This is about an Arab born in America. He refuses to return to his heritage in Dubai, to a rich grandfather. The film is about how he finds his feet in a strange land. Upon his inevitable return to Dubai to meet the family, he discovers a family secret he wishes he hadn't. He runs away and looses himself in the desert. A sandstorm buries him. He is rescued by the daughter of a Bedouin chief. She cannot speak English and he cannot speak Arabic. Her name is Shamaal. The sandstorm changes his life.