEWA is that series of smoky stacks you can see between Jumeirah Beach and Jebel Ali Port)

The twist is that this rate increase does not apply to Emiratis. And one can assume it won't apply to the hundreds of miles of irrigation tubing needed to keep green spaces green. Sheikh Mo is green, as long as he doesn't have to suffer any privations.

I see this as the first canary to fall and is an indicator that the infrastructure cannot handle the exponential growth in construction that is taking place. Nature may abhore a vacuum, but she allows abhors exponential growth. The dream is starting to implode.

Woman to be Executed for Witchcraft

No, this is not a newspaper headline from Salem, Massachessetts in 1692. The Human Rights Watch is appealing to Saudi king Abdullah to commute the sentence of a woman convicted of witchcraft in a Sharia Court. Like the Salem trials, she was convicted based upon a confession that was extracted under "duress". Her crime, by the way, was causing impotence in a man.

Happy Valentines Day - from Dubai

While Saudi, Kuwait, Indonesia and other Muslim countries are trying to stifle the celebration of Valentines Day by forbidding the sale of red roses and calling out the morality police in force, another Muslim country has no problem making a buck from it.

Dubai is trans-shipping 40 tons of fresh flowers for the holiday. Dubai is using high tech thermal blankets and computer controls to keep temperatures within the flower shipping containers within a tolerance of 1 degree in the heat of the desert sun while they are underway to the end user. So, the chances are that the flowers you give to your significant other found their way to her through the grace of Allah, even though he would disapprove of any Public Displays of Personal Affection they might initiate.

Head Count

Saudi Arabia executed a convicted murderer last week bringing the total number of executions so far in 2008 to 25.

A total of 153 executions were carried out in 2007.

Message from Bert Tatham

Bert Tatham is the Canadian who was detained in Dubai last year for drug possession. Here is a message he wrote on his web site: http://freebert.ca/

Bert Tatham
January 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Hello My Fellow FreeBert’ers!
It is I, Bert Tatham. I have been free now for about a month, and and have been keeping a very low profile - other than to chat on Nat’l radio(!) . I did not read a single piece of news about my case because I didn’t think it was healthy to read a lot of press about yourself, especially when you are feeling fragile.
In fact, this is the first time that I have even visited this site (thanks Jeremy) and I am humbled and gratified by all the warm sentiments I found here, beyond words. I would like to thank you all for your concern and countless efforts to secure my release.
For those of my friends that have not yet heard from me, please be patient; I’m just starting to come out of my shell!
I thought you might all be interested to read my experiences and thoughts on why I was not released when I should have been, in last September’s Ramadan Pardon… A little scoop for you all if you haven’t already heard it..
On August 1st, 2007, I and my entire cellblock were systematically beaten and terrorised by riot police with batons and guard dogs for absolutely no reason. What an experience. The results were numerous inmates injured (broken ribs, ankles, and one case of a broken back), and virtually all living in a state of fear of the riot squad’s return, which was promised by the acting warden at the time. I was also told by several ‘lifers’ that this was a regualr occurence in the Dubai Prison System, and that usually the results were much worse. I was also told that complaints from Arab inmates about this treatment always fall on deaf ears…
I felt morally obliated to do something towards not having this abuse occur again. I recounted the entire incident in writing, and had it smuggled out of the prison by a friend, and it was distributed to the Canadian Consulate, several European consulates, the Canadian Dept. of Foreign Affairs, and my family.
Several weeks later I was interviewed by the Dubai Police “Human Rights” personnel concerning this incident retold the story. I waited in line with dozen of other prisoners (all Arab or Persian) and watched virtually all of them justifiably lose their nerve and deny to the investigators that the event had taken place. This only made me feel more responsible to use my priviledged position as a Canadian to fight this abuse.
Two weeks later, I testified under oath to the Attorney General’s office on the events that occurred on August 1st.
In the time between these two interviews, I was called in to the Warden’s office and harrassed for over an hour about what I told the HR investigators. My only response was that it was none of his business and he should know better than to be asking. He threatened that he could make my life even more difficult, and ‘extend my stay’ if I did not cease and desist.
When the News of our release came during Ramadan, I was partially ‘processed out’ (Passport located, bagage collected, etc.) before the Warden sent a note to me via his deputy that I would not be released. Despite this special treatment, the Dubai Police, Prosecutor’s office, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs all denied that I was being ’singled out’. Ludicrous subterfuge by all the powers involved then ensued….
All prisoners in the entire system with the same charges as mine were released over the next couple of weeks. It is clear that I was singled out for my actions in fighting prisoner abuse. I firmly believe that my government was fully aware of this corrupt behavior as well, but drew lines that it would not cross to secure my release from this hostage situation.
Ultimately, the Warden and 20 guards were jailed (very briefly) and deported. The beatings did not occur again. I do not regret my actions at all. I do regret the impact that it had on my loved ones by extending my stay, and I do regret the anemic response displayed by my government (lots of diplomatic activity, none of it meaningful) to rectify the situation.
My thoughts on Dubai: I’ve been through there no less than nine times, and I have never liked the place. It has always seemed to me to be a place where image rules with an iron fist over reality. The press is a joke and is nothing more than a “Sheik Maktoum Fan Club” newsletter. It touts itself as a centre for global high finance and tourism, yet it is a notorious hub for both terrorism funding and drug money laundering, and lucky tourists can be arrested for taking a photo on the beaches when not in their lodgings being harrassed by hundreds of smuggled prostitutes. I could go on at great length, but that would be sour grapes…
But I’m home, safe, and healthy. I can’t say I am ‘over it’ by any stretch, but it could be much worse.
Next time I’ll be a little more careful packing.
I am still considering a longer story for whoever is willing to publish it, but I always return to the question of “what would I be trying to get out of it?”. The reason for being ensnared in all this was my own carelessness and I have caused my loved ones great suffering, so maybe I should not aim to capitalise on the experience.
I will be based in Vancouver again, and have a lot of work to do in re-establishing contact with numerous friends and colleagues, recovering money still owed to me for last year’s work, and getting my career back on track. Something tells me it might not involve Counternarcotics work in Kandahar, though I do miss Afghanistan very much…
OK I am rambling. Thanks so very much again for all your kind words and efforts. I wish you all the very best for 2008.
Much Love,
Bert

As I Said, You Can't Make This Stuff Up!

More warnings to travellers to Dubai about this little Emirate's assinine drug enforcement policy. A tourist has been sentenced to 4 years for having a microscopic (0.003 gram) bit of cannabis on the tread of his shoe. Keith Brown was stopped while in transit from Ethiopia to London. Given that cannabis is a common weed, it is hard to follow the legal argument that having a piece smaller than a grain of suger, that could have been picked up anywhere, constitutes possession, but Dubai is a land where western logic is non-existant.

For a list of banned substances in the UAE, click here.

Dubai promotes itself as a land of tourism. They are basing their future economy on tourists and western business. They brag about Islamic hospitality. But who can feel welcome given the restrictions they place upon visitors. I say spend your travel dollars someplace else and let them eat sand.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up!

This story is too crazy to not be true. A Yemeni entrepeneur was recently arrested in Dubai for trying to sell a "bullet proof stone" for the tidy sum of US $140,000,000. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from bullets. As proof that no issue is too far out for some lawyers, his lawyer happens to be the same guy that argued the appeal for the convicted rapist in the story below.

The Yemeni claims to have tried it out on a sheep - successfully. I have spent many hours and expended many rounds at the Sharjah Shooting Club, and if the marksmanship displayed there by Emeratis is any indication, it is more likely he missed the critter than bullets bounced off of it.

Of course, the quick way to end the argument is have the Yemeni gentleman wear his stone and let the police test the efficacy of the talisman.

Meanwhile, over in Saudi, the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (religious police or mutaween) arrested an 37 year old American businesswoman and mother of three, strip searched her, jailed her and forced her to sign a confession for the onerous crime of sitting at the same table with a male colleage at Starbucks.

Boycott Dubai Redux

If you were following the news last year, you will remember the story of the 15 year old French boy who was raped in Dubai. The locals tried to shine it on, but his mother was a jounalist and brought world wide attention to her son's predicament and Dubai's legal system. The perps were convicted and sentenced to 15 years. She has since brought down the web site but she may want to open it up again.

In recent news, the lawyer for one of the perps is appealing his client's sentence arguing that his client, who has AIDS and hepatitis, could not have raped the boy because the young man has not contracted either disease.

With logic like that, why bother with a legal system at all.

Ramadan, and the Law, in Sandland

Ramadan, of course, happened last year, but this information, taken from http://www.express4me.com/ is useful at anytime......

The holy month of Ramadan is a new religious and cultural experience for many expatriates in the country.
Conforming to the traditions and cultural norms may be confusing for some of the thousands of newcomers who have arrived in Dubai over the past two years.

Such was the case of an Australian manager and his Filipina girlfriend who were convicted of indecent behaviour during Ramadan last year. The 37-year-old manager and 35-year-old receptionist were convicted after they were arrested hugging and kissing during Ramadan inside a coffee shop on Shaikh Zayed Road.

Court records say a government employee saw the couple exchanging kisses in the coffee shop. The employee said he warned them against the "unacceptable behaviour, especially in public" but they continued and the employee called the police.

The man and his girlfriend stated before the court that "they were unaware that kissing in public is punishable by law".

The Dubai Criminal Court sentenced the couple to one month in jail and fined them 1,000 Dirham [about $250 US].

Religious Offences

According to Fatima Al Mousa, a Dubai lawyer, the laws do not change during the month of Ramadan. In other emirates more stringent punishments are observed during the holy month for indecent acts.

Saif Al Mutawa of Middle East Advocates and Legal Consultants said that crimes related to breaking of the fast or indecency fall under Doctrinal and Religious Offences statutes of the UAE Penal Code. These offences are classified as religious-contempt cases specific to Ramadan and are penalised by one month imprisonment and/or a 1,000 Dirham fine.

During Ramadan, all restaurants and food outlets remain closed during the day with the exception of hotels.

Restaurants are covered from the public eye with blinds or blacked-out windows. They are allowed to sell take-out food only and make deliveries. Eating, drinking and smoking are to be done away from the public eye during fasting hours.

In the event of breaking these rules the penalty is up to one month in jail and/or a fine not exceeding 2,000 Dirham.

Furthermore, forcing someone or even enticing them to eat, drink or break their fast is punishable under the same law.

Shops or restaurants which openly serve food and/or any enticing materials which may lead to breaking of the fast publicly will be closed for up to a month.

Nightlife

All clubs operate only after iftar time [usually 7:00 PM]. Clubs are open until 1:00 AM. However, no loud music or live entertainment is allowed during Ramadan. Non-conformance with these rules could cost the establishment a fine and closure for no more than a month.

"The UAE is a Muslim country, and the laws of the country are all based on the Sharia. Although people from other religions also live in the UAE everyone should conform to the laws and respect the culture of the country," said Al Mutawa.

The Laws

Kissing in public — one month in jail and 1,000 Dirham fine

Eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours — one month jail and/or fine up to 2,000 Dirham

Public indecency with someone under the age of 15 — 6 months to one year in jail and up to 10,000 Dirham fine

Indecent acts towards women — six months to one year and up to 10,000 Dirham fine

Keep It in Your Pants in Sandland

Gulf News reports that there were 650 cases of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) reported over the last 16 months in Dubai. Most of these cases were in women who caught it from their husbands. Thats 1.3 cases per day for the engineers in the audience. Officials think the number is low because private clinics do not report cases of STDs.

Ironic isn't it that a Muslim community has this level of sexually transmitted diseases.

Censorship in the Sand

An interesting article from Arab Media and Society:

"I am tempted to provide an example of this sort of censorship, but I have been asked not to. While the incident between the government and Time Out is common knowledge amongst journalists in both my company and in other publishing houses, Dubai isn’t ready to admit that it breaches the media’s right to freedom of speech. But I’ll allow myself this: the piece that offended the government was a guide to alcoholic beverages sold legally in Dubai; it is neither news nor a surprise that the emirate has licensed liquor outlets within its borders.

You can blame it on companies being unaccustomed and overly sensitive to criticism, or you can look at the reality of being an expatriate journalist in Dubai. One of the problems we face is that we rarely hear an Emirati voice. They haven’t had a chance to develop one that foreigners can understand or relate to just yet. They will in time, but until then, the expatriate community will have to continue guessing which subjects we can tackle without having to deal with censorship or corporate bullies.

Such incidents of sporadic censorship have made me, as well as other journalists hesitant to tackle the real stories. As mentioned, it isn’t that the stories aren’t there, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a journalist who’s willing to have their career shredded for a 300-word article.

The result is that Dubai’s stories are rarely told. The truth about the conditions within labor camps throughout the city, where the men who toil for hours in the region’s unforgiving sun live, isn’t exposed. And the women who suffer the injustices of a so-called traditional society, while their men indulge in the freedoms of a modern world, rarely have their say.

But like most journalists, I make mental notes of the laborers forced to defecate on street corners for lack of toilets, and the Emirati woman who calls me once every four or five months to remind me she’s willing to talk, but not today; I hoard these stories, knowing full well that if I pursue them I’ll get barred from the emirate. But I’m waiting for the day I leave and have the freedom to write with the sort of brutal honesty these stories deserve."

Here ia a link to the entire article: http://www.arabmediasociety.com/topics/index.php?t_article=140&p=0

The World Was Not Enough!

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Nakheel, one of the developers of mega-projects in Dubai, has announced the construction of The Universe, another group of man-made islands off Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. This one is inspired by the solar system. Never mind that only about half of the islands being built for The World have been sold. Never mind that the whole ecology of this part of the Gulf has been destroyed by the continuous dredging.
You can never have enough private islands.
The Peripatetic Engineer says don't buy any land on these islands. The sea will reclaim them by eroding the sand, grain by grain, until they no longer exist. If you want a job with long term security, get the job to replenish sand to these icons of hubris.

Culture Clash

From Gulf News:

Academic blasts disapproval of women judges

By Barbara Bibbo', Correspondent Published: January 11, 2008, 23:40

Doha: A renowned Qatari female academic has reacted with disdain to comments by male lawyers in a local debate saying that women are not fit to become judges.
A decision by the UAE to allow women to preside over courts has stirred a discussion in Qatar, which has no female judges and only a few work as lawyers.
"A woman is perfectly fit to be a judge. What matters is not the gender but the skill, qualification and training of an individual. Any comment stating the opposite is groundless," Aisha Al Mannai, dean of the Sharia Faculty at Qatar University, told Gulf News on Friday.
"Only prejudice and traditions, which relegate women to a certain role, can lead someone to state that women are unfit to be judges," said Aisha, one of Qatar's most respected female personalities.
After the UAE Justice Minister announced that women would be entitled to assume the position of a judge, lawyers in Qatar expressed their disapproval for a similar move here.
"A woman is emotionally and physically not geared to fit into the role of a judge since the job demands a balanced disposition," Walid Abu Nida, a lawyer, told local daily Peninsula.
Lawyer Mohsen Al Suw-aidi said justice is "entirely the male domain" and added that women's judgment and balance "can be triggered by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and delivery".
'Ridiculous'
"Ridiculous," replied Aisha, who believes women's presence on the contrary would improve the performance of the male-dominated judiciary, especially in the family courts.
"I would like to also remind all that our Constitution states the equality of men and women and grants them equal opportunities in all working fields.
"Our judiciary is formally open to have a woman judge. It is just prejudice ... to keep women away from the post," Aisha said.

Its hard to imagine that views such as those expressed above are still held by educated men these days. This is just one example of how fundamentally different the Arab culture is from the USA and Europe.

A Bush in the Sand

GW's visit to Dubai may be more memorable for the chaos he caused than any political gains. The Emirate declared a holiday and closed all the main roads during his visit. The Russian Information Agency estimates that this caused Dubai to lose $120 million. The road closures caused total gridlock. Traffic is usually so bad that its hard to imagine something making it worse, but evidently GW has done that. I'm sure the laborers were not paid for the day so they won't have fond memories of him. Tourists were told to stay in their hotels thereby cancelling any plans they had - especially if they planned to visit the historical area on the Creek or ride in an abra (Pirogue to the Coon Asses in the audience. Otherwise a small boat used for crossing Dubai Creek).

I found it a little ironic that GW's speech warned Dubai about the dangers of Iran when just down the creek there were hundreds of dhows loading up with goods they would carry across the Gulf to, you guessed it, Iran.

So why visit this little sandy place? Well, for one thing, the US Navy has a "base" there in the Jebel Ali Port. Our Arabian (or Persian, depending upon your point of view) Gulf fleet uses it. I have seen the USS Nimitz there. We need their port.

French Nuke Deal with the UAE

From Gulf News....

French President Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed yesterday plans to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with the UAE amid reports French firms could construct up to two nuclear reactors in the country. Sarkozy said in an interview with pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat before a three-day visit to Gulf states: "My visit to the United Arab Emirates will be ... the occasion to sign an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

"I have said often that the Muslim world does not have less rights than the rest of the world to use civilian nuclear power to meet its energy needs in full conformity with the obligations that derive from international law."
French companies Areva, Total and Suez could build two, third-generation nuclear plants in the UAE , Al Jazeera Television said on Sunday.

France has already made similar agreements with Algeria and Libya.
"The sharing of civilian nuclear [technology] will be one of the foundations of a pact of confidence which the West must forge with the Islamic world," Sarkozy said after signing a deal with Algeria last month.

Well, what could possibly go wrong?

Where is Yaser Said, Still?

Its been almost two weeks (or a fortnight, if you prefer) since it Yaser Said allegedly shot and killed his two daughters. Now, cop show watchers and murder mystery readers know that the first 48 hours are critical to solving a case. We know Yaser is the main suspect yet he remains at large.

He was a taxi driver and probably doesn't the financial means to stay on the run for an extended period. He was on foot. He is also a fairly memorable man. He is a tall man at 6'2" and big at 180 lbs. Not hard to miss. How is it that he remains missing?

My theory is that he has had help. I predict the police will find an underground of Muslim accomplices that have been hiding him. This revelation about the extent of Muslim sympathies will send shock waves through the US. Remember that you heard it here first. My thoughts - Arrest them all and charge them with murder.

Dubai Factotems 2

• The vehicle of choice for off road dune bashing is the Toyota Land Cruiser. All the tour companies use them for their sand dune excursion trips. These cars get abused on the dunes for about an hour every day. Gotta be a tough SUV.
• The loaner shotgun at the Jebel Ali Shooting Club is a Beretta over and under 12 gauge. Not too shabby.
• The loaner pistols at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club are Glock, Makarov or CZ 9mm for autoloaders, and Smith & Wesson for revolvers. All the Arab boys want to come in and shoot the .357. They can't hit anything, they just want to go "boom, boom".
• Burj Dubai is the tallest building in the world and is still under construction.
• News Item from June 7, 2007: "The United Arab Emirates has announced an amnesty for illegal workers. Under the terms of the amnesty, which began on June 4, illegal workers have 3 months to either legalize their status or leave. Workers not complying face up to 10 years in prison followed by deportation, while their employers could be imprisoned for one month and fined 50,000 dirhams." ($14,000 US) Makes you wonder why the US can’t institute a similar policy.
• Loans are easy to get in Dubai. But if you default, you go to jail. Most banks will loan money with only an undated blank check as collateral. If you don't pay, they use the check to pay off the loan and if it bounces, you are guilty of bank fraud. About 40% of the jail population, or about 3000 people, are doing time for non-payment of loans. And you can't get out unless someone pays your debt. And you thought the recent loan industry debacle was tough! There is no concept of bankruptcy in Dubai and debtors prison, even though rejected years ago by the west, is still in fashion in the sandland. Where is Charles Dickens when you need him?
• Although you might think otherwise, the oil sector supplies only about 5% of Dubai's GDP and that share is dropping. Down to 5.1% from 5.4% last year. Where is the money coming from? Dubai is the third largest re-exporter of goods after Hong Kong and Singapore after a major trade deal with the Chi-Coms. Also, real estate here is crazier than a Florida condo boom. But how many people will buy a one bedroom apartment at $250,000 and up?
• I go to the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club to maintain my proficiency with a handgun. There is a very nice pistol range there. The club is also sponsored by Shell Oil Company. There is a large Shell logo over the firing line at the pistol range. I wonder how Shell feels about having its corporate logo associated with an activity involving firearms in an Arab country?
• Americans take our personal freedoms for granted. For example, I recently read a complaint in a travel blog that tourists coming to Dubai with daughters over 12 years old, were required to rent a second room. Evidently, once a female child reaches 12 years of age, by law, she can no longer share a room with her parents (father). Its a hell of a culture that doesn't trust a father to be in the same room with his 12 year old daughter.
• And during Ramadan, even though it may be 120 degrees outside, westerners are forced to comply with the requirement for fasting under Islam. No water or fluids may be taken. Restaurants are closed, by law, until 7:00PM. How can a country that wants to promote tourism from the west force tourists to comply with Islamic Law? Oh, and if you are gay, you are violating the law if you want to cohabit a hotel room.
• A Qatari investment firm is making plans for a full buy out of the UK supermarket firm Sainsbury's. It will be interesting to see what happens. Would it turn into a retail powerhouse like Harrods or would it mean more Islamification of the UK?

Tip of the Day

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Don't tailgate trucks carrying big rocks!

QE 2 Now Part of Sheikh Mo's Harem

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The QE 2 set sail today for Dubai where it will be parked at the Palm Jumeirah and turned into a five-star hotel. Everyone seems to think this is a great idea except for the Scots, who don't like seeing their maritime heritage sold off to the highest bidder. But I guess it's better than the scrap yard, although that's hard to believe, seeing as the old girl will probably be turned into some sort of floating Arab bordello.

This is more proof that, as Philip Caputo said, "The final indignity is that there is no final indignity."

Where is Yaser Said?

Yaser Said is the 50-year-old Dallas taxi driver who is alleged to have shot and killed his two daughters (ages 17 and 18) on January 1. He left them in his taxi. He has not been found. Now, if he was on foot, how far could he get? Or did he have an accomplice? The story has been ignored by the national media. Stay tuned.

Sheikh Mo's Folly

Work is starting on the $11 Billion Arabian Canal in Dubai. This sea level canal will connect the Jebel Ali Palm with the Jumeirah Palm via a 75 km long canal that will extend south past the new Jebel Ali Airport and Dubailand before making a loop back north. The canal will be 6 meters deep and will accommodate vessels up to 135 feet in length. Obviously, this is not intended to be an industrial canal but a land development scheme to provide more "waterfront" real estate in Dubai. The sheikh is well known for his massive construction projects but this one may well be the icing on the cake. In order to build it they will have to cross two major highways, Sheikh Zayed Road and the Emirates Ring Road, twice. It will cross the new light rail system currently under construction. It also may take a piece of two golf courses - Montgomerie Golf Course and the Emirates Golf Club. And there is also the utilities infrastructure that will have to be moved. But these issues have never been a concern when Sheikh Mo has a brain fart. My friend, The Peripatetic Engineer, predicts that the canal will turn into a stagnant swamp because there is not enough tidal range to adequately flush the canal and there is no natural flow. Stay tuned for updates.

Don't Pick on Texas

The New York Times wants to pick on Texas as the state with the most executions this year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/26death.html

They should turn their attention to Saudi Arabia who has no problem with swinging the sword. As of the beginning of December, they have executed 152 people - a new record.

Veils Are Worn by Criminals, Too!

From the Gulf News:

"Dubai Police recovered from Iraq more than Dh2 million ($500,000) worth of luxury cars stolen from various car rental agencies in Dubai, said a senior official at Dubai Police’s Criminal Investigation Department.
According to records, a veiled woman used forged passports to rent the cars and paid the rent amount in cash on specified periods with the help of her brother. The woman then exported the cars to Iraq.
The official said the stolen cars were recovered with the help of Iraqi authorities. Attempts are on to bring back other cars stolen from other emirates, said the official."

Do you think she would have done this had she NOT been wearing a veil. And the other question you have to ask is, if it's that easy to get stolen cars into Iraq, from a country that does not share a border with Iraq, think how easy can it be to smuggle weapons or IEDs from Iran!

Bahrain not immune, either

Bahrain has been hit by rioting in majority Shiite areas for a fifth consecutive day in demonstrations that have seen the death of one protester, press reports said on Sunday.
Security forces have fired teargas and rubber bullets in Shiite villages in disturbances that erupted following the death on Monday of a young protester after a demonstration organised by the opposition, the reports said.
The 22-year-old man died in hospital after being taken ill at his home after the protest at Jid Hafs, during which he inhaled teargas, an opposition activist told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Security sources cited by the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said the man had died of natural causes and that an investigation had been launched into his death...
Monday's protest was staged by Shiites -- the majority in the small Sunni Muslim-ruled Gulf monarchy -- seeking compensation for what they said were human rights violations between 1980 and 1990.

Life in the Emirates

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Something is Rotten in Dubai

Recent news item. Since when is untreated sewage not a health hazard? Would you want to pay a couple of million dollars and have the 'hood smell like a cess pit? Dubai may be building fast, but its infrastructure is being stretched to its limits. Electricity, sewage, water and transportation cannot handle the demands being placed on them.

Stink caused by poor water quality, not toxic waste
By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter, Gulf News
Published: December 19, 2007, 23:54

(Dubai) Residents of some of Dubai's most luxurious housing estates may be complaining of a foul stench around their homes, but it's not because of industrial waste, says the head of the environmental protection and safety department at Dubai Municipality. Redha Salman said that toxic waste is delivered by special companies in tankers to the Jebel Ali hazardous waste site and chances of any toxic material entering the sewage treatment network are slim.
He was commenting on complaints by residents of Arabian Ranches, the Meadows and the Greens of a foul stench coming sprinklers. The irrigation and drainage department attributed the source of the odour to toxic materials that may have entered the water treatment plant.
Salman disagrees, however, saying that as the sewage treatment plant is currently treating a quantity of sewage four times above its capacity, the issue is a temporary problem.
"With four times the load of sewerage than the plant is designed to treat, there is a problem with the odour. The retention time is shortened and the sewerage is being processed faster," he said. "The water is not reaching the quality it should to reduce the odour."
He added that residents should not fear the irrigation water is a health hazard, as it is being checked. "The odour is a nuisance but it is not a chemical problem. If not in contact with the public, it should be ok. The irrigation water is used for landscaping along the city's roads mainly. It is up to developers if they use the water for residential areas," said Salman.
Disinfectant is being used to neutralise the odours and the smell should subside in the coming days, according to the irrigation department.
The water is not reaching the quality it should to reduce the odour."

Blood Money

Executives and managers in US industry are usually exempt from personal liability or criminal prosecution. Sure, there are some US environmental laws that allow personal prosecution, but the use of them against an individual is rare. The notice below was circulated via email to expats in the UAE. It should send chills down the spine of any expat in a position of responsibility. (The exchange rate is about 4 Dirhams to the dollar)

The payment of blood money is common in Sharia Law. It is a payment made to the family of the deceased to pay for the taking of a life.

MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS

The article below shows that safety on work sites is entering a new phase

(Dubai) Two men, one British and one Egyptian, were convicted yesterday for wrongfully causing the death of two labourers at construction site near Dubai Marina. They both received a one-month prison sentence and were fined dhs500 each.
The Court of Appeal in Dubai was told that two Indian labourers were killed as they plummeted more than 60 metres to the ground following an accident at their work site. The men had been in a cradle carrying them to the top of a building when a cement block fell from a crane and severed the cables securing the cradle at around the 18th floor.
Both men died instantly from massive injuries. An eyewitness told the court that although they alerted police and ambulances to the scene, nothing could be done for either man. A safety expert who testified to the court said the labourers had not been wearing safety harnesses at the time of the accident which may have prevented their deaths.
One of the men convicted yesterday is a British safety director for a construction company while the Egyptian convicted alongside him was the labourer’s supervisor, the court was told. The men were originally cleared of the offence at the Court of First Instance.
Both of the men found guilty in court were also ordered to pay dhs120,000 each to the relatives of the dead men.

Can you answer “YES” to these questions?
- Are you sure that the people on your work site are in compliance with the safety requirements today?
- Will your work team be in compliance when you leave the work area?
- Will your supervisors, foreman, performing parties ensure that all controls are in place before work commences?
- Did you attend a Toolbox or Job Start Meeting this morning?

Dubai Factotems

• Posted speed limit is 120 km/hr. Practical limit and posted limit in Abu Dhabi is 160 km/hr. That's 96 MPH for the engineers in the audience.
• If you exceed the speed limit by more than 50 km/hr, your car will be confiscated.
• The son-in-law of one of the sheikhs was killed in an accident involving a semi trying to pass another one. The result was a law banning the practice of trucks passing trucks and immediate deportation of the driver doing it. (it's nice to live in a benevolent dictatorship sometimes. Don't you wish they had that law in the US?)
• Inflation is hitting the Emirates. Housing costs have gone up 50% in the past two years. It is no longer a cheap place to live and, with the dollar weak against the pound, British expats are feeling the pinch when they are paid in dollars.
• I watched a crew putting in landscaping along the highway this morning. They had to add a layer of loam. It was delivered in man-handleable size sacks as opposed to the dump truck load. The laborers were placing it sack by sack. That's what you can do when labor is cheap.
• And is it cheap! Labor costs about $167/month for a laborer to work 6.5 days a week, 12 hours per day and share a room with 8 of his buddies. Laws are being enacted to limit habitation to 6 per room with a minimum of 2 sq meters for each man.
• There are as many tower cranes in Dubai as there are in the rest of the world. Work goes on 24/7.
• There is chart on the wall at the urinal. You use it gauge your level of dehydration based upon the color of your pee.
• Motto above entrance to the Dubai jail: "Human before Place" I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.
• The Middle East uses about 20% of the worlds supply of rebar. They expect that to increase at 9% a year until 2010.
• Its probably a good thing that we didn't let Dubai Ports take over ports in the US. I've been here about 2 weeks and just got my pass for the port and free trade zone. In the meantime, I have travelled freely in and out and the same is true for my driver. So much for security. And the nuclear carrier USS Nimitz was in port as well!
• Safety sign in fab yard: "Do you realize how important your hands are to your quality of life?" Probably more true than they realize for all those sigle status laborers packed 6 and 8 to a room.
• It's amazing how little contact you have with Arabs over here. I met at least one. He was a grizzled old taxi driver but other than that, you interface almost exclusively with Indians and Phillipinos.
• Visibility here is as bad a LA. Rarely is it above 4 miles. The sky has a continuous brown haze from the dust.
• I don't see the attraction of this place as a beach resort: It's too hot to enjoy the beach, there is no breeze unless its a hot one, there is no blue sky and no white clouds. Why bother? But I guess if you come from Scotland, you think you have found paradise.
• Swimming pools here need to have chillers or the water will be bath temperature within a few days.
• News Item: "India is to cease granting emigration clearance to women under 30 seeking employment overseas as housemaids. The move, designed to stop the trafficking of its women for prostitution, will cover 17 countries including the United Arab Emirates." Now I know why the cleaning staff in the hotel is all male.

Eid animal costs

My embedded reporter forwards this price list from Dubai (and here you thought going to the store for a Christmas turkey was a big deal, and aren't you happy the USDA does all this for you) for the upcoming Eid celebration:

With the Muslim celebration of Eid and the start of the Haj, thousands of goats are about to be put to the knife and sacrificed in a ceremony that remembers Abraham (Ibrahim) sacrificing his son. My question is: where is PETA while all this is going on?
The price list for sacrificial animals is attached; one dirham equals about $0.27. Looks like the slaughter cost of the big camel is a good deal. And I wonder what the differences are between a Saudi sheep, an Emirati sheep, and a Paki sheep?

Prices for various animals:
UAE sheep and goat: Dh800 to Dh2,000 per animal
Saudi Arabian sheep: Dh2,000 to Dh50,000 per animal
Indian/Pakistani sheep: Dh800 to Dh1,200 per animal
Somali cows: Dh1,800 to Dh3,000 per animal

"Everybody should bring animals to abattoirs for slaughter in accordance with regulations and to ensure public health and hygiene," according to local authorities.

Prices for slaughtering:
Small animals: Dh15; Cutting: Dh10
Calf: Dh30; Cutting: Dh20
Medium size cow: Dh40; Cutting: Dh25.
Big cow: Dh45; Cutting: Dh30
Small camel: Dh60; Cutting: Dh35
Big camel: Dh65; Cutting: Dh35

How to select your Eid animal:
Animals should be well nourished
Do not buy lame animals
The skin texture of a healthy animal is smooth and shiny; it should be free of wounds
Check the animal: head, eyes, mouth, and feet
The eyes should be clear and it should be breathing free
There should be not be any discharge from the nose
Tongue and lips should be free of wounds
There should be no signs of diarrhea
Check its body temperature
Don't buy an animal if its dung contains traces of blood

A Canuck lucks out

From our embedded reporter, this link:

Canadian jailed in drug case in Dubai is pardoned by ruler of the emirate
By Abdul Latheef, The Canadian Press
A Canadian sentenced in Dubai earlier this year to four years in prison on drug charges has been pardoned by the ruler of the emirate, raising hopes that he could be back in Canada to spend the holiday season with family and friends.
Bert Tatham, 35, of Vancouver, was among hundreds of prisoners pardoned by Sheik Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum as part of an Eid amnesty, a court source in the United Arab Emirates told The Canadian Press on Monday.
Tatham's family confirmed that they have been told he has been pardoned.
Tatham is a former United Nations worker who was returning to Canada from Afghanistan when he was arrested. He was employed in Afghanistan by an American company hired by the U.S. State Department.
The official news agency WAM reported earlier Monday that Sheik Mohammad, who is also the prime minister of the U.A.E, had pardoned 377 inmates of Dubai prisons.
Tatham was arrested April 23 at Dubai International Airport during a stopover after being caught with 0.6 grams of hashish and two poppy bulbs. He was sentenced to four years in jail June 19.
At the time, the judge said Tatham must serve his full sentence.
It is common for rulers of the Gulf countries to declare amnesties during Islamic festivals and Eid al-Adha is celebrated this week.
Eid is a major occasion when families spend time together and the official announcement stressed this by saying the pardon will enable the inmates "spend the Eid holidays with their families."
It was not immediately clear when Tatham would be released from jail. But WAM quoted Dubai's attorney general Essam Al Hemeidan as saying that "the Prosecutors' Chamber will take the necessary steps in co-ordination with the Dubai police to release the inmates."
Meanwhile, Tatham's family friends in Canada welcomed the news.
A note published in a website devoted to freeing Tatham said they were hoping to have him around for Christmas.
"We were able to confirm that Bert is on this release list," said a note on freebert.ca from a family member. "We are working to determine how fast we can get him out of there. We will only believe it once his planes wheels are off the ground."
"This is such great news," another person wrote. "Merry Christmas, Tatham family."
Tatham's mother, Louise Tatham, confirmed the report her son had been pardoned in a telephone interview with The Canadian Press from Duntroon, Ontario. She said she had been notified by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, but declined to comment any further.
Tatham was en route to Canada from the Afghan city of Kandahar, where he worked as an advisor to Afghan government's poppy elimination program.
The program aims to convince Afghan farmers to stop growing poppies, which are used for production of opium and then heroin.
During his trial, Tatham's lawyer said traces of hashish found in his urine were inhaled by Tatham as "second-hand smoke." Hashish is produced from marijuana plants rather than opium poppies.
As for the poppy bulbs, the lawyer said Tatham was taking them to Canada "for experiments and education."


However, a reader of the story said (and I would tend to agree): "Hmmm. Tatham was working for an American company hired by the United States State Department. And he was bringing back two poppy bulbs - seeds for new plants - and hashish "for experiments" in Canada?! Anybody else see the logical problem here? Further, if it was legitimate, why didn't he just mail the bulbs to a certified lab? It's clear he intended to grow his own opiate poppies. RCMP should arrest his ass for attempting to import a narcotic substance for purposes of cultivation."