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The crossing from Ras-Laffan to Jebel Ali (Dubai) is done in a few hours and we arrive in sight of the harbour by 1500.<br/><br/>

Dubai and the U.A.E has for me similar connotations to the promised land. Dubai will provide us with all that we desperately need: the spare parts to repair the Air Conditioning on board, the supplies of fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables, fresh water, vast quantities of alcohol and juices. All the shops in the world, containing all the luxuries imaginable. More than that, it is the first city which I am really truly excited to visit. Port Sudan and Ras Laffan were mere appetizers before Dubai.<br/><br/>

Dubai, Friday the 16th of September

Degrubenc
2005-12-09 16:26:21

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a birds eye view of the world. Each country is an island. I shall consider buying Belgium and playing King but that might prove to be a tad expensive. Will need to talk about it to my father.

As we approached our berthing space, we spotted the private yacht of the emir of Dubai: it is 200 meters long (longer than our cargo ship) has 7 decks and looks frighteningly expensive. I am told it has cost 350 million USD to build and the Emir is now adding to it his own little luxurious whims: gold-plated taps and ceiling and god only knows what else. I have never seen such a large yacht. It is far bigger than the large American destroyers next to which it is berthed.

The United Arab Emirates are divided into seven emirates, each richer than the next. The political system is ruled by a council, chosen by the emirs. The rulers of the councils and U.A.E are not elected, rather it is the current ruler who decides how long he will stay and who will succeed him. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two richest of the Emirates but the others are by no means poor. Each Emir likes to have a Palace in each of the other Emirates. This explains the profusion of gigantic palaces on the water front as we approach the harbour.

The berthing was quickly and efficiently done. The agents came and board and were very pleasant indeed. For once, there was no corruption. The captain did not have to give out large amounts of cigarettes or alcohol to satisfy the entire harbour. Such a welcome change. The agents and all the gangs working in and around the harbour are, of course, Indians. I am later told that 80% of the population of Dubai is Indian. They are the construction workers, labourers, domestic staff and every other dirty or manual jobs the local Arabs refuse to do. There are only 10% of Arabs in Dubai. The agent is kind enough to give me a car and driver for the day to drive me around the city.

After clearing immigration ...