Desert genius

So, living in the desert for many many eons has not completely ruined the lives of ancient bedouins and modern day Arabs. In fact, they have invented buildings with natural air-cooling systems (via placement of hallways/windows) as well as the best clothing to protect them from the unthinkably oppressive sun.

They also seem to know how to grow plants without wasting precious water. There are these areas all around Dubai that are basically sand with these black snake-looking things coiled on the surface. When I first got here, I thought maybe it was...to prevent cars from sinking into the sand? Someone forgot their hose? A strange way to decorate the ground in lieu of grass?

In fact, it is an ingenious irrigation system. Along the hose are little mini-spigot, as you get see below.


These spigots drip water directly into the sand/ground, avoiding the evaporation and water waste that is inevitable with sprinkler systems. Eventually, with patience and the absence of sand and dust storms, you end up cute little plants.


Which is charming, though slightly disarming, since honestly, the desert is not meant for plants, except maybe the occasional palm or shrub. Especially when the Middle East is constantly in a major water-supply crisis, and Dubai uses probably a majority proportion of the water available to grow some grass and plants that will start to die immediately unless they are watered constantly. Seriously? How about all the people who need to drink water? Just a thought.