Cyber-exhibition "The Windcatcher"

 

Cyber-exhibition No.23 "WaterWorld"

 

Taking photographs of architecture is pretty straight forward. However, making them attention-grabbing is the real challenge. One of my favourite photographic techniques for cityscapes is including something of interest in both the foreground and background. This picture, taken just after the extention to the Corniche demonstrates the method perfectly.  Composition is also key and you will notice I’ve balanced all the important elements here.

Cyber-exhibition "Oooooohh Abu Dhabi"

 

In complete contrast to yesterday’s photo, this one shows a very different side of Abu Dhabi. One of tall buildings and modern skyscrapers, revealing how the city has transformed itself over the last few years. Yes, this photo could have easily been taken elsewhere like New York or London but it wasn’t and that’s the point, it's Abu Dhabi. Black & white works really well here, giving the photo a something extra, although it’s the angle that really makes this picture standout.  Going straight up is good sometimes!

Finding El Dorado

 

The iconic turquoise and pink neon lights of the El Dorado Cinema in Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi's first cinema.
Check out this article from Abu Dhabi Film Festival about one of their projectionist.

Oooooohh Abu Dhabi

 

One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty
No place in the world that can compare
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

In Abu Dhabi!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in Abu Dhabi!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi!

Lyrics adapted from: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind"
Photo: Downtown Abu Dhabi 

Lovely Day

 

When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you

And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day

'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers
Photo taken from the InterContinental Hotel towards the new Etihad Towers

The Money Tree

 

One of my all-time favourite buildings in the city is the iconic Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Tower. Built in 2006, it was once the tallest building in the city at 185 m. It’s now dropped down to number 13 with the Domain (Central Market) currently taking top spot at 382 m. According to http://www.emporis.com/ the ADIA Tower  has an innovative double-glazed facade, curtained with automatic blinds and air-conditioning inside the two glass panels which is controlled by the direction of the sun and the heat on the inside and outside of the windows - Cool (literally!)

Finding Islam

 

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

Rooftop Cafe

 

Here's the fab rooftop cafe at the Central Market. Perfect for smoking double-apple shisha at 4am in the morning!

Abu Dhabi: The City of Superlatives

 

According to Wikipedia, the Central Market Residential Tower (the taller building shown here) is set to become the second-tallest building in Abu Dhabi and the skyscraper with the most floors in the city upon its completion. The residential building will stand 374 metres (1,227 ft) tall and contain 88 floors. The complex contains a shorter office (on the right) and hotel building, which also will be among the tallest in the city (until they build an even bigger one that is!).

Turf at the top

 

There's 67 of these 2m diameter glass reinforced plastic domes that light the souk below through coloured glass lenses - Cool!

Dig this

 

The amazing Al Mezher Roof Garden at The Central Market provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life below. It's apparently open 24/7, although I've yet to get up at 3am and test that out. It's actually pretty quiet up here considering it's surrounded by apartment towers. Come back tomorrow to see more!

Wow!

 

This place actually looks like what a traditional Middle Eastern souk should do (only with AC), with a maize of little alleys that house small antique shops and boutiques. Come back tomorrow and I'll buy you something nice. And don't worry, it won't be a sex change! (see Monday's entry)

Souk it up

 

Designed by Sir Norman Foster and located just off Khalifa Street, (where the original outdoor one was until it burnt down in 2004) the three-storey Souk at Central Market has an interesting geometric wood slat exterior. Let's see what it looks like on the inside (tomorrow).

Birds Eye View of Bukha

 

From up high you get a great view of the crescent-shaped bay town of Bukha. If you squint, you should be able to make out the fort where I stopped off a few weeks back.

Yabba Dabba Doo!

 

Here's where they must have filmed "The Flintstones" as looks identical to Fred and Wilma's pad in Bedrock. I was half expecting Dino (or Bin Laden) to jump out the window and greet me. It looks a bit haunted though. Wish me luck 'cos this is where I'm spending the night.

Khasab Harbor

 

After 7 hours onboard the dhow, we finally docked in the picturesque fishing village of Khasab, the local capital of the Musandam peninsula. A quaint place with a couple of small hotels and restaurants on offer. The typical Omani houses seen on the left of the picture are very different to that of the style of the UAE's.

Heartbreak Hotel

 

As you might imagine, finding accommodation around these parts is pretty scarce. I had hoped to find sanctuary in this magnificent fort in the town of Bukha. Situated on a crescent-shaped bay, it's strategically positioned with commanding view of both land and sea. The history books argue over who built it. Some say Saif bin Sultan Al Ya’rubi, a powerful ruler whose influence extended into Persia, India and East Africa, while others say it was the Portuguese when they occupied the region in the 16th and 17th centuries. Whoever built it, the fort was closed to visitors, which meant the 4×4 would have to double-up as a hotel for the night - Sweet dreams!

The Tallest Building in the World

 

As seen in neighbouring Dubai. Standing 828 m (2717 ft) tall the Burj Khalifa is officially the world's tallest building costing an estimated $1.5 billion. On a really clear day it's actually possible to see the Burj from Abu Dhabi

Stop and Smell the Roses

The Italian white marble and inlaid floral designs in the prayer halls at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.