Bush in Dubai

US President George W. Bush was in Dubai yesterday.

First, it was announced at 14:35 on Sunday that Sheikh Zayed Road (Service Entrance/turn offs) would be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. No big deal. I could still take an alternate route or wake up early to get back into the office.

Then at 15:36, it was announced that

1. Al Khail Road closed
2. Sheikh Zayed Road closed from Salik to Salik
3. Jumeirah Beach Road closed from Al Thanya to Jumeirah Corporate office (far side of Madinat)
4. Al Wasl closed from Al Thanya to Dubai Police

EXCELLENT. This traffic arrangement would mean there was no way for me to get to the office. Almost all arterial roads were blocked as part of the security measures for Bush's visit to the city. I might as well take a day off.

Then at 17:05, Dubai declared it was a public holiday.

W.T.H.

How can a country possibly progress with all her public holidays shifting around based on the "sighting" of the moon? Or with a government that can randomly add in some days off when some important figures visit? More importantly, how the hell am I going to plan for MY holiday?

Don't be mistaken, I am very grateful for the 4-day week. And I certainly hope Bush develops great love towards Dubai after this trip and decides to come visit every month. But I just hope all these could be done systematically and logically.

Decide which roads need to be closed. Make special traffic arrangement to accommodate that. Think through it. Proof check it. Then release it to the public in an organised way and hence the public can follow.

Is that too much to ask, RTA?