Dubai

Had a great time there- jet lagged but such a fascinating place! Building +++ everywhere and traffic that flew along great roads built by the resident ruler for his people-dark windowed cars usually$WD's were the locals and all pulled over to allow them to pass- even at 120k per hour- no seatbelts but very skilful drivers on the whole!
70000 dollars must be paid to the family of anyone you kill on the road. Trucks travel at 60 k on the outside lane- penalty jail and deportation for the driver! Ruler has a benevolent dictatorship- announces a new law one day in the newspaper and that's it! Place is very safe-and despite 48 degree heat during the desert safari- i.e. sand skiing in a 4WD -we had a great time.
Visited the Gold Souk- amazing craftsman ship and every design you could imagine from discreet and tasteful to the truly OTT!
Some looked like gold steel wool, some like fine mesh. Rushed for time there 38 degC at 1130p.m.!
As we had the brother of a friend of mine showing us around we went to Hattah Fort and lake - looks like Afghanistan landscape with green lake!
Went to the Blue Souk-beautiful Moorish architecture and cheaper rug shops than Dubai!
Visited a new Shopping mall- no expense spared makes Chadstone look plain and small- has an Egyptian room, Tunisian room, Chinese Room ++ all with elaborate decor and chandeliers etc.
Fascinating history displays also about explorers,mathematics and astronomy.
Most building is less thn 3 years old and there are cranes everywhere. A metro is being built very fast and with 80% of the population imported to service the tourist, building banking etc.the locals have a pretty nice life I think. Would like to visit again in their winter when lower temperatures and clear skies- not dust from the desert blocking the sun.