Crystal Palace

 

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's seven gold-coloured chandeliers, from Germany, feature thousands of Swarovski crystals from Austria. Here's four of them.

Finding Islam

 

Young worshippers crossing the 17,000 square metre courtyard to the prayer hall at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Red Mist

 

A good example of the spectacular erupting water fountains found in many of the capital’s parks.
This one is located at the Family Park in the Al Hosn district of the city and erupts regularly throughout the day and night.

Windows 8

 

....which according to Microsoft, should be out sometime Autumn 2012.

 If Bill Gates is watching, give me a call to discuss intellectual property rights and royalties.

Photo taken at the new mosque at the Al Nahyan Camp Area.

Father and Sons

 

You're standing in the doorway.
Your workday is all done.
They wait to see you everyday,
 these boys that are your sons.

They hope you will go fishing.
They hope you'll shoot the gun.
They just want to be with you,
these boys that are your sons.

They are your spitting image.
To them you are ''The One''.
They hope to be just like you,
these boys that are your sons.

You show them what a man is.
You teach as you have fun.
You are admired as well as loved by
these boys that are your sons.

You've got friends forever.
Until the world is done.
Then, still you will be holding
these boys that are your sons.

Poem (adapted) by Mary Nagy
Photo by me taken in the Al Bateen district of the city.

From Rags to Riches

 

The sole aim of taking this photo was to offer an imaginary glimpse of life in the UAE before the oil boom.

From Russia with Love

 

Surprisingly, this is one of a growing number of professional Russian belly dancers now plying her trade in the UAE. And popular she is to, with over 800 people watching this outdoor performance in the desert under the stars.

Tales of the Unexpected

 

Curious? Come back tomorrow and I'll reveal everything!

National Treasure

Another example of the lengths Emiratis go to in decorating their cars for National Day. This one depicts the late Sheikh Zayed (as do most) and covers the entire rear window of the 4x4

Spirit of the Union

Emiratis celebrated 40th UAE National Day in style by decorating their cars in an array of elaborate designs. The striking 'Spirit of the Union' logo highlights the historic meeting on 2nd December 1971 of the late Sheikh Zayed with the rulers of the 6 other emirates, proudly marking the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

Life begins at 40

Pretty in Pink

I've no idea of it's name but it sure is pretty. Perhaps any botanists out there can leave a comment and let me/us know.

The Long And Tall Of It

"Life moves
in the desert
and life
casts a shadow"
by RainbowSlider


Photo taken somewhere between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Magic Mountain

Now that's what I call a hairpin! According to Wikipedia, the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road extends for 7.3 mi (11.7 km) up the mountain, rising 4,000 ft (1,219 m). With 21 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending), the immaculate road was called the greatest driving road in the world by Edmunds.com. The road scales the mountain and ends at a parking lot with only a hotel and a palace belonging to the country's rulers.