English Teacher in Oman
Visiting the neighboring UAE
2011-2012
During my tenure as ESLTeacher in Oman during 2011 and 2012, we made a couple of trips across the border. In December of 2011, we went to visit my brother in Al-Ain for a weekend and later in June of 2012 we took a four-day trip to Fujeirah and Dubai.
Visiting my brother in Al Ain, UAE (2011)
Al Ain according to Lonely Planet...
"Fed by natural springs and set amid date-palm plantations, Al Ain was once a vital pit-stop on the caravan route between Oman and the Gulf and is the birthplace of the United Arab Emirates' founding father, Sheikh Zayed. This sprawling city, radiating out from the green heart of its central oasis, is a laid-back place.
Its lack of ultramodern skyscrapers preserved fort and smattering of Unesco World Heritage sites has given it a reputation as a cultural hub while the zoo and Wadi Adventure water park are popular family destinations on the weekend. It's all loomed over by the craggy contours of Jebel Hafeet just south of town. Drive up the snaking road to the summit for sweeping views of the arid splendor of the Empty Quarter along the way." (Lonely Planet)
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| Al Ain Palace Museum |
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| Al Ain palace museum - Clockwise starting top left: Entrance to Al Ain Palace Museum Palace museum scenery Light fixture at the museum The land rover the Sheikh used to drive My brother and I at the museum |
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| Al Ain palace museum - Clockwise starting top left: Palace museum scenery One of the hallways Wall art and fixtures Ansu looking at wall art My brother and a painting as background |
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| Al Ain - Clockwise starting top left: My brother and wife posing at a mall in Al Ain Sponge Bob mini crocs...What more does one want in life? Salt and pepper pots Kiddy corner Having lunch |
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| With my brother at the Al Ain palace museum |
Jebel Hafeet
"This jagged 1240m-high limestone mountain rears out of the plain south of Al Ain. Its arid crags are home to red foxes, feral cats, and the rock hyrax, which resembles a large rabbit but is, improbably, related to the elephant....... A 12km-long paved road – completely lit after dark – corkscrews to the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel and a couple of coffeehouses at the summit " (Lonely Planet).
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| At the top of Jebel Hafeet |
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| Jebel Hafeet - Clockwise starting top left: Sceney as you wind your way up to the summit The winding road up The roundabout feature just as you leave Al Ain to drive up the mountain Ansu and our rental, nearing the top |
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| Jebel Hafeet - Clockwise starting top left: The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel where we had a Christmas buffet My brother posing at the top The water fountain feature at the entrance of the hotel Wow what a view Posing at the water fountain |
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| Jebel Hafeet - My brother posing on top of the mountain with Al Ain down below |
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| Jebel Hafeet - Clockwise starting top left: The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel Christmas buffet - December 2011 Foyer of the hotel Going downstairs to the outside seating area Traditional decorations in the foyer Outside seating area and pools |
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| The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel |
Fujairah and Dubai trip - June 2012
About Fujairah
Fujairah (Arabic: الفجيرة Al Fuǧaira IPA: [al fud͡ʒajra]) is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and the only one of the seven that has a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman and none on the Persian Gulf. The capital is Fujairah City. (Wikipedia).
"Take in the Stunning Beauty and History of Fujeirah Located on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah is separated from the rest of the UAE by the Hajar Mountains. It is a favorite weekend escape of the locals, where they can rest and relax at the pristine beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing and scuba diving. Visitors have many treats in store, including historic attractions and natural beauty" (Lonely planet).
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| Fujairah beach |
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| Fujairah |
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| Old abandoned land cruisers on a hill on display....not sure why? |
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| Fujairah - Clockwise starting top left: |
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| Fujairah corniche scenery |
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| Fujairah - Clockwise starting top left: Souq scenery The neighborhood where we stayed Shop Fronts Street scenery Camel garden fixture |
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| Fujairah Corniche - Emirati's on horseback |
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| Fujairah - Clockwise starting top left: Sunset in the nearby mountains Restaurant brightly lit at night Fujairah architecture Pet shop at night Waterfountain feature on a roundabout |
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| Fujairah - sunset from the corniche |
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| Fujairah - Clockwise starting top left: KFC Souq Sattlelite dishes Roundabout water feature Tailor shop at night |
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| Lots of these on the outskirts of Fujeirah |
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| Fujairah souq for bits and bobs |
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| Oil tanker - taken from a Fujairah beach where dad took his little princess for an outing |
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| Fujairah coffeeshop front at night |
Day trip to Dubai
About Dubai
Dubai does not need a lot of introduction, but here is some info.....
Dubai (/duːˈbaɪ/ doo-BY; Arabic: دبي Dubay, Gulf Arabic: Arabic pronunciation: [dʊˈbɑj]) is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, it is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the country.
Dubai is a global city and business hub of the Middle East. It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major mercantile hub, but Dubai's oil reserves are limited and production levels are low: today, less than 5% of the emirate's revenue comes from oil. A growing center for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, Dubai's economy today relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services.
Dubai has attracted world attention through large construction projects and sports events, in particular, the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. As of 2012, Dubai was the most expensive city in the Middle East. In 2014, Dubai's hotel rooms were rated as the second most expensive in the world (Wikipedia)
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| At a Dubai mall |
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| En route to Dubai, we had the misfortune of a burst radiator. I had to walk a while and eventually, a Pakistani truck driver stopped to help. We managed to get the car to a nearby shop, from where we took a taxi into Dubai, and from Dubai to Fujairah later on. A nice little memory and campfire story, though at the time, the extreme heat and helplessness caused some anxiety and stress. |
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| Desert scenery - I took this pic while we were stuck |
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| Desert scenery between Fujeirah and Dubai |
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| Dubai street scenery |
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| Dubai mall scenes: We made it - A nice relief from the desert heat and thirst |
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| Ansu and I enjoying lunch at the food court |
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| Dubai - Clockwise starting top left: Emirati Dirhams, the currency used in the UAE My brother and Ansu posing in a mall Mall scenery Many size T-shirts Fruitcake???? |
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My wife is a rolling stone, wherever she lays her hat........
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