December 1 and 2 are holidays here in the UAE. December 1st is Commemoration Day when the country remembers soldiers and civil servants who have died in service. It just became a national holiday in 2015. December 2nd is National Day. There will be events, celebrations and fireworks. Many residents will take advantage to travel or head to a resort with the 2 days off falling at the beginning of the weekend.

The weather has been cooling down and there is a sense of relief across the country. Flowers are being planted and soon will be blooming. Weekends will find families at parks and the beach enjoying the cooler temperatures. Seasonal venues like Global Village and Miracle Gardens have re-opened. Restaurants are serving dinner outside. It is a wonderful time to connect with friends and neighbors and share the Great News!

Many residents are celebrating in the UAE this week as the mask requirement has been scrapped in most public places after 2 and a half years. One school even held a special “ceremony” ending in masks being thrown into the air - graduation style. Masks will still be required in hospitals, public transport, and places of worship. Discipleship classes and small groups are back in full swing back in churches.

The Suhail star was seen in the early hours of August 24th by astronomers in the UAE marking the end of the sweltering summer heat. Residents were very happy as temperatures hit 122F/50C several days this summer. The Suhail star is seen only during the winter months in the Arabian Peninsula. It will take weeks for the temperature to be considered nice, but hope is on the horizon.

Summer brings many transitions across the UAE. June and July saw people from around the world moving home. Continue to pray for those who have made a decision to follow Christ while living in the UAE to find fellowship in their home countries. August will see many new people moving to the UAE. Pray for believers to to make it a priority to find churches where they can plug in, grow, and serve. Pray that they will grasp that while they moved to the UAE for a job, God has a greater purpose for their lives.

Temperatures in the UAE have been hitting 108F (over 40C) for the past couple of weeks. It is hot. While much of the world is flocking to the beach or going to the park for picnics, residents of the UAE are staying inside. Much of the entertainment and restaurants are located in the malls. So while the temps are soaring, people can learn to ski. Dubai, especially, is a crazy place!