Abu Dhabi in Panoramic

A Panoramic view of the empty public beach before the crowds descended in Eid-al-Fitr.

Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr

 

Another view of Abu Dhabi's packed public beaches during the recent 3-day Eid-al-Fitr celebrations. In the background you can see the swanky 7 star Emirates Palace Hotel. Behind that is Etihad Towers, comprising five towers ranging from 49 to 74 floors and exceeding 300 metres.

Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr

 

Abu Dhabi's public beaches were packed during the recent 3-day Eid-al-Fitr celebrations. This beach is earmarked for closure to make way for a new presidential palace.

Desertscapes Series 2

 

This photo ends Desertscapes Series 2 - Comeback tomorrow for something completely different.

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscape Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscape Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Desertscapes Series 2

 

Welcome to Desertscapes Series 2 - an online exhibition of the magnificent sand dunes located 75km from Abu Dhabi.

Ramadan Nights

 

As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan draws to an end, the Malls here put on nighly entertainment. Here you see spectacular Sufi whirling (or Sufi spinning) a turning meditation practiced by the Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. Click here to learn more about Sufism.

Kiss & Tell

 

Nose kissing is the traditional Emirati male greeting and common sight around town.

Feeling Hungry?

 

An Emirati woman preparing traditional legamat, a sweet made of flour, water and sugar. It is deep fried in oil and eaten with date syrup - Yum!

Photo of the Month - September's Favourite

 

This train of camels were on their way home after a hard day's racing at Sweihan near Al Ain. The twice-yearly event takes place in November and January.

The Bengali Migrant

 

A happy Bengali migrant worker down at the Coal and Fodder Shop.

We Salute You

 

Can't imagine why he's saluting me but here's one of the many friendly Afghans who work at the coal & fodder shops.

The Coal and Fodder Shop

 

The coal and fodder shops located at Mina Port provide an invaluable service to those Emiratis who still reside in the desert. Come back tomorrow to meet some of migrant workers who work here.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

 

The courtyard at the Cultural Foundation.
FYI - The building in the background with the giant golf ball on top is the Etisalat building, a UAE telecommunications services provider.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is home to the national library, theatre, cinema, concerts, lecture rooms, meeting rooms, an exhibition centre and coffee shop. As you can see, the complex has a typical Islamic architecture with arched columns. Come back tomorrow for a different view.

Baynunah Hilton Tower Hotel

 

Built in 1994, the 42-storey Baynunah Hilton Tower Hotel is the tallest hotel building in the city and 3rd tallest overall.

Al Jahili Fort

 

Another picture taken at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain.

Stairway to Heaven

 

Taken at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, one of the largest in the UAE and built in the 1890's. Today it's home to a cultural centre with a permanent exhibition on Wilfred Thesiger, the intrepid explorer; travel writer and photographer.

Capital Gardens

 

Capital Gardens is slap bang in the middle of town. The gardens are clean with beautiful grass lawns and shaded areas as well as spectacular views of the city’s skyline. Here you can see the Millennium Hotel and Le Royal Meridien Hotel with its revolving restaurant.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

 

The Emirati crew of a UAE rowing boat preparing to race.

XCIV

 

Traditional 30ft UAE rowing boat constructed entirely from wood which usually consist of 10 oarsmen and a skipper.

The Liwa Oasis

 

Taken at the northern edge of the Empty Quarter (Rub'al-Khali) approximately 200km from Abu Dhabi.

Father & Son

 

Giant billboard at Mina Port of current President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and his late father Sheikh (Baba) Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years.