Dirty Linen!

 

Welcome to Mussafah, Abu Dhabi! This made me chuckle seeing "Riaz Ahmed Laundry" in the middle of an industrial park.

Keeping Your Cool

 

As well as bikes (see yesterday's posting) Abu Dhabi also has a lot of AC units. Newer buildings tend to have central AC whereas older ones have the external, noisier ones like these.

You're Nicked!

 

You can spot plenty of these Chinese-made bikes around the city, most loaded with empty boxes (not sure what the deal is with this). However, the authorities regularly confiscate the bikes due to dangerous driving practices including kamikaze-style driving towards the oncoming traffic. Apart from the Corniche, there are no designated cycle lanes in Abu Dhabi.

Comic Relief

 

Clowns at Al Mushrif Women and Children only garden.

Cityscape

 

View across the city from Ras al Akhdar. From here you can see Abu Dhabi's tallest buildings including the National Bank of Abu Dhabi Headquarters, ADIA Tower, Baynunah Hilton and the two Etisalat (golf ball) buildings.

Sleeping Beauties

 

At midday, the city is littered with labourers taking a siesta. Shade is so scarce that even the most uncomfortable of surfaces makes for an inviting resting place.

Weapons of Mass Instruction

 

Two university students tryout the latest weapon of mass instruction - a giant plasma screen relaying a teleconference.

Abu Dhabi in Black & White - Series 1

 

Undulating grass banks on the Corniche.

Abu Dhabi in Black & White - Series 1

 

Taken at the 18th-century Al Hosn Palace “The White Fort"

Abu Dhabi in Black & White - Series 1

 

A view of residential apartments overlooking the Corniche.

Abu Dhabi in Black & White - Series 1

 

Constructed in 2005 as part of the Corniche beautification project, this park and artificial lake gets busy on weekends but nice and peaceful at other times.

The Craftsman

 

A craftsmen at the Heritage Village which features several workshops that simulate old-fashioned metal work, pottery & weaving.

Portrait of a Migrant Worker

 

Nice portrait of a migrant worker who works at the Coal and Fodder Shop.

Iranian Tile Work

Ornate Iranian tiles for sale at Al Meena Port.

Sundown at the Hilton

 

The Hilton was built in 1976 and is one of the original hotels in Abu Dhabi. Located on the Corniche, near the city centre it offers a selection of fine restaurants as well as a great Jazz bar and the ever popular Hemingway’s.

Oasis Mosque

 

A mosque in the middle of the Al Ain Oasis.

The Long and Winding Road

 

The Al Ain Oasis is located just south of city centre and is famous for its underground irrigation system called "falaj".

Arabian Saluki Dogs

 

These desert hunting dogs have been around for 7,000 years and originate from the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Apparently, there’s around 800 pure Arabian Salukis like this one in the UAE.

Wash and Blow Dry

 

Well I never. Shampoo for camels! What ever next? Goat conditioner. Hold on.... where would you start? Front end? back end? the legs? the under carriage? the neck? I reckon you’d need a ladder.

Welcome to the World of Glitz

 

Can't say I'd want this sitting on my coffee table, although it would make for a good conversation piece - What do you think?

Coffee Anyone?

 

Traditional brass arabic coffee pots (also called dallahs) play an important role in Emirati culture & hospitality.

Falcons on Parade

 

The falcons on display at International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

 

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Super Falcon

 

The UAE coat of arms was modified in 2008. Gone is the 1973 Arab sailboat and replaced with the UAE flag and seven stars representing the seven Emirates of the federation. The leaner & meaner looking falcon holds with its talons a red parchment bearing the name of the federation (source adapted from Wikipedia).

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Unusual photo taken down at the city’s port area.

Bear Necessities?

 

Unfortunately, the bear rugs were back at this year's International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).

Britain's Household Cavalry Musical Ride

 

At the weekend, Britain's Household Cavalry did her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II proud with a terrific performance at Abu Dhabi's International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). For the 28 horses and 36 soldiers, it was the first time they'd displayed outside Europe. Thanks to Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (owner of Manchester City FC) for paying the estimated £250,000 to bring them out.

Photo of the Month - October's Favourite

 

Taken at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi. At 10am every morning (except Fridays & Saturdays) there's a complimentary 1 hour guided tour - Not to be missed. Call 800 555 for further details.

Renault Formula One Fans

 

Despite all Renault's problems off the track, the fans are hoping their team can win Abu Dhabi's first ever Formula One race on November 1st.

Formula One in Abu Dhabi

 

The city is in state of intense excitement with the confirmation that both Beyonce and Aerosmith will perform live at the first ever Formula One race in Abu Dhabi. Can't wait for race day!

Formula 1 Grand Prix

 

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island is gearing up to host its first Grand Prix, and the first ever day/night Formula 1 race on November 1, the final contest of the season.