Abu Dhabi is not suffering like Dubai because this Emirate has cash reserves of billions, built up over the years by storing the profits from its oil. Now it’s beginning to spend it, building Dubai-style malls and hotels.

I’m here visiting a friend who is the Business Editor of the National, a new newspaper set up by the Emirate in order to forge a new sense of national identity. This weekend is the inauguration of the new order. Last night, I saw Beyonce startle Abu Dhabi with her amazing voice and booty. She was magnificent, costume changes galore, funk, rock, and schmaltz all delivered like the show-woman she is.