The Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The sand desert is astounding. Yes, there are camels, camel farmers, camel races. There is a hotel and resort in the Empty Quarter called Qasr al Sarab. I saw a video of it on YouTube and could not believe it was a real place. Something about it just sang to me, stirred my soul. I had to go there, and I did. It was more mind-blowing than I even imagined. I could have stayed there forever.

Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter

Camel farmer in the Empty Quarter, in front of his abode

Exercising young racing camels. They were scared of my camera, and the jockey asked me to hide it from them.

Leaving the camel farm

A small part of Qasr al Sarab. There is nothing else nearby. Only desert.

Early morning from my terrace at Qasr al Sarab. Under the tent is an outdoor restaurant, in which beautiful carpets lie on the sand and there are no chairs, only cushions. Beyond are ultra-luxury villas where the Sheikh stays.

A corner of my huge terrace at Qasr al Sarab

Then there's the pool at Qasr al Sarab, considered one of the most spectacular in the world. Totally agree.

The pool at Qasr al Sarab. On our last day there, my traveling companions dragged me away. I cried. I never wanted to leave.

On the way to Dubai International Airport, I got one last look at the astounding Burg al Arab. It bewitched me.