tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22261571.post1942172061788173817..comments2024-03-20T01:06:12.181-04:00Comments on MEI Editor's Blog: Cultural Stereotype Department: Camel Beauty ContestUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22261571.post-52238999427102188392010-02-11T14:45:31.039-05:002010-02-11T14:45:31.039-05:00When I was living in Abu Dhabi in the late 1980s, ...When I was living in Abu Dhabi in the late 1980s, I visited Al-Dhafra and the Liwa a few times. Admittedly, it was not at the time of any festival, but at least then you did not see much other than sand in an area which is part of the Great Empty Quarter. In fact, that was its charm in a country where areas of open desert were rapidly disappearing with the spread of improvements like permanent buildings and highway beautification. Many of Abu Dhabi's more far sighted leaders cling to examples of life before oil and celebrate folkloric activities, partly as a defense mechanization against the social and cultural aspects of modernity, not all of which are so desirable as improved housing, air conditioning, modern medicine and educational opportunities.David Macknoreply@blogger.com