The Northern Emirates

I am currently visiting one of the northern emirates. I am surrounded by mountains, and the natural state is much greener than Dubai (though the emirate is still not exactly lush green, and there is much less of the artificial grass and flowers that are charcteristic of Dubai). I've seen a herd of goats beside the road, standing on their hind legs trying to graze on the trees. And several Citizens carrying sub-machine guns, but they said it was just for a wedding.