After a layover in the most inefficient airport in the world (Paris) we flew to my first Muslim country - the United Arab Emirates. The airport has the most duty free shopping in the world and is super modern… oh yeah, and it’s soon to be the “old airport.”

One day in Dubai on the way to Pakistan just to wet my appetite. I still can’t fathom having enough money to build 300 islands in the shape of the world - not to mention the other 2 palm island projects. Our driver took us around to a few hotels and the real estate office for the project. Talk about a realtors dream job.

Over 100 buildings going up at the same time in one area, so our driver tells us. That’s the story all over Dubai. They’re turning a desert into a metropolitan capital of commerce. The new tallest building in the world is underway. It’s odd to see gorgeous skyscrapers all around and no small buildings. They didn’t start small and build up - they went from sand to sky. Things are a bit dirty at the moment due to sand and construction but I hope to, Insha’Allah, go back in a year and see what it has become.