With all the brouhaha about the United Arab Emirates, I’m glad I got to see the city of Dubai before the country slapped visas on Canadians. Although I’m sure it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, I thought it was interesting to be able to see Muslim culture firsthand without actually having to wear body armour (I had just returned from Afghanistan).

The crazy thing about Dubai is that the humidity is on a level beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. And I grew up in Toronto. The place is just 36 degrees of intense humidity, day and night. There is no discernible change in temperature at any time.

Dubai is nothing but a city-shopping mall. Commerce is king, and no matter where you go you get harassed by street vendors running up trying to sell you their wares. Although it’s a novelty for one day, I can imagine it would be frustrating to live there.

Here are some of those unpublished pictures from that trip. All were taken October 6, 2010.

A shuttle bus drops people off from the al-Minhad airbase. It’s supposed to be hush-hush, but all the shops in the area know the Canadian soldiers come in to buy jewellery and fabrics.

These aren’t the iTunes you’re looking for.

Row upon row of shops line the streets of Dubai. The fashion clash between east and west is most apparent here with the tourists and the locals.

The latest fashions can be seen on display on the mannequins on the right.

Dubai is a contrast of extreme riches and extreme poverty. Air-conditioning companies must do well here.

Although some of the city is dirty and ugly, other parts are quite beautiful and colourful.

It’s not unusual to see traffic held up by men pushing carts, though there are no beasts of burden.

Some of the dresses on display are quite pretty and colourful.

It literally cost 30 cents to get on a barge to cross the river.

The night life is a completely different experience than the day, though the heat is the same.

Men having Chai at the waterfront after evening prayer.