Did you hear the one about the camel they cloned in Dubai?

No, that's not a setup line to some off-color joke. It's a true story: "Scientist: First cloned camel born in Dubai".

Gee, I wonder how much that cost the government?

Although to be fair, it was born six days ago and took 378 days to gestate, so I bet this whole idea looked a lot better before this whole economic shitstorm that really crippled Dubai.

Makes me think of a story ...

EXT. DESERT OUTSIDE OF DUBAI - DAY.

A gleaming modern glass highrise sails out of the desert sands at her base. The parking lot is full of BMWs, Maseratis, Porsches, and camels.

TITLE CARD: "DUBAI'S CAMEL REPRODUCTION CENTRE - MARCH 28, 2007."

INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS.

An Arab man in a labcoat-esque dishdash is speaking with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

ARAB SCIENTIST
"Sheikh Mohammed, we have a great
idea to clone a camel! Although,
to be fair, it might be a bit
pricey ..."


SHEIKH MOHAMMED
"Excellent! As this is Dubai,
money is no worry! Spend as much
as you like!"

JUMP CUT TO:

EXT. TENT - DAY.

Gone is the gleaming glass building, it's now replaced by a drab olive army pup tent.

The same Arab Scientist sits outside the tent, in the shadow of a very pregnant camel.

TITLE CARD: "DUBAI'S CAMEL REPRODUCTION CENTRE - LAST WEEK."

ARAB SCIENTIST
"Oh man, this seemed like such
a good idea a year and a half ago ..."


END SCENE.

Waaaw-waw!