On the roads, you see Toyotas and Mercedes pass by. A bunch of siblings wave hi and bye from their seats. The workers run to their offices and the students briskly march to high schools. Trucks and buses are in the middle of their busy schedule. Streetlights fly above every minute. Above all there’s light

In the malls big shops raise their signs high. There’s shops for boys, girls and for all. Arcades and playing zones are just perfect spots to make children smile. Up and down go the shiny lifts and down and up goes the escalator. Bowling allies and cinemas are the preferred hangouts for teens. The lighting systems are so bright that the sun’s brightness has failed. Above all there’s light.

On the Corniche during the slow grace of the golden sunset, the sporty boys play games of cricket or football. It’s a perfect spot for an evening jog, a bike ride and more. The skyscrapers are decorated with lights of different colours. Late at night we can sense the taste of chicken smoked under warm charcoal. Above all there’s light.

In the stadiums there’s a side for home and away. The audience blows up when the ball has become a six or a goal has been scored or the speedy car accomplishes its final lap. The tension has filled every player and every member of the crowd. Under the huge lamps there is the winner and the loser. Above all there’s light.

In the airport the security is remarkably brilliant. The whole city makes you wonder whether you are in a desert. The hotels welcome newcomers with their best Arabian hospitality. Gold and silver is found everywhere embedded alongside shiny diamonds. Above all there’s light.

Now what is this light?

It’s not the streetlights, five million dollar light system, skyscrapers, LED lights or diamonds. The ‘light’ is the busy, fun, excitement, unification and feelings of the people. This light shows the people, malls, roads, Corniche, stadiums, hotels, and above all the true beauty of Abu Dhabi the City of Lights.

John Surya, age 15