Beautiful UAE

THE AL KHAWANEEJ WALK

2020-11-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

The Al Khawaneej Walk is a place where great shopping and being close to nature meets. It is a place where you can dine, meet friends and enjoy the view.

At night, the place becomes even more attractive as the lights come alive.

A Trip to Hatta, United Arab Emirates

2020-10-02T00:50:00.003-07:00

Hatta is part of the Emirate of Dubai surrounded by Oman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman. It is about 150 km from the heart of Dubai.

The view of the Hajjar mountains is just magnificent.

Hatta Dam offers a great view where tourists can also go kayaking.

The Heritage Village is also worth a visit.

The Waterfront Market

2020-08-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

The Waterfront Market in Deira is where residents get their supply of fresh fish.

Fully air conditioned and quite clean, it has spacious sections for vegetables and meat.

A few vendors could be overheard joking that their vegetables have "1 year warranty".

There is a place for meat lovers of course.

The artwork in the building invokes the idea of sustainable management of resources, with the fishes above swimming and forming the infinity symbol.

If you do not fancy cooking at the moment, one can go to nearby restaurants for a hearty meal.

Or just enjoy the view.

Al Rafisah Dam, Sharjah

2020-07-30T03:03:00.002-07:00

Al Rafisah Dam is located in Khor Fakkan in the Emirate of Sharjah. This is a destination that is worth the time and effort of driving about 120 kilometers from Dubai along the Sharjah Khor Fakkan Road.

Situated in the middle of magnificent mountains, the contrast is just breathtaking.

There is nothing like breathing in the fresh air and watch time go by, with the shifting clouds and the shadows and colors of the mountains.

The recreation area also offers water activities that would enhance the experience, like kayaking and pedal boating.

The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah

2017-05-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for a place to relax and have a family summer staycation in Ras Al Khaimah? Try the Cove Rotana. The view, the villas, the food would certainly not disappoint.

I just love the mix of traditional and modern interior design at the reception.

It gives you that fresh feeling of getting away from the urban hassles, but has that reassurance that you are still not too far away from modern comforts.

A view of the pools and the beach gives you that idea you are in for a really exciting hotel stay.

The view of the sunset at the Arabian Gulf is soothing to the soul.

Especially if you know you would wake up in the morning, again, to something like this.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

2017-05-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you plan to visit the UAE, this one should be in your list. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is magnificent, inside and out.

The design and interior of the mosque also leaves you at a loss for words.

We left the place just when the evening call to prayer started, and it is a totally different experience.

Zabeel Park Children's Playgrounds

2017-05-06T05:19:00.002-07:00

There are a lot of play grounds for your little kids around Dubai and Zabeel Park should be one of the better options.

It is very accessible, has plenty of natural shades and seamlessly designed to give you and your kids a good time.

It is definitely a great place to just let kids be kids in a way that allows you to sit quietly, read a book or just relax and let the weekend go by.

AL MAMZAR BEACH

2017-05-05T11:14:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places to spend sunrise and sunset is Al Mamzar beach. Located near the border of Sharjah and Dubai, it is now a place that maintains its natural charm in the middle of rapid development.

There is a lot of activity going on in the area. One can choose to access the open beach for free or go inside the well maintained beach park for a minimal fee. One can only opt to have a little bit of adrenaline rush and rent a jet ski..

A view of the Sharjah skyline from the Dubai side of Mamzar beach.

DUBAI DHOW CRUISE

2017-05-03T08:52:00.003-07:00

The dhows are traditional boats that have a long and proud history. It has seen Dubai rise from small pearl diving villages into the city of superlatives that it is today.

Taking a dhow cruise along the Dubai Creek after sunset surely makes every tourist love Dubai a whole lot more. The ambiance of the boat and the view of old buildings on both side of the creek brings you back to time, as the mild breeze of the Arabian Gulf touches your face. Arabic food and music would complete that feeling of being in an amazing, exotic world that makes every visit to the UAE worth the travel.

It would not take long though, for the visitor to notice the modern architectural wonders of the new Dubai. The contrast makes this city even more stunning.

JEBEL JAIS, UAE'S TALLEST MOUNTAIN

2017-04-27T07:53:00.001-07:00

Jebel Jais stands at about 1.9 kilometers above sea level, making it the UAE's highest peak. It is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The views are stunning. To a lot of people, it is the perfect getaway to forget the hustle and bustle of the city without spending a fortune.

We went there during the cold season so it was foggy and raining. Visibility was poor and we had to drive carefully but that was part of the adventure.

There are no commercial establishments in place yet, but these attractions are currently being planned. So as of now, there are now temptations to spend money around, but the views are priceless.

It is not just the destination, but the journey is really stunning. Makes me love the natural wonders of the UAE even more.

Legoland Water Park

2017-04-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Legoland Water Park is the newly opened attraction located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is around 45-minutes of driving along Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Abu Dhabi if you live in residential areas like Deira or Bur Dubai.

It is full of exciting water slides and activities for children and adults alike and surely worth a visit.

After a tram ride from the visitor's parking area, guests are treated with beautiful scenery around the French Village, even before entering the gate.

At the gate, you just know you are going to some place exciting.

We came really early, just before opening time at 10:30 to avoid the rush. It feels a bit serene, but as minutes pass by, the excitement would build up.

Kids wouldn't be able to hide their excitement upon seeing these slides.

Families also like to gather around and spend time in the wave pool.

The whole park is safe, but has something to offer even to those who want a bit of adrenaline rush.

But perhaps, for an urban working man who want a quite time to get away, there is enough cabanas where one can simply watch time go by.

Al Nahda Photos

2016-12-19T09:34:00.002-08:00

Dubai is full of nice localities and Al Nahda is one of them. The weather at this time of year is perfect for a stroll at 18-26 degrees Centigrade and clear skies. I would just like to share a few pics.

The Al Nahda Pond Park is just about the right place to spend a weekend afternoon with the family.

Clear skies and beautiful dusk, a view from where we had our shawarma in one of the shops that serve delicious Arabic food in the area.

UAE NATIONAL DAY FIREWORKS DISPLAY

2016-12-11T09:50:00.005-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted on this blog.

Let me slowly get in the grove by sharing some photos of the fireworks display at The Walk in Jumeirah Beach Residences last December 2.

One of the things that I think is unique about the UAE is when it comes to National Day Celebrations, not only local Emaratis are interested, but also the expat communities who came from all over the world. They want to express their gratitude and awe in gatherings like this, just like me.

Here's to hoping the UAE will remain prosperous and continue its steady march to greatness.

Dubai Desert Safari

2016-03-11T23:49:00.000-08:00

For a number of expats who come to the Emirates to work, going to the Desert Safari might not be in the list of the first things to do. They get busy scrambling to settle with their jobs, but usually won't go back to their home countries for good without doing it.

It took me a few years to do my first trip. Personally, it felt like a validation that I finally earned the time to look around and appreciate all the beauty around.

There are a number of tour operators to choose from, who will take you in their cool, white 4x4s to the site.

The first attraction will be the dune bashing. It is not exactly for the faint of heart. Highly skilled drivers will hit the mountains of sand at full speed with gradients that are seemingly impossible to maneuver. It felt a bit scary at first, I just kept quite, trying to be cool while my family was already screaming at every bump and skid and roar of the engine. To act calm is pointless, so I started screaming as well and started to enjoy it.

We stopped in the middle of nowhere. Along with the other SUVs. The driver told me it is a designated stop, perfect for taking pictures. It's a bit perplexing. The amount of sand seems overwhelming, and there is really not much a picture can say in this kind of place, except how vulnerable and small and helpless we are in the silent stare of nature. Individual stories seemed the distraction, instead of the main interests in the steady march of time.

It easy to be in a philosophical mood given that immediate surrounding. I noticed a small grass, with no sign of complaints about shortage of water. It reminds me of that final scene in Jurassic Park, when winged dinosaurs were flying out far from the island where they were artificially grown---'Life will find a way.'----the scientist said.

After a few minutes of picture taking, its time to go to the camp. The impossible maneuvers of the SUV felt a bit less scary. And its easier to see the little things we see along the way.

In theory, we all know there is life in the desert, but it is when you see this things for real that you are able to marvel at the beauty.

Or admire the wisdom and hardiness of the nomads.

We soon arrived at the camp, where everything seemed more predictable once more. One can go for a camel ride, a henna tattoo, and a traditional dinner and belly dancing.

It is a mesmerizing experience, the camp was located in what looked like a small valley surrounded by a mountain of dunes. I'm sure the locals have an Arabic term for that. There enough activities and family time to spend the whole evening, away from the trappings of the phone signal.

It was late in the evening and time to go back home. I sat in the SUV and tried to come up with good reasons why I didn't do it earlier. Going back to the city, it felt like the tales of A Thousand and One Nights are alive in the psyche once again.

The Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

2016-03-09T09:03:00.001-08:00

"There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion", says Edgar Allan Poe.

Welcome to the Ferrari World in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The world's largest indoor theme park where the world's fastest roller coaster is also located. It continues to attract millions of visitors every year from all over the world.

You don't have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this huge theme park, Ferrari inspires awe in a universal language, and the theme park makes sure it is enjoyable for everyone.

Near the entrance, I model of a Ferrari engine greets visitors, and I must admit I haven't looked at a an engine more like a thing of beauty than, lets say, well, an engine.

Once inside, my son quickly went to the children's rides and who are we to object? It's supposed to be a real good experience for kids, right? Wrong.

It's good to compromise and take the whole family to a ride like this, where both young and old can enjoy. But that's before the inner child in all of us takes charge, and we are dragging our children to the more technical aspect of the experience, like how a Ferrari is built.

Every one is spoilt for choice with the variety of rides like the go-kart and roller coasters. Or you may want to just slow down and watch a variety a film or 3D animations related to a Ferrari. Or just watch different attractions that the theme park comes up with.

For us, we went on a Chinese New Year, so here is what we found.

After getting recharged, it's time for the main attraction. The fastest roller coaster in the world. The Formula Rossa will literally take your breath away.

Well, honestly, it's not for me. Though I said I would be happy watching others do the Formula Rossa. I leaned over to my wife and asked. 'Do you want to go to that queue?' She just smiled and said, 'No'.

The Al Hamra Village and Golf Resort

2016-03-08T09:06:00.001-08:00

The Al Hamra Village and Golf Resort is a very charming site in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It is about an hour drive from Dubai, and comes at a very reasonable price. You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy the therapeutic effect of a weekend getaway.

Personally, the tree-lined streets and Arabic architecture seems to have a calming effect. The resort is close to the beach, where there is variety of exciting things that everyone can do like banana boat rides, para sailing, beach volleyball, etc.

Whether you want to sweat things out or just laze around and relax, there are a lot of options. The resort has an outdoor pool, massage center, sauna, tennis courts and a lot more. I'm not quite sure if its everyone's idea of relaxation or fun, but I just want to lie down, listen to the chirping birds, let the time go by.

The Dubai Creek Park

2016-03-04T20:21:00.004-08:00

The Dubai Creek Park is another popular destination for residents during weekends. It is located, well as one might guess, near the Dubai Creek. If you go there on a Friday afternoon or evening, parking could become an issue, not because parking spaces are few, but more because people find plenty of good reasons to go there.

It is an ideal place for kids to run around, the family to have a barbecue and just have a good time. When I was new to Dubai, I did not expect to find such area of trees and vegetation in the middle of the city.

Near the entrance, there is the Dubai Dolphinarium which brings out the child and sense of wonder in all of us. Next to it is the Bird Show. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with animals, like camel and pony riding.

While animal interaction activities are for a fee, there are others that are free, like feeding the birds in the creek.

There is plenty of safe play areas for kids and green grass. So parents are free to relax and just chit chat.

Across the creek one can also enjoy the good mix of nature and modernity that is Dubai.

That's the Dubai Creek golf club.

And that's another view of Deira, with all the new buildings that seems to come out of nowhere just a couple of decades ago.

But sometimes, I just like to lie down, look up to the sky, and try to see the pattern in things.

The Matryoshka Festival

2016-03-04T06:37:00.002-08:00

Today, I felt lucky getting a glimpse of Russian culture. At the Wafi Mall, the Matryoshka Festival is being held, and it will run from March 3-12, at the mall's main atrium.

There is a significant number of Russian population here in Dubai. The Matryoshka Festival is perhaps both an effort to showcase their culture, song and dance, as well as a way of getting their compatriots together.

Activities for the 10-day event will start from 10AM every morning and will go on until the evening. The calendar of activities are planned to involve people from different backgrounds and walks of life, including fashion shows, traditional dances, astrology and piano recitals.

Today I was able to catch students from a dance school performing Beethoven's Fur Elise, and another rendition of Tennessee Waltz.

At first, I got there by accident. Next week, I'll go there on purpose.

The Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature

2016-03-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dubai hosts a great event every March for those who love literature. This year, the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature will be held from March 1-15. In the event, all lovers of the written word will have plenty of choices of activities.

There are fun programs designed for children to appreciate literature. Workshops and master classes conducted by award winning authors for aspiring writers to improve their crafts. There are also writing competitions that will be a great platform for new writers.

The main events of the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature will be held at the Dubai Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

2016-02-21T06:49:00.002-08:00

Dubai is a city that tries hard to strike a balance between the urban environment and its wildlife, and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the many proofs.

Opposite the Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, along Oud Metha Road, is a wetland that is regularly visited by migratory birds. While the sanctuary supports a number of species hidden in the mangroves and mudflats, it is the pink flamingos that offer the most obvious attraction.

A visit to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife sanctuary is for free, and one would only have to bring that innate love for nature and a camera.

It is open from 9AM to 4PM everyday except on Fridays.

UAE Sights and Sounds : The Al Ain Zoo

2016-02-19T02:08:00.001-08:00

Just about an hour and a half drive from the heart of Dubai is the Al Ain Zoo. It is located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, within the beautiful garden city of Al Ain. If you are a tourist or a resident of the metropolitan cities of Abu Dhabi or Dubai looking for a more laid back atmosphere, this is one of the great places to go.

A trip to the Al Ain Zoo usually goes with a visit to the Jebel Hafeet mountain , but the zoo in itself is a great attraction, especially when going with family and friends. The area is huge, designed to provide comfort to the animals and visitors alike.

They have a wide variety of collection. The park is divided into different sections. Children would especially enjoy the views in the big cat house, the aviary, the monkey house and aquarium to name a few.

There are also animal interaction activities like the one below that children will surely enjoy.

If you are anywhere in the UAE for a holiday, this is a place worth visiting.

Dubai Sporting Events: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

2016-02-19T01:19:00.003-08:00

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has become one of the yearly major sporting events in the city. Held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium and starting around every second week of February, it continues to attract top athletes in both the men's and women's division.

The likes of Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are regular participants to this event. Ana Ivanovic, Simona Halep, Serena Williams are also but a few of the top athletes to regularly grace the tournament.

The two-week event's 2016 edition started this 15th of February and will end in the 27th. Set at the Dubai Tennis Stadium very close to the Irish village in Garhoud Area, it is the perfect place to relax and watch top athletes battle it out. It also helps when the tournament is held in a month where the weather and temperature is very fine.

Anna Ivanovic at the Quarterfinals Match

The women's division features a lot of up and coming stars every year.

The tournament also features the newest technology found in major tennis tournaments the world over,. It is also very well organized, done in a safe and relaxing environment designed to provide the best viewer experience-----something that Dubai residents and tourists have come to expect of the city.

Truly, this is something to look forward to every year.

Feeling High at Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain

2016-02-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

Feeling like you need to look at things from a different perspective? Visit Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. It is the UAE's most famous mountain, about 180 kilometers from the heart of Dubai.

Even if you are the type who thinks it is the more about the journey than the destination, this trip has something to offer.The road leading to the summit in itself is remarkable. It is a three lane road that goes about 12 kilometers from the base to the summit. It has become a popular attraction for bikers who because of the long uphill climb. Once in the summit, there is a huge parking lot and some cafeterias. Tourists would take there time soaking up in the awesome scenery and taking pictures.

After a climb that would surely take your breath away, you will be treated to views like this.

It's sure worth the climb right?

Dining At Little Bangkok

2016-02-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

I have quite a few Emirati friends and a lot of them have been to Thailand, and loved it. I guess the Thai cuisine is one of the many reasons why the Southeast Asian country is a popular destination for UAE nationals looking to unwind. The exchange of cultures that come with tourism works both ways, making it possible for Thai restaurants to thrive in Dubai.

We've been to a restaurant called Little Bangkok in Sheikh Zayed Road, very near the Emirates Towers Metro Station. Aside from it being very easily accessible, I would say it offers good value for your money. The ambience sets and staff sets you up for a good dining experience, and the food itself tastes as good as it looks.

There is a good variety and selection of Thai food. And they do not disappoint. I was asked if I liked it spicy, and I said yes. Thai definition of spicy usually does not translate to "too spicy" I guess, and it was all fine.

Service is quite quick and that adds up to the many good reasons why it's worth another visit.

Wafi Mall

2016-02-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

Wafi Mall is arguably the one with the most striking designs among Dubai's many shopping destinations. Even before spending a dirham or a dollar in the mall's luxury shops, visitors are already greeted by a mix of middle eastern architectural styles. Here's to give you an idea of what to expect: