Monday, January 26, 2009

Snowman on Jebel Jais!


On Friday (23 Jan, 2009) snow fell on the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. All the newspapers went gaga on the rare phenomena and how there was no proper word in the local Arabic dialect for 'snow'.


Weathermen did not have to dig too deep into the records to state that this was the second time it was snowing, the last being in 2004. So what happened five years ago? Why was there no pictures or reports the first time around? Not that it was not too long ago.

Most of the pictures the papers had were supplied. Then came the reports of people wanting to drive up into the Ras Al Khaimah mountains to see the snow firsthand. Gulf News reported that there was
"there is no road access to the mountain and that the snow on top of the mountain can only be viewed from a helicopter.

He called on the public to refrain from going to the mountain by road on their own as the mountain is unreachable without a plane."

Lo, behold today morning Abu Dhabi's newspaper The National had a front page photo of three Emiratis making a snow man! Miracles do happen!

Yet, Gulf News reported that the snow had started to melt by Sunday. Only wish I had a helicopter or a plane to fly into the mountains!

Worry not for all you who missed the snow! Gulf News thoughtfully added a PR note to the end of the article!

"Ras Al Khaimah has plans to capitalise on the attractive climate and spectacular scenery of Jebel Jais by building a mountain resort and ski slope on top of the mountains."

I hope it comes up soon like all the other freehold properties! Can't wait to slide down the slopes of Jebel Jais!

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