A Visit to the US Consulate

Deep breath. Whew!

In order to get into the US Consulate, here are your procedures.

1. Arriving by car, navigate through the barriers, stop at the gate (guarded by a heavily armored UAE Army truck and 4 UAE Army men). Tell them your business.

2. Enter the lobby and pass through secured building entrance guarded by 3 UAE Army men. Put handbag on x-ray machine, walk through metal detectors. Get directions to US Consulate (the consulate is in a tall business tower.)

3. Enter US Consulate area, show passport for identity.

4. Taken to back room to put handbag on x-ray machine and go behind curtain for swipe with metal detection wand by UAE Army woman (she was wearing an olive greeen scarf to cover her head, a uniform jacket, and a long skirt down to her boots). Inquiries as to phone, digital camera, keys, and umbrella in my purse. Told to turn off phone.

4. Go to hand baggage check. Show passport for identity. Turn over handbag (after taking out wallet and all other paperwork needed for my consulate visit).

5. Walk through metal detector.

6. Take lift operated by security guard to 21st floor. Outside of lift, show passport for identity.

7. I'm in! Surprisingly swift service for my requests after that.