As we sailed into Dubai,
We wondered why,

There was nothing in view
But we were told that is nothing new.

Because here it is often the norm,
To have zero visibility due to a sand storm

We docked at one pm.
And it was not until then

When we were very near
That we saw the tall buildings appear.

Our sunset safari by jeep as planned ,
Was cancelled due to the flying sand

The next morning for $99.00 it was not worth
To see the tallest building not only on but buried in the earth

The view was not magical
But only vertical

As the horizon in this land
Was hidden by sand

The sand looked like fresh snow on the ground
And created the same tracking sound.

All the buildings have the same sandy tone –
Probably so the sand will not be shown.

Construction seems diminished
As many buildings are fenced in or unfinished.

The mega malls have it all
But are a copy of any California mall.

With the same food courts and brand names
And areas with the same electronic games

Bigger and higher is there claim to fame
But otherwise much looks the same

But if one would compare,
I believe they would rather live elsewhere.

It will be interesting to see
What Dubai’s future will be

Out of the 1.2 million totals
Only 18 percent are locals.

The rest come and go
As laborers, expats or temporary CEO

There are no taxes, but prices are over the top
And only affordable for the Arabian snob.

This was a Kings dream who had money to burn.
But I wonder if a return in the long run he will earn.

But if not this town will go down in history
As another era in the 5000 years of this area’s mystery

It was a place I had looked forward to see
As advertising makes it a place you want to be

But in its totality
It was a disappointing reality.