George W. Bush visits UAE

The world has been watching President George W. Bush's every step during his tour of the middle east. And yet we were not to make any mention of George W. Bush during today's radio broadcast. Stunned I decided it would be better not to bother with the broadcast at all, to avoid any possible pasting from the audience. Not to mention professional integrity. Hence the blog on what could well be a hugely significant visit by the U.S President.

The American President gave a keynote speech at, what has got to be one of my favourite hotels, the Emirates Palace in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. It was an extraordinary day for commuters in Dubai on that Sunday 13th January 2008. We were inundated with radio listeners telling their tales of woe as they were stuck in traffic jams for hours, it was obvious that this was more than just the beginning of another working week in Dubai. Some roads had been closed and diversions, of sorts, put in place. The overwhelming message we were revieving at the radio station was that no one had been informed of the road closures and the mayhem that followed.

Meanwhile, while motorists in Dubai were fuming, George W. Bush was addressing an audience of UAE leaders and dignataries. The message.. Iran is the World's leading sponsor of terror. And he continued to spread his message of democracy rules.

Later that day I was informed that Monday was to be a public holiday. The President of the United States of America was heading to Dubai. Schools were to close as were many of Dubai's main roads. It was to be a stay at home day.

I remember seeing the Presidential helicopter flying directly over our house with its escort. And seconds later it began to rain. Where I come from rain always has a significant meaning.

Neighbours looked up to the sky pointing at the entourage, it was eerily quiet around the housing complex.

The President paid a brief visit to Dubai and then headed on to Saudi Arabia

I have to say that I am greatful to the authorities here for announcing the public holiday. If that is what it takes to keep us safe here. The Bush visit passed us by without incident. Plenty of traffic jams and a day off, one extra day in my case because we were to make no mention of George W Bush.


It may well be time... for change