Get Stuffed

 

Not my thing but Al Maha Taxidermy offers reproducing dead animals for display.
How would you fancy a gazelle hanging on your wall above the fireplace?

Something for the weekend, sir?

 

A visitor checks on rifles with his wife in tow.

Bite the Bullet

 

A close-up of small-calibre ammunition on display at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Dune Buggies & Sand Rails

 

Another type of recreational vehicle on show at the exhibition were these funky looking, USA made dune buggies & sand rails. Nearly all of them got sold on the opening day. Yet to see one in the desert though.

Sheikh on Canvas

 

Artwork was also on display/for sale at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. Here's a couple of paintings of the beloved late President - Sheikh Zayed.

Luxury RV

 

Not sure why, but RV's (Recreational Vehicles) are rarely seen in the Emirates. Maybe there's a law that prohibits the purchase like there is with pick-ups. Anyhow, I was impressed with this monster on display at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. What with the shortage (and price) of rental accommodation here, RV’s might be one solution (another are boats). Has anyone out there lived in either? If so, is it fun?

Saluki Beauty Competition

 

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 in the UAE. Here's the winner (on the right) and runner-up of the beauty contest.

Falcon Beauty Contest

 

Falconry is so popular in the UAE that they hold an annual beauty contest for the best looking bird. Entrants are judged on size, colourful feathers, the nose, neck (the longer the better) and beak (a short beak is preferred) and age.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

 

The annual Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition captures UAE's deep-rooted traditions, culture and heritage featuring camel and horse auctions, saluki (dog) shows, art competitions, and although distasteful, traditional hunting activities (as seen here).

ADNEC

 

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) host a number of exhibitions and conferences throughout the year. Here’s their funky and futuristic looking centre. Just look at those curves! Come back tomorrow and I'll show one of the more unusual events they put on.

The Wal-Mart of Abu Dhabi

 

Jaber Khoory Est. at Mina Port is a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap kind of place. Great if you need 2 dozen wicker baskets in a hurry!

The Kamikaze Cyclists

 

The back streets of Abu Dhabi are full of parked bicycles and apart from a few kamikaze cyclists who ride towards oncoming traffic, most of them stay that way.

Incredible Water Fountains

 

This photo was actually taken over 5 years ago with my very first digital camera. The camera is long gone, presumed lost in Oman and so too have these magnificent water fountains located in Capital Park in the heart of the city.

Coffee Shop Culture

 

Young Emiratis catch up on the day’s news over a cappuccino at one of Abu Dhabi's numerous coffee houses.

Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

 

2 of the few remaining WW2 wood and canvas airplanes.

Dancing Queen

 

As well as the air show there was also a great cultural show, which included Emirati singing and dancing.

Warbird

 

A rare Russian Polikarpov I-15 biplane as used by the Spanish Republicans in the Spanish Civil War.

Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009

 

The annual air show is popular with both Emiraties and expats with an extimated 130,000 attending over the 4 days. Daily entrance was just $11 – Bargain!

Nosedive

 

An elegant glider soares through the sky above Al Ain. The pilot, Guy Westgate broke the world record of 11 consecutive horizontal spirals during this flight. Click here to read local press coverage of the event.

Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009

 

The sixth annual Al Ain Aerobatic show took place at the end of January. The four days of fun included teams from 21 countries. Come back tomorrow and I’ll show you the highlights.

Mina Port Fruit & Veg Market

 

There's always a hive of activity down at the outdoor fruit & veg market at Mina Port, which like the fish market next door, is set to move to make way for property development.

Sheikh Zayed Billboard

 

On the side of the highway, halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is the unusual sight of a giant billboard displaying the late president's photo - Surreal!

Friday Prayer

 

Worshippers making their way home after Jum'ah (Friday) prayer.

Sky Tower

 

This café and lookout tower is located at Marina Mall on the breakwater and has been waiting to open for over a year now. Rumor has it that they forgot to include a fire escape, hence the delay.

The hubbly-bubbly shop

 

These hookah pipe (hubbly-bubbly) shops are locate all over town and make for a colourful photo.

Running the Gauntlet

 

Next to the maze I featured yesterday is the jumping water. These kids were having great fun trying to avoid getting soaked.

Lost in the Maze

 

Not a lot of Abu Dhabians know that the city has a maze, located near the Sheraton hotel end of the Corniche.
You will be pleased to know that these kids finally found their way out safely.

Tight Squeeze

 

Stumbled upon this beautiful little mosque at the back of Khalifa Street. Quite a feat of engineering given the size and location of the apartment buildings either side.