Comments on: An Ant In Dubai

By: Maurice

Maurice — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:09:55 +0000

Well, nothing green about all of this. I guess the lesson to be learned should apply to all the other “skyscraper cities” in the region; including those in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

And as for “sucking sea water out of the Gulf”, that’s why this body of water is in its present sad state as all the saline residue from those desalination plants goes right back into the sea.

By: Aviva Weisgal

Aviva Weisgal — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:25:41 +0000

Will be sending this on to a friend who spent some time there. Thanks for the poetry, and journalism!

By: Karin Kloosterman

Karin Kloosterman — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:35 +0000

@hush I think Tafline is talking about potable, fresh water. As far as I know, it’s her first trip there with no prior experience; how can you say her personal experience is dated. She isn’t a time traveler, or is she?

By: Hush

Hush — Tue, 10 May 2011 06:17:21 +0000

Taxi drivers fighting for a fare? I think this would happen in NY, London or any other city. Money is always scarce at the poorer end of society, in any society. Much of the construction that stalled years ago, has restarted after aranging finance since the credit crisis. And Dubai waterless? It has over 50 km off beach front.

I feel this piece may have been relevant 3 years ago, but is somewhat dated in 2011.

By: Tafline Laylin

Tafline Laylin — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:33:56 +0000

Thanks Yossi.

By: Yosef Gotlieb

Yosef Gotlieb — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:37:40 +0000

Tafline,

I found this piece very insightful and well-written.

Thanks,

Yossi

By: Karin Kloosterman

Karin Kloosterman — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:49:08 +0000

In reply to Tafline Laylin. What was there before 40 years? Maybe you could a post on then, and now.

By: Tafline Laylin

Tafline Laylin — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:13:53 +0000

In reply to Rola Tassabehji. I went to a place yesterday that was supposedly the oldest British club in Dubai. It was only 40 years old! That speaks to how quickly the buildings sprung up here. There are spaces that could be reclaimed and there are more humble residential areas, but the towers are forever. Probably the best thing they could do here is stop building.

By: Rola Tassabehji

Rola Tassabehji — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:20:48 +0000

Having lived in Dubai, I whole heartedly agree with your impressions… Beyond the tall towers and fancy restaurants, something is missing. Perhaps slower growth will recapture the lost authenticity I felt when I first visited 15 years ago.

By: Arwa

Arwa — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:24:22 +0000

Great article Taf- really gave me a sense of the city and the problems it faces. Keep up the good work!