THE ASINGANIAN: armchair travelogue

DUBAI, THROUGH MY

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Folks who have not been to this part of the world visualize the United Arab Emirates as a Middle Eastern country akin to the images of war-torn Iraq or violence-wracked Palestine which is of course a daily fare in CNN. Others have this image of desert wasteland dotted by oil wells and occasional oasis, populated by nomads living in tents with their herds of sheep and camels. To this day when I get home, a common question asked me in jest is "Kumusta dagitay camels idiay desierto" to which I could only shake my head and smile. Can't blame them really; I almost had the same impression before I moved over here.

The UAE, particularly the emirate of Dubai, has become a favorite destination for OFW's since the early 2000's. Thanks to UAE's relaxed entry policy, the sustained construction boom and the burgeoning trade and commerce as it developed into being the financial center and travel hub of the Middle East. With its man-made wonders blending beautifully with the natural beauty of the land, it has also become a favorite tourist destination. Hotels, despite their phenomenal number are almost always fully-booked. Multinational corporations, big businesses and industrial giants chose Dubai from which to direct their Middle East operations.

Filipino professionals here have excelled and cashed-in on opportunities in diverse fields such as Construction, Design and Engineering, Medical Industry, Finance, Education, Entertainment, etc. Along with these success stories also come heartbreaking tales of kababayans being duped into coming for non-existent jobs, low-paying sweatshops, abusive employers, hellish living conditions. The unfortunate cases come mostly from those who were misinformed about the opportunities and came with mismatched qualification.

Meanwhile, the boom continues. Filipinos continue to pour-in at an estimated 300 heads a day for the last 3 years or so.

I have attached a number of pictures to give Asinganians a glimpse of Dubai. These were taken over a period, mostly out of a whim, with my mobile phone and through the windshield as I drive by to and from work--SONNY ESPEJO

1. mankhool road in the satwa district of dubai is where I live. I share a flat with 5 other Filipino Engineers.

To get to work, I have to drive through minor streets and service roads towards the main Highway which is the Sheik Sayed Road.

2. this is at the backstreet behind the dubai trade center

3.irrigated beds of greens and flowers adorn the sidewalks and center lanes

4. driving along the service road

5. turning right from the service road towards the sheik sayed expressway

6. The 12 lane Sheik Sayed expressway towards Abu Dhabi is the main artery from the city to the various work zones and growth areas in the suburbs. Seen on the upper right hand corner is the Burj Dubai under construction. When finished it would be the world's highest structure.

7. This is the Design House building where I work. It was taken some 9 months ago and looks like it is in the middle of nowhere. Today, we are completely surrounded by new constructions.

8 TO 14- Office buildings, Hotels and Residential Towers lining the streets where I pass by. Notice the gantry cranes and construction barriers that are still in place.