Fireworks

Fireworks have become a tradition now in the UAE and vast sums of money are being spent on a regular basis to entertain us in the sky. With little chance of rain cancellations the shows are becoming ever more impressive, as are the traffic jams caused by those attempting to get to see them. Unfortunately many people only every get to see them fleetingly from a car stuck on the way to the Corniche. One day I'll get down beneath them myself and watch the sky turn multi-coloured and listen to the thundering, up close and personal.
 

Fog

I love the fog in Abu Dhabi. It is so nice to see some variety in the weather. I love the way the traffic is largely more cautious. Strangely with the traffic going slower (at the speed limit) we actually get to destinations faster!

I have also been impressed by the way the number of people erroneously using hazard lights while driving has reduced markedly over the years. In a twenty minute drive in the morning rush hour along Airport road I only saw two cars using them. Looks like the message is actually getting through. I wish that was also so for the drivers with their trailers who seem to think hazard lights are useful when driving at 100kph+ along the highway and weaving in and out of lanes. Oh well, small steps. Anyway, for the moment I’m just happy to enjoy the fog.

Tunnel

Sheikh Zayed Tunnel (fka Salaam St. tunnel) is making me very happy. From the middle of the island I can get over to Mina (The Club) in half the time I used to take. The ride back is even quicker. Apart from one or two stressful merges, and unfinished roadworks the tunnel is a huge and welcome addition to Abu Dhabi. (Pictures from GN) It is not just the time, but also the tendency for traffic to stay in lanes without weaving (as much). Surprisingly, the speed limit seems to be being adhered to as well! :-)
Now we just have to wait for the GPS's to get back up to date!