The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a relatively young country that is short on age but not on wealth. Since the discovery of oil in this nation, the UAE has transformed from an ancient fishing port to a sprawling modern metropolis and when visitors walk through the city streets, they'll discover expansive sand dunes next to lavish modern-day buildings.

Sailors of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) experienced this while on a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tour of the sand dunes of Dubai. It was an opportunity to gain a little exposure to Middle Eastern culture while having fun.

"I just love the exotic vibe that Dubai and the UAE give off," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Masters. "I've never been to the Middle East and for me, it's a once in a lifetime experience, so it fills me with joy that I was here in person."

The tour began with Sailors being split into small groups and boarding SUVs with a driver at the ready. They were driven down the highway for several miles before the SUVs pulled over in the desert and Sailors were able to get out, stretch their legs and take photos of the dunes that expand for miles.

"It kind of freaks me out just how far the desert goes out," said Masters. "I'm not from a place where we have deserts, but what surprised me was the sand. It's reddish and soft which only adds to the exoticness of this place."

Once the tour group was ready to move on, their drivers lowered the air pressure of the SUV's tires, much to the surprise and confusion of a few Sailors. Any lingering questions were quickly answered when the drivers drove faster and swerved through the sand dunes of the desert while blaring techno music.

"Once we really started to drive into the dunes, it became quite the rollercoaster," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Franjesca Roca. "It was definitely a unique and fun way to experience a tour."

The caravan of vehicles eventually made it to a camp where Sailors were served some appetizers and drinks, and could ride on camels or purchase local garb and sand art from the stores.

"The camels were cute and it was a fun little ride," said Masters. "The camp is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. This experience is something I can check off my bucket list."

As the hours went by and sunset arrived, Sailors were treated to dinner and performances by dancers, including a belly dancer.

"The dancers just made the night even more fun," said Roca. "We all got into the overall mood of the night, especially when the belly dancer pulled people from the audience to dance along. This was just an amazing experience, and one that I won't soon forget."

As the performances ended and the tour drew to a close, Sailors made their way back to the SUVs, leaving the dunes of Dubai with joy in their hearts and an experience that not many get to have. Whether it was the food, the people, the local culture or the ambiance, they walked away with memories and a story to tell their loved ones back home about their port visit to Dubai.

The GHWBCSG is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests.

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