Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
"Salaam! Peace!
I am so happy to have guests! My name is Nisreen and I'm an apprentice architect in Dubai, kind of... My family and I receive government stipends from state-owned oil revenues, so we don't have to work, but the petroleum market can be so finicky. My father arranged a scholarship for me to attend architecture school in America. Now I'm back home raising my children but get to help draft blueprints for a local building firm. It can be a lot of work being both a mother and professional woman, but I wouldn't change a thing!
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There is so much to see -- let's get started! Our first destination has hosted my country's most important guests, such as foreign emirs and presidents, and now you and me!
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"There is just nothing out here... I don't think I've ever visited such an open landscape! It's rather freeing, if not a little disorienting. No wonder the population of Kuwait is 100% urban! I couldn't imagine living out here. The emptiness sure creates a dramatic setting for the sunset, though. Really quite lovely. Going from one desert to another, I wonder if the sunsets at our next destination will be just as breathtaking?"
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"More than just a celebration of Kuwait's pearling heritage, these large monuments are actually the largest and newest additions to the city's elaborate water tower system. Together, this group of towers can hold over 9000 cubic meters (2.4 mil. gal) of water. The largest of the three also houses a restaurant and gift shop in the upper sphere. I'm sure it's a nice view from up there, but nowhere near as impressive as the view from our next stop -- which has the highest gift shop in the world!"
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Off-shore Oil Rig, Persian Gulf​
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"Composing the largest single petroleum source in the world, the Persian gulf and its surrounding coasts is obviously a key area for oil drilling. Off-shore rigs such as this one dot the gulf like giant herons searching for new oil fields. The petroleum industry has obviously supported so much growth in the region, but I am forced to wonder at what cost to our desert and marine environments. My grandfather tells stories of the Gulf before the discovery of oil, when another resource was our region's pride -- in fact, there is a monument dedicated to these 'jewels of the sea' at our next stop."
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Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park,
"It's too bad my little ones aren't here to see this! They would be having so much fun. The theme of this massive water park is all about the Dilman Dynasty heritage of Bahrain: each section of the park represents a different era in Dilman history. Both fun and educational! It can be so brutally hot in the Gulf that many parks and outdoor attractions stay open late into the night, when the weather is more pleasant. "​
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"What an interesting melding of old and new: this monument pays homage to Qatar's deep routes in the gulf pearling industry while marking the entrance to a brand new luxury retail and business complex. Oil has made Doha wealthy, but it was not always so. It's nice to see Qatari heritage celebrated artistically as this little nation continues to grow. Our next stop also celebrates pearling, but in a more practical and utilitarian manner."
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Camping in the Tel Mor'eb Dunes​
"Ma sha'Allah (oh my God)... I will never get all this sand out of my shoes! But my, isn't this amazing. Nothing but sand dunes as far as the eye can see. We're on the corner of the Rub Al-Khali -- the 'Empty Quarter' -- that covers much of the southern Arabian Peninsula. Nearby is the Liwa Oasis, which is the site of annual music and cultural festivals under the desert stars. I don't know about you but I could use a break from this heat -- maybe a dip in a pool? Good thing our next destination is both cultural and relaxing."
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Qasr al-Watan Presidential Palace,
"How exciting! This historic palace was just recently opened to the public in 2019 by his excellences Sheikh Khalifa and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed. While I have marveled at the grandeur of this colossal landmark since I was a little girl, this is my first visit inside. Look at all the intricate mosaic floors and cathedral ceilings! They call it a palace but this great hall actually serves as a meeting place to receive foreign dignitaries and host diplomatic events. Opening this palace to the public is part of the UAE's effort to diversify our economy, but oil is still king. Our next stop will give us a much more intimate look at how that industry functions."
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"Oooooooh... Don't look down if you're afraid of heights! We are at the top of the world's tallest building. This monolithic skyscraper took 5 years to complete and holds various architecture records, including: world's longest distance elevator ride, and world's highest New Years firework display, and the world's highest cafe, where I shared a delectable camel's milk ice cream with my friend Dr. Groom last time she came to visit. That view though! Look past the city and it's either water or desert as far as the eye can see. Our next destination is even more barren. No dunes, oases, buildings, nothing. The emptiness is the attraction."
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