Just returned from the Middle East

[Gord]

I have just spent 10 days in the UAE - and was very impressed with the place - some interesting points

there is no democracy - the ruling monarchy rule

The country is very rich - but only 20% of GDP comes from oil - the rest comes from tourism, and inward investment

Most UAE citizens have a cradle to grave exsistence looked after by the state - they are given houses on marriage and are guarenteed jobs etc

The UAE importants thousands of Indians / Pakistanis / Sri Lankans as the work force of the country - and there are millions who chase the sought after visa to get into the country in order to earn some hard currency to send back

There is virtualy no crime - and I mean no petty crime - the place is safe . Any one who comits anything is harshly dealt with - I dont mean stoning / flogging etc - anyone who comits a crime is out of the country so fast - no second chances

You can by a drink in a pub / hotel - civilised

there is more Porches / luxury cars per capita of population than anywhere else

The place is still booming - despite world wide recession - the population will double in the next 10 years

There is some great golf courses - though Tiger will drop out of desert classic

Great place to work and live

It shows that it is possible for Arabs and the West to work and thrive with each other - It is how Iraq could be and should be as it has more untapped wealth and natural recources than any middle east country

 

[p_p_man]

I have just spent 10 days in the UAE - and was very impressed with the place - some interesting points

Are phone calls still free?

ppman

 

[Linedrive]

I thought for sure pp_man had already left for Baghdad, something about some Brits volunteering for the IHSP (Iraqi Human Sheild Program).

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

I thought for sure pp_man had already left for Baghdad, something about some Brits volunteering for the IHSP (Iraqi Human Sheild Program).

Nah, if you drink in Saudi, they cut off your hand. How the hell can you hold you pint if you get caught twice.

Too much risk for p_pman.

 

[Gord]

Re: Re: Just returned from the Middle East

Are phone calls still free?

ppman

not sure

everyone uses mobiles - it only cost my sister $8 to fill up her gas guzzling 4 x 4 though !!

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

I have just spent 10 days in the UAE - and was very impressed with the place - some interesting points

there is no democracy - the ruling monarchy rule

The country is very rich - but only 20% of GDP comes from oil - the rest comes from tourism, and inward investment

Most UAE citizens have a cradle to grave exsistence looked after by the state - they are given houses on marriage and are guarenteed jobs etc

The UAE importants thousands of Indians / Pakistanis / Sri Lankans as the work force of the country - and there are millions who chase the sought after visa to get into the country in order to earn some hard currency to send back

There is virtualy no crime - and I mean no petty crime - the place is safe . Any one who comits anything is harshly dealt with - I dont mean stoning / flogging etc - anyone who comits a crime is out of the country so fast - no second chances

You can by a drink in a pub / hotel - civilised

there is more Porches / luxury cars per capita of population than anywhere else

The place is still booming - despite world wide recession - the population will double in the next 10 years

There is some great golf courses - though Tiger will drop out of desert classic

Great place to work and live

It shows that it is possible for Arabs and the West to work and thrive with each other - It is how Iraq could be and should be as it has more untapped wealth and natural recources than any middle east country

I agree with you. I will say this though, I am anti-Saddam, anti Bathist, and anti-Wahaddist.

 

[Gord]

I thought for sure pp_man had already left for Baghdad, something about some Brits volunteering for the IHSP (Iraqi Human Sheild Program).

there were a few yanks in the group as well - they left the UK in 4 Double Decker buses - though most broke down on route - ( nothing new there then !! )

 

[p_p_man]

there were a few yanks in the group as well - they left the UK in 4 Double Decker buses - though most broke down on route - ( nothing new there then !! )

I liked the story that they didn't want to go through the Balkans because it was considered too dangerous!



ppman

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

Sounds like a great trip Gord. Thanks for the insight.

 

[SINthysist]

What happens when newer technologies replace oil?

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

What happens when newer technologies replace oil?

I think we'll need to be finding a practical replacement to Platinum first.

 

[Gord]

What happens when newer technologies replace oil?

Thats what impressed me about UAE - sure in 70's when they found oil it was like a huge lottery win - it was basicaly a dessert with some small amount of trading in camels etc

But they have used their oil wealth wisely - they have built up an infrastructure and attracted huge amounts of inward investement. Now oil is only 20% of GDP - they have built a country and a nation that could survive if oil stopped - however that is a long way away

 

[Lost Cause]

That's what puzzles me....

How a country like the UAE can exist so well with everyone and maintain it's culture, yet nearby, having totally berserk countries. Is it the type of religion each country has, or do they have a "separation of church and state" type of administration in the UAE?
I really believe that a year from now, the whole region will be breathing easier.
Don't go back till after March, trust me on this one, I know people.

 

[Gord]

Re: That's what puzzles me....

How a country like the UAE can exist so well with everyone and maintain it's culture, yet nearby, having totally berserk countries. Is it the type of religion each country has, or do they have a "separation of church and state" type of administration in the UAE?
I really believe that a year from now, the whole region will be breathing easier.
Don't go back till after March, trust me on this one, I know people.

The ruling family I suppose just decided that they didnt want to live in war zone like the rest of the middle East - so they moulded the country to what they wanted.

Sure it has no real democracy , but the people are well looked after and very prosperous- they know what side their bread is buttered -

It just show you that not all arabs are raving loons. It is an Islamic country - and as a weterner you have to respect their culture- but the two live side by side . There is a mutual repect it seemed to me - the common denominator is cash ( one thing both Arabs and the west like ) - So they are quite happy to sit in the sun and make loads of it - It is what you call a win win situation.

My Brother in law lives there and most expats have been told not to fly anywhere after 12th march - just stay put

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

There's an article in National Geographic this month about Qatar, another middle eastern country that is thriving.

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

Sheik Mohammed from UAE is one cool dude.

 

[Gord]

Sheik Mohammed from UAE is one cool dude.

yes - his family has guided the country well

He was educated in the UK public school system which is not the worst start in life you can get

When the King of Jordan visited UAE at an officlal event he turned up in 5 bullet proof mercededs with army body guards etc

Sheik Mohammed drove himself there in his own 4 x 4

say a lot about what sort of person he is

 

[Guest]

The first of April is no moon night. Perfect for stelth bombing.

But temp during the days in April is 47 degree C. (Fucking hell!)

Who the fuck plans this invasion stuff?