Here in the Middle East and parts of North Africa, many ask the question “What is the weather like?” Yes, you need a jacket for the winter, sometimes an umbrella for the rain but many people don't know about the sand storms. If you have allergies or asthma be warned of bringing a face mask to protect from the dust. It's actually very beautiful and amazing but can also be a scary scene. Seeing the skies turn brown and sometimes very bad storms will turn midnight black in the sky. Usually, sandstorms are a precursor to rains. Clouds moving bringing rain also bring dust from the surrounding desert areas. Sandstorms usually come during the fall and spring seasons. However, rain can happen anytime and beforehand usually comes the sand. Stay prepared!

There is a famous saying in the Middle East that goes “if you lost your soul look for it in the desert.” The desert is commonly imagined as an ecosystem that is dry and hot filled with many dangerous insects and animals such as snakes, scorpions, and lizards. However, it is a great place for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of honking cars and traffic crowding the roads. It is also a great destination for camping with friends or if you need a place to escape and take time for personal inner reflection. The open area that looks like a brownish red ocean is something of beauty especially if you ever sat at the beach and marveled at the endless sight of the ocean. Or if you have watched the sunset at the beach you may remember the moment the sun seems to touch the ocean surface turning the water blue to orange. Imagine if you were able to freeze that moment gazing at an orange endless sea. Well, that is the desert. The orange-brown hue of endless sand is definitely a sight to see, especially at sunrise and sunset. The scenery rivals that of watching the sunrise over the ocean and you can't help but compare the two.