Dancing Waters

I guess you have a pretty busy day as a Sheikh.

On top of your government work, you're also supposed to be out and about for events of economic or social importance.

Last week, for instance, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed at the least made an appearance at travel exhibition ATM, watched a cricket game in Dubai's brand-new cricket stadium (Pakistan defeated Australia in the "short" Twenty20 form of the sport, which about half of Dubai's taxi drivers will tell you), and he also came for the inauguration of Dubai Mall - the biggest mall in Dubai. And that's only what I'm aware of without any sort of research.

When Sheikh Mohammed arrived outside the mall last Friday evening, he came surrounded by a huge cloud of people who all sported a distinct air of importance. The Sheikh's quick stride made it hard for the numerous journalists to catch a picture of the stern-looking leader.

Equipped with a press pass myself, I only managed to get a half-way decent shot when he and his entourage were finally seated for the first official performance of what is said to be the largest performing water fountain in the world.

The spectacle was part of the official inauguration of Dubai Mall, with the impressive silhouette of the Burj Dubai just next to it. Nice composition of perfectly orchestrated water beams, music (not live, though) and light.

You could easily be forgiven if this makes you forget you're in a desert state...