Desert ship

The Editor-in-Chief's word When I am in the middle of the desert, I can only admit that what I see is the most beautiful natural scene a human eye can see. And perhaps this is due to its simple features and lack of complex visual elements. The name of the desert has always been associated with the Arabian Peninsula — the only region in the world without rivers — where the beauty of the sand dunes has long been linked to the Arab person's coexistence with one of the harshest environments on our planet. The desert dweller was able to overcome these conditions thanks to two main elements, after water of course. The first is the palm tree, which provided him with rich food as well as shade and fronds used in building houses. The second is the camel, whose value and significance go beyond transportation, food, and drink, representing a cultural icon and a source of pride for its owners, especially those blessed with abundant beauty, physical strength, fertility, and milk. But despite the cherished status these creatures hold in our history, heritage, and religion, they may no longer attract the interest of people in our Arab world today. Perhaps this is due to the disappearance of our need for them as a means of transportation, as well as the availability of various alternative food sources. However, in the United Arab Emirates, as our ancestors did, we do not diminish the importance of any element that reflects the authenticity of our heritage, no matter how small; foremost among them is the camel. The "Ship of the Desert" has enjoyed great attention and care from the wise leadership of this country for decades, to the extent that today there are specialized research centers across the nation, and festivals, seasons, and races are held to honor, celebrate, and educate the new generation about its place and importance in the cultural fabric. In celebration of the 53rd anniversary of "Union Day" in the United Arab Emirates, we present to you from the "Ships of the Desert" with an engaging story written by two talented Emirati women, accompanied by photographs taken during explorations with National Geographic, lovers of Emirati culture. I wish you an enjoyable read! In this issue: Ship of the Desert... after decades of loyalty and giving, it hands over its helm to scientists, guiding us to the land of growth. Photos of the world Notre Dame Cathedral Salobek in China