Al Ain City Daily Photo

Our Adventure in Al Dhafra Festival: Journey to central Abu Dhabi

2012-01-15T23:38:00.003+04:00

Howdy everyone? How'ya all doing? I hope everyone is doing good. Am I dreaming? Nope! Yeah, my self-imposed blogging break is over. I am finally back in the blogosphere. To compensate for my loonggggggggg absence, I will post more photos today. Let me continue my story about our adventure in Al Dhafra Festival organized by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority last December 2011.

It was one foggy and windy Monday morning when we left Al Ain City and headed to central Abu Dhabi. I was a bit worried and hesitant to travel since hubby was not around. We had to take the public transportation all the way from Al Ain to Madinat Zayed. My hesitation grew even more when I saw that the visibility on the road was significantly reduced, knowing the "driving habits" of the motorists here in the UAE. Since we were all excited about our trip, I just shrugged my shoulders and took a deep breath and filled my lungs with cool and fresh air. We simply ignored the weather and off we went to Al Ain Bus station at 07:20 AM.

at Al Mutaredh District while we were waiting for the taxi

at the Central District on our way to Al Ain Bus Station

As soon as we stepped out of the taxi, we all realized that we were late for the 07:30 AM bus and we had to wait for another bus. An employee told us to wait inside the designated waiting station. We were sitting for about 25 minutes when JM and Joel started to complain. Kids became impatient as the clock started ticking.

at the bus station

To divert their attention, I asked them to buy some food to munch while I was busy taking pictures of this cute critter :))

After 15 more minutes, I, too became impatient. We decided to take a cab for rent along with the other 2 passengers and headed to Abu Dhabi without even thinking of the risk. At exactly 10:15 AM, we arrived safely at Abu Dhabi Bus Station and our journey to Madinat Zayed has begun.

on our way to Abu Dhabi taken inside the cab

JM beside the stone falcon at Abu Dhabi Bus Station

TO BE CONTINUED.....
(these photos are straight out of the camera, resized to low resolution and no pp done.)

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T07:46:00.006+04:00

Allow me to pause for a while. I'm leaving you with these photos taken last night at the Burj Park in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. I've been there to watch the new year's fireworks together with my family. Happy New Year dear friends, readers and visitors of Al Ain City Daily Photo!! Wishing you a prosperous 2012!

By the way, my next post will be the continuation of our adventure in Al Dhafra Festival. Have a great start of the new year!

Edited as of January 30, 2012 : I joined the Fireworks Picture Competition and if it isn't too much to ask, please vote for me. Click HERE and click the word vote at the right side of my photo entry. Thank you.

Prologue: Our adventure in Al Dhafra Festival

2011-12-28T11:33:00.005+04:00

at the camel race track in Madinat Zayed

It was one foggy and freezing cold Monday morning when I and the kids headed to the western region of Abu Dhabi to visit the Al Dhafra Festival. It took us about 5 hours to finally see the festival villages and some camels. We travelled around 140 kms. from Al Ain to central Abu Dhabi and another 140 kms. from central Abu Dhabi to Madinat Zayed.

~~To be continued~~

(P.S. Thank you so much for dropping by my blog and for leaving your comment(s). I will return your visit as soon as I can. I'm still on tonight and I'm hoping for a quiet graveyard shift.)

Run birdie run!

2011-12-27T02:58:00.003+04:00

A panning technique that I have tried with this bird while I and my kids were waiting for bus number 700 at Al Ain Bus Station. This photo was taken yesterday morning. I was bored to death after 30 minutes of sitting inside the waiting area and decided to look for an interesting subject to shoot. Luckily, I saw this bird running after for his food. :))

Shoot like a Pro

2011-12-24T10:21:00.004+04:00

Pentax film SLR camera with 50mm f/1.8 lens and Canon Speedlite 580 EX of Sir Sameer

Al Qattara Arts Center will be offering a new advanced photography course starting on January 5, 2012. It will be conducted in the photography studio every Tuesday and Thursday from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The upcoming photography classes are 8 sessions for a fee of AED 300 and it will be instructed in Arabic by no less than Mr. Nasser Haji. For registrations, please call 03-7618080.

By the way, photo shown above was taken sometime in June 2011 in one of our sessions with sir Sameer, our basic photography class teacher. The difference between film and digital SLR cameras including the difference between master and slave flashes were among the topics discussed in Basic Photography class.

Thank you Dr. Itani!

2011-12-23T00:59:00.014+04:00

I believe that most of us value our colleagues and the people that we are working with, although we may not express our appreciation of them publicly. Others may have the annoying qualms every time they start talking in the public. Just like me, I am no exception on that matter. I hardly express how grateful I am working with the people in our unit despite of busyness and stress. Maybe because I am thinking that a silent thank you is already given. That we understand each other whenever we are busy and each and everyone of us appreciate our roles in caring for our patients.

A perfect example of what I am trying to say is the gathering that I have attended last night. It was Dr. Itani's last working day as one of the PICU doctors in our unit. Most of my colleagues were present. Some even cancelled their prior engagement or schedule to attend his Maasalama. Since I am not good in saying thank yous and goodbyes, I let my camera do the talking. Here are some of the photos that I have taken, except the one where I am included---thanks to Emily, one of our CN's for taking the photo. These are low resolution copies. I promise that I'll have the high resolution copies available in our unit's desktop as soon as possible.

Dr. Itani with the PICU nurses

left: Dr. Itani saying thank you to us

center: with Emily after she handed the gifts

right: while slicing the cake

When it's our turn to say our piece, everybody kept quiet as Emily started to talk in behalf of the nurses. We were all sad about Dr. Itani leaving our unit but at the same time, we were happy for him because we all know that there's a better opportunity awaiting for him.

left: with Sheila and Cecille (Pediatric Extended Care Unit representatives)

right: with Marinella, Ana, Thelma and Emily

left: Biji and Jainy at the Nurse's Station

right: Ana and Emily posed with the food as the foreground

cake, pizza, donuts, fried chicken and more food:))

left: Ana and Afaf

right: Dr. Itani having a conversation with the girls and with the mother of

one of our patients who couldn't believe that he's leaving and it was his last duty

left: Ana, Emily and Ancy

right: me and Dr. Itani (photo credit: Emily)

We will surely miss you Dr. Itani. It was a pleasure working with you. May the good Lord continue to shower His blessings upon you and your family. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

On a personal note, allow me to say thank you for this photo(now, I am talking ). This one will always remind me of my journey as a photo aficionado.

Dr. Jamil and his daughter
this photo was taken a month after I bought my DSLR camera
and I have included this in my first photo exhibit

Malnourished?

2011-12-22T07:08:00.003+04:00

About few meters away from the best majlis that I have ever seen at the Falconry Festival held in Jahili Fort, I have spotted a dog in one of the corners of a simple tent. It was so surprising to find a dog included in the festival since it was all about falconry. I was about to click my camera to take some snaps when I heard Joel asking me "Mama, do you think that this dog is some kind of malnourished?" Before I replied to my son's question, I pressed the shutter twice. "Hmmm, maybe", I replied and we headed to the other tents and booths.

As soon as we arrived home, I check out the FB wall of ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage).I've found out that there were salukis included in the festival but most of them were present at the Falconers Camp. Right, I missed that part. My curiosity about the salukis led me to consult Mr. Google and here is the entry in Wikipedia. I came into conclusion that this dog is, in fact, well nourished :). I and my boys were happy about what we have learned on that day.

On another note, as much as I would like continue posting about the Falconry Festival, I am afraid that this is the last one because something happened yesterday. My 300+ photos were inadvertently deleted by my son. *Sigh* If you wish to see more of what had happened in the said event, kindly click the ADACH link provided above.

Alone in the Majlis

2011-12-21T03:31:00.003+04:00

Of all the tents and booths that I've visited in the recently concluded Falconry Festival held at Al Jahili Fort, this is the one that I liked most. I was on my way to the arena when I spotted this Emirati man in kandura and guthra tied in hamdaniya. He's alone in the majlis with some dried date palm fronds beside him while weaving few pieces of it. My mind was busy making a guess whether he's making a makabbah, jafeer or soroud, when all of the sudden I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was JM, my youngest son. He reminded me to take some snaps.

I was about to press the shutter for the 2nd shot when I saw him looking at me. Suddenly, I became hesitant to press the shutter again. I was surprised to see him smiling. I heard him shouting "Yalah, sawi shuwra!" That was what I've been waiting for, thus, the second shot.

"Mr. Hoodies"

2011-12-20T00:01:00.009+04:00

These are some of the falcons wearing a hood spotted in the recently concluded 3rd Falconry Festival held at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain. It was quite interesting to see various styles and types of hood. A hood, by the way, is a basic and one of the most important equipment in falconry. It is used to help the falcons in the physiological adaptation to changes in their usual environment, to help them acclimatized to humans and to keep them calm, otherwise they will be alarmed and flustered in the presence of humans.

I've seen several falcons being held by the falconers during the festival and I loved seeing them--the unexplainable relationship between the falcons and falconers. I must say that they have really mastered the art of falconry. I liked the idea of touching and holding the falcons too but I won't dare to touch a raptor without a hood. Guess I was just too afraid even if I find them great subjects for portraiture. With the hood, I think they looked "handsome" and harmless ('',).

"Hope this one won't hurt me....."

2011-12-19T00:01:00.007+04:00

...said Joel, my eldest son. We were looking at the falcons in one of the booths at the recently concluded Falconry Festival held in Jahili Fort, when I asked him to touch one of the falcons as I click the camera. He's so adamant to touch the falcon and feared that it will hurt him. 'Mommy charms' was the best thing that I've learned so far whenever I want to convince my boys. This time, it worked so well with Joel ;).

Dellah

2011-12-18T00:01:00.008+04:00

Another traditional Arabic coffee pots spotted at the recently concluded 3rd Falconry Festival organized by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage held at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain, UAE. I must admit, I have a thing for dellah. Hahaha!

On another note, if you do have a twitter account, you can add me to your list of friends. You can click here to see my twitter profile. See you there tweeps!

Dellah

2011-12-17T20:38:00.004+04:00

Traditional Arabic coffee pots I've seen at one of the tents in the recently concluded 3rd Falconry Festival at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain, UAE.

Pegasus

2011-12-14T09:49:00.002+04:00

At the center of the Stars Court of Al Ain Mall lies a water fountain with a winged horse statue. It resembles the fantastical and mythological creature named pegasus, though this statue looks more of a bronze. Pegasus, by the way, is a winged divine horse usually in white color in the Greek Mythology.

Most of you have probably seen a similar picture of this statue when I posted the photos of Al Ain Mall Expansion's grand opening. It was taken with the people in the background, while this one was taken in a moderate elevation technique and with few people in the backdrop to emphasize some reflections and the elegance of the said court.

Charm of a Skylight

2011-12-12T23:59:00.002+04:00

I must admit that I have a thing for skylights. I find them fascinating and charming that I couldn't help but smile and take a photo whenever I see one. Aside from its attractive colors, I always enjoy looking at the designs.

Last Thursday, I've been to Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi after visiting the event at the Philippine Embassy. Upon entering the mall through the main entrance, I noticed that there's a beautiful skylight--small yet so attractive. As always, my ever reliable camera didn't fail me.

Sour and Salty

2011-12-11T22:31:00.001+04:00

I was craving for shawarma and decided to visit Al Arish Restaurant located at Khalifa Street, a few meters away from Al Falah Plaza. I had 2 pcs. of chicken shawarma and an avocado juice. Shawarma in Al Arish Restaurant is usually served with pickled chili, green olives, turnips, and cucumber. Pickles is called mekhallel in Arabic.

Al Ain Mall's International Circus on Ice (Part 2 of 2)

2011-12-08T18:48:00.002+04:00

As promised, here are the rest of the photos that I snapped at Al Ain Mall's International Circus on Ice. It will run through until the 13th of December 2011. Bring your kids and friends and be amazed of the graceful movement and fantastic performance of these artists from Russia. You can watch and enjoy the show for FREE. So, what are you waiting for? Go and visit Al Ain Mall!

My apologies to the City Daily Photo Community for posting an album. These photos were shot in a manual mode, handheld, and with speedlite 430 EXII @ETTL. Some of the photos are clickable if you want to enlarge them. Please be informed that these are low resolution copies only.

Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend. Enjoy! Salaam!

Al Ain Mall's International Circus on Ice (Part 1 of 2)

2011-12-07T23:01:00.001+04:00

Al Ain Mall's Ice Rink 10 minutes before the show (dimly lit)

We've been to Al Ain Mall tonight and had fun watching the International Circus on Ice. The images shown above are some of the photos that I snapped at the 9PM show. Go and catch them until December 13, 2011. Show starts at 07:15 PM for the first show and 09:00 PM for the second and last show.

Hope you like these photos. As a photo enthusiast, it was a challenge taking these photos in a manual mode instead of using the shutter priority mode, especially these are action shots and in a low light setting. Panning technique is indeed challenging. I need more practice.

I'll share the rest of my photos tomorrow. Good night everyone!

His Excellency

2011-12-06T20:08:00.009+04:00

Sheikh Hamid with Mr. Morhaf Kishi, the General Manager of Al Ain Mall

Al Ain City Daily Photo was invited to witness the grand opening ceremony of Al Ain Mall Expansion last week, November 29, 2011 at the Stars Court located in the ground floor. Sheikh Hamid Bin Ahmed Al Hamid, Chairman of Al Farida Investment Co. LLC, was the guest of honor of the said ceremony.

Sheikh Hamid was in a white kandura, white guthra and black egal. You click here if you'd like to read about kandura, guthra and egal.

If you wish to see more of our photos in the said event, please click here.

Stars Court

2011-12-05T00:01:00.010+04:00

Al Ain Mall's Star Court

Al Ain City Daily Photo was invited in the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony of Al Ain Mall Expansion last Tuesday, November 29, 2011. This photo was taken after the ceremony. Check out Al Ain City Daily Photo's Facebook page for more photos.

Thank you for inviting us Al Ain Mall.

Roundabout Series: Al Jahili Roundabout

2011-12-04T01:03:00.002+04:00

Al Jahili Roundabout is perhaps the simplest roundabout that I have ever seen in down town Al Ain. It has a water fountain at the center which is a typical feature of Al Ain roundabouts. Though it is devoid of date palm trees, it has a lush bermuda grass around the water fountain. It may look colorful these days because of the decorations for UAE's 40th National Day, but when the decorations are taken off, it is so simple.

Strategically located at Al Jahili District, a few meters away from the Presidents Palace, Al Ain Rotana Hotel, Al Jahili Park and Al Jahili Fort. No wonder it is one of the busiest roundabouts in Al Ain (and perhaps one of the perfect places to practice some long exposure shots ).

Holiday is over. Back to reality....I'll be doing my first of 3 graveyard shifts tonight. Salaam!

Illumination Show at Jahili Fort

2011-12-03T04:12:00.016+04:00

I've been wanting to revisit Al Jahili Fort for quite awhile. I would like to wait for the sundown and marvel at the beauty of the sun setting below the horizon--a perfect background for the majestic beauty of Jahili Fort. As much as I would like to go out late in the afternoon to catch the sunset, my schedule is just too tight that I couldn't go out in the afternoon until seven in the evening.

Last night, I've learned from Amro of Someone in Al Ain (via twitter) that Jahili Fort is hosting an illumination show. With all honesty, I had no idea what was the show all about. I was thinking of something different---like people performing on the stage while illuminated lights are on to add an effect. I wasn't even excited to go out since JM and Joel were not interested to accompany their mama. Luckily, hubby came all the way from Ruwais, Abu Dhabi. Viola! I had an instant companion and somebody to hold my clicking gadgets. At 08:00 PM, off we went to Jahili Fort. I was so surprised to see the spectacular display of montage and light technology. I couldn't help but clap my hands while saying "This is absolutely amazing!"

Without further ado, I took my camera out of the bag, mounted it on the tripod and started clicking. Here are some of the photos that I have taken during the 7-minute display of imagery that portrays the country's development. By the way, the show was organized by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage as part of the UAE's 40th National Day celebrations. It will run through until today, from 06:30 to 11:30 PM.

I know that my photos* couldn't give justice to illustrate on how spectacular the show was, but just the same, I'd like to share it with you. I have taken a video but I have no idea how to process and download it. I'll ask hubby to do it for me and I'll share it with you once it's done.

Have a wonderful weekend dear readers! Salaam!

*Low resolution copies only--I've seen lots of my photos circulating in the net and posted on several sites without my consent. Too bad that are lots of photo thieves these days.

Happy 40th UAE National Day!!

2011-12-02T00:01:00.009+04:00

I have been a resident of Al Ain for more than six years now and I am so grateful to my host city and country. On this joyous occasion, Al Ain City Daily Photo joins the people of UAE in celebration of their 40th National Day. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all my Emirati friends and colleagues.

Oh! Even Uncle Google is celebrating with us today! Have a look and check out www.google.com. I love the logo---colorful and unique.

A blessed weekend to all! Salaam!

Globe Roundabout and Khalia Street decorated with lights in pan arab colors

a car decorated with UAE colors and balloons hanging on the skylight of Al Ain Mall's Star Court

a huge Arabic coffee pot at Al Ain Mall

Theme Day: Action Shot (Jugglers)

2011-12-01T02:22:00.007+04:00

I was invited by Ms.Hanna and Mr. Mohammed, the Recreation and Events Manager of Al Ain Mall, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of its new expansion. A group of performers delighted the crowd immediately after the welcome remarks given by Mr. Morhaf Kishi, the General Manager. These jugglers belong to the group of performers. Their impressive skills entertained the spectators as they toss their props in the air while dancing.

This is my share for CDP's Theme Day. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants. Have a nice day! Salaam!

(Photos for UAE's 40th and the continuation of yesterday's entry will be posted tomorrow. Thank you.)

UAE's 40th

2011-11-30T02:04:00.010+04:00

UAE will be celebrating it's 40th National Day on December 2 and 3, 2011. Here in Al Ain, weeks before the said dates; the roundabouts, selected date palms and trees (which divide the roads according to the direction of travel) are decorated with colorful lights in pan arab theme and it will be taken off a week or 2 after the celebration.

Photos shown above were taken yesterday at Sheikh Zayed Roundabout and Deer Roundabout in Al Mutaredh District. I will be posting more photos of UAE National Day decorations tomorrow or a day after tomorrow.

If you'd like to read about this year's theme for UAE National Day, please click here.

(Apologies for the quality of the photos, guess I was not in the mood to click after a tiring day. I wish I could snap better tomorrow night.)

Understanding and Appreciating Weeds

2011-11-28T11:45:00.006+04:00

Weeds are plants which grow where they are not wanted. They are armed to survive in the bleakest conditions, thrive even in arid and dry desert with austere season, multiply and grow miraculously even after deracinating them for several times. I can even compare them with cancer. They can destroy good plants and over time, conquer the entire garden or lot area. This is the way I used to define weeds before I discovered my interest in macrophotography. Ask me to define weeds today and you will probably laugh. Why? Allow me to write the reasons why I like them.

Weeds are the cutest plants that I have ever seen.
They can even put a smile on my face by merely looking at their flowers.
Their different shapes, colors, and length can tickle my imagination.
They can make me walk and exercise a bit (remember the "acrobat" thing that I have mentioned here?).
They can enhance and boost my creativity.
They taught me the virtue of patience (especially when I'm shooting outdoors).
and a lot more reasons that I couldn't explain.

You see, I shouldn't be a gardener for I am a sucker for cute and tiny flowers of weeds. Hahahaha! Did I mention that there are lots of ornamental weeds here in Al Ain? Yes, we have them at the parks, gardens and pathways.

By the way, thank you for dropping by my blogsite. Let me know your thoughts about the weeds. I will be delighted to read them tomorrow after my duty. Have a nice start of a new week dear readers and friends. Salaam!