Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Flew from Sicily to the UAE today, stopping in [Incerlik?] Turkey for fuel. We were allowed to pass through Iraqi airspace again and had the best weather yet. Arriving at Dubai International just before dark, we found out we had rooms at the JW Marriott.  WOW!!!  It was VERY hot, even in the dark, so we didn't leave the hotel. Tonight there was a Lebanese wedding in the hotel. I was at the bar and a large crowd of people came to the bottom of a nearby staircase and began to sing very loudly. Naturally, everyone around me stood to see what was happening. As a well dressed (recently married) couple came down the stairs, the crowd of singers got louder and louder. They swarmed around the couple when they reached the bottom. The whole event was very joyous. One of the waiters near me helped me to understand what was happening - he asked me if I was "of the Muslim faith." I told him, no, but anyone can recognize overwhelming happiness in any language!