A bit of a gripe, actually.

It really irritates me about how little people understand about the basic geography of the middle east. We didn't live there long, but long enough to know a bit about which way is up. After spending 2 years in Saudi Arabia, it really grates my carrot when people ask me about my time in Dubai. So, to save you from making an ass of yourself when engaging in light conversation with people about the middle east, let me enlighten you.

Lesson Number 1: Dubai is NOT a country.

Please look at the map. You see that tiny bit of orange country just to the right of the large yellow mass? Look a little closer. Somewhere near the top of it, you will see, written pretty tiny, the word: Dubai. Dubai is a bustling CITY in the north of the country known as the United Arab Emirates. (Oh, yes. The United Arab Emirates is the name of a country

Lesson Number 2: Dubai is NOT In Saudi Arabia. 

Also, Dubai is nowhere near to even being equal to Saudi Arabia. When you say, "So how was Dubai?" and I say "It was Saudi, actually," and you say, "Oh, but it's the same thing," you are very very mistaken. Dubai is NOT the same thing as Saudi. (Check the map: Dubai = tiny little city in UAE, SAUDI ARABIA = massive expanse of lemony yellow land).

Lesson Number 3: Saudi Arabia is NOT THE middle east.

Never assume, when conversation turns to the middle east, that Saudi Arabia is the topic of conversation. (Check map, please). The middle east is comprised of a vast number of countries. Remember also that "Middle-East-Conversation" is also not always about Israel vs Palestine. Bear in mind that we're talking about twenty-or-so different countries with different political climates, and even different degrees of desert. They ARE NOT all one and the same.

Lesson Number 4: In the same vein, Israel is NOT THE middle east.

Check the map again, please. Do you see that small strip of burgandy just off to the north west of Saudi Arabia (the frikking huge yellow expanse in the middle)? That's Israel. See what I mean? There's a lot more to the middle east than that small, albeit extremely volatile, strip of land.

Thank you.