Construction in the summer

The sun in Dubai is HOT. The UAE Ministry of Labour announced a summer midday work ban, warning companies that flout the law would face heavy fines. The ministry said the ban would be from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm from July 1 until Aug. 31. The ban on labourers working during the day’s hottest hours was introduced in 2004, but its start date has varied. The ministry also said that an intensive inspection campaign would be start on the first day of the ban coming into force. The ministry said companies must also provide covered rest areas for the workers during the breaks.

Above is a picture of a newspaper ad showing inventive ways various outside workers protect themselves from the sun.

Salik

In Arabic, Salik means a person who enganged in Islamic spiritual path. Salik is a road toll which was introduced in July of 2007. It currently costs me AED8 to travel to work and back. In September it will cost me AED16! I moved to Dubai because it was tax free - I consider this toll a tax! Humph - well at least there is no snow; but with global warming that could be around the corner. Speaking of around the corner, there is talk about introducing VAT!

More Dubai Metro

The first phase of Dubai's Metro System will be completed by end of 2009. Everyday, 1.2 million passengers are expected to travel to 55 stations in air-conditioned carriages.

There will be two transfer stations — Union Square and the BurJuman Centre. At the transfer stations, Green and Red Lines will cross each other and passengers will be able to change between lines. Work on metro stations will continue into 2008. The underground stations will be complete by early 2009. Picture: Dubai metro in front of the Etisalat building taken in the first half of 2007.