No wi-fi, no iPads, no DVDs, no Kindles. Need it be added that there was no air conditioning as well?
This was the life of an oil worker in the late 1950s, the early days of exploration and time when a posting to the Western Region was about as remote as moving to Antarctica (but rather warmer).
Here a member of what was still known as Petroleum Development Trucial Coast, relaxes at the exploration base in Tarif with a copy of Everybody's magazine featuring the actor Richard Burton on the cover.
The photo was taken by John Vale, who worked in the industry in the 50s and 60s.
Although it is not dated, Everybody's - a British publication and not to be confused with the more famous American original - merged with another publication, John Bull, in 1959, placing the image in 1958, the year oil was found in Abu Dhabi.
The bookcase on his right is filled with well-thumbed copies of Penguin books, the orange covers denoting classic novels, the green being detective thrillers.
Most would have been read until they literally fell to pieces. In those days, Amazon was still just a river in South America.
*James Langton
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
