Urbanization of this corner of the Arabian Desert has brought not only skyscrapers and roads, but also the beautiful areas like neighborhood parks. Here, sand surrounds you up to the edge of the Persian Gulf. Most villa type homes and buildings are sand colored. The absence of a spectrum of colors is something residents mention.

One weekend, my family and I found ourselves in a park here in the city. We were excited to enjoy the nice weather and each other’s company. Nearby was a family from a different culture. A simple hello and smile began the conversation. Our children enjoyed playing together so the conversation continued for a while.

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!

Yusuf and Ayesha and their children became refugees overnight as they had to flee physical persecution in their home country due to their faith.  A religious leader’s son had begun to read the Bible and he blamed it on this family.  A crowd was gathered and went to their house to hurt them.  

A new Hindu temple officially opened on October 5th, the day before the Dussehra festival, in what is being described as the “worship village” of Jebel Ali in Dubai where several churches and a Sikh temple are located.  Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the Indian ambassador inaugurated the new temple at a celebration where over 200 dignitaries, ambassadors and local community leaders gathered. 

Moving to Dubai was never a part of my plan for my life. If you had asked me in 2012 where I saw myself in 10 years, I would have probably said something along the lines of married with kids working as a successful lawyer somewhere.

I once heard a saying: “Men make plans, and God laughs.” It turns out that saying is true for women as well.