On the BBC!

On the 23rd of November 2004, this was on BBC online.

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Gulf state Muslims pray for rain
People in the United Arab Emirates have been holding special rain prayers after an appeal by the country's president. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other sheikhs have been leading Muslims across the country in the prayers.
Demand for water has far outstripped supply in the UAE in recent years and the country has the highest per capita consumption in the world. Praying for rain is an ancient ritual in Arabia, dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. In the modern burgeoning cities of the Emirates, the need for rain has arguably never been greater. As it is provided free of charge to citizens, there is no incentive for Emirati nationals to save water.

The UAE has been forced to develop alternative water sources other than ground water. But it is not that people necessarily waste more water here than anywhere else - instead there has been a gradual greening of the desert country. Imported palm trees, golf courses covered in lush green grass and oases extended for agriculture all increase the demand for water. So, too, do the huge construction sites which are continually sprouting up in or near the big cities.

Rainfall within recent years has been well below the seasonal average, so groundwater has not been replenished. With demand high and rainfall low, it is no surprise the UAE is believed to be the world's largest producer of desalinated water. Forecasters say the temperature in the Emirates is due to drop in the next few days but the chance of rain currently appears slim.

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So, the "chance of rain currently appears slim" ey?
Is that a scientific fact based on meteorological data collected over the years or perhaps an indirect ridicule of a Muslim leader's appeal for special rain prayers, an alleged "ancient ritual" from old Arabian days? Do I smell incredulity? Do I smell stinky undercurrents of mockery?

Well, whatever it may smell like, here's the outcome and the real deal. As of last week, it shall go down in history that Dubai rained heavily for FOUR whole days in a row.

From what I observed, in a dry desert area like the United Arab Emirates, typical of a middle eastern climate, the UAE's city planner did not see a reason for a drainage system so there are no longkangs, no canals and no reservoirs to drain the sudden onslaught of water from the sky. So there were some areas that got flooded, some cars that required servicing after going for a swim for the first time of their lives, some people who went driving their low low coupes (read:Lamborghinis, Porsches and Ferraris!) out on the roads and then felt like they were almost navigating submarines and some who relished and gratified their decisions to buy massive 4WDs jeeps (read:Hummers,Cayennes,Durangos) as they splashed about like fat bullies in kiddie pools.

What an experience.

Yes. For the first time in history, Dubai rained and rained and rained like never before. And like a premium added when you've already gotten the prime, here's what happened on the 30th of December 2004, as extracted from BBConline.

Cold snap brings Gulf rare snow
Snow has fallen in the United Arab Emirates for the first time in years, shocking residents of a desert country better known for its 50C summer heat.

Meteorologists reported heavy snowfall on the mountains of Ras al Khaimah, the federation's most northerly Emirate, as a cold snap gripped the region. Many people told local media it was the first snowfall there in living memory.

"This is certainly a rare occurrence that happens every 20 to 30 years," a forecaster told Reuters news agency.

Prayers for rain
Local newspapers said people were stunned by the white blanket of snow in the Al-Jees mountain cluster.



The range "had heavy night-time snowfall for the past two days as a result of temperatures dropping to as low as -5C [23F]", according to the Gulf News.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras al Khaimah, visited the mountains to see the snow and brought some back to show people, the paper said. Temperatures in Dubai, which attracts large numbers of tourists seeking winter sun, dipped as low as 12C (53.6F) on Wednesday night. In summer they can top 50C (122F).

Heavy rain led to hundreds of accidents on the roads on Monday, Dubai's police said, because drivers were unaccustomed to the conditions.

Forecasters said the region's chilly spell would probably end by next week, AFP news agency reports.

Only a month ago, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other sheikhs led Muslims across the Emirates in prayers for rain.

Demand for water has far outstripped supply in the UAE in recent years, with rainfall well below the seasonal average.

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So there.

In your face.

Not only did Allah answer their prayers and grant the rain, He also granted snow. True, there were road accidents. There were also massive traffic jams beyond belief. There were inconveniences aplenty. But there were no fatalities. No national emergency. No one had to die.

There was just rain. Lots and lots and lots of it. Cynical ones from faraway see it as some sort of sign that Judgement Day beckons. Why? There are so many other scary things happening in life that provide more of an indicator yet people wait to see snow and rain as some form of dark omen.

I see it as a blessing. Because for the first time in my life, God forgive me, I am truly humbled by the silent power of my beautiful religion.

And here I am, blessed with this religion as my birthright yet I falter so much as a Muslim girl even though I still have faith.

What a sad shame.

God help me.