Photo Speaks
Photo Speaks – Dubai Skyline and Dubai Creek
Dear friends,
This is one section which I love to come back often. Today is a special day and how can I be there without my camera. Dubai Municipality have a special interactive system called HAVE YOUR SAY for staff and customers to suggest Quality ideas for the development of existing facilities and also suggest innovative ideas to make life in Dubai smooth and comfortable for it’s citizen. As usual, I never wish to miss any Quality opportunity and for the 2nd consecutive year, I was selected to the Top 10 in the category for Customers and general public. You too can participate from now on. Participate and express your ideas. It is not winning that matters.
Log on to http://www.dm.gov.ae/wps/portal/MyHomeEn
and visit the section Have Your Say to know more.
Now, enjoy viewing the Dubai City skyline and Dubai Creek. Any time you wish to have a high resolution of these photos or any other photos in the section Photo Speaks, please email me.
As usual, I name these photos as passing shots…… Life goes on and on…..
Ramesh Menon
09012008
Burj Dubai – Getting ready to be Tall & Beautiful 
Not many times you get to see Dubai Roads empty like this. 
Evening Sky 
New buildings trying to catch up with the Metro project. Or is it the other way? You decide… 
Beautiful view of Dubai Creek from Radisson SAS Hotel Deria Dubai 
Cruise Boats parked at the Creek, Deira Dubai 
Photo Speaks – Unsung Heroes
Dear friends,
Holidays and festivities happen and most of are lucky to get holidays and relax and enjoy with friends and family. Here are some unsung heroes, working silently during the holidays, to keep our environment clean, to keep us happy and more. I take this opportunity to present of few whom I came across on my way.
A vendor at the local Iranian Market (Mina Market) Abu Dhabi waiting for customers
A boat driver at a tourist spot in Muscat
A boat driver on duty at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Reflections of Unsung Heroes – an Abu Dhabi Municipality worker keeping the beachfront clean
Reflections of Unsung Heroes – an Abu Dhabi Municipality worker on duty – keeping the city clean
We too need rest
Relax and enjoy life as it happens
Photo Speaks – Welcome 2008
Welcome 2008 – Burj Dubai getting dressed up to become the tallest building in the world in 2008.
Old is Gold – The Trade Centre Building – still a beauty to watch, dwarfed amongst the new generation buildings.
Dubai skyline on the closing days of December 2007.
Dubai from the sky – Global Village & Emirates Road
Dubai from the sky: Global Village and Emirates Road
The Emirates Road used to follow the outskirts of Dubai, but thanks to the ever expanding development it is rapidly becoming part of the city.
At one end of the road is the Green Community, which has now firmly taken root as a favourite place to live despite its remote location on the road to Jebel Ali.
One of the other key stopping off points on the Emirates Road is Global Village, the popular expo of worldwide culture which attracts millions of visitors every year.
Photos and news by Asghar Khan and Kiran Prasad/Gulf News
Dubai from the sky: Shaikh Zayed Road
Dubai from the sky: Shaikh Zayed Road
Staff Report/GULF NEWS
Dubai from the sky: Shaikh Zayed Road
Staff Report
Shaikh Zayed Road, which has five lanes on each side with a barrier in between, stretches 55km from the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout to the border of Abu Dhabi.
Nearly 27 kms of the road was constructed trhrough two major projects in 1993 and 1998.
The Shaikh Zayed Road is one of the most important highways, meeting other main roads such as Al Ain Road, Hatta Road, Emirates Road, Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road and other arterial and main roads.
With 13 interchanges to ease traffic flow, on peak days the number of vehicles using the road touches 200,000.
Some of the most impressive and glitzy buildings like Emirates Towers office and hotel complex can be found on this road. The striking new headquarters building is at present taking shape close to the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout beside Shaikh Zayed Road.
Photos and news by Asghar Khan and Kiran Prasad/Gulf News
Picnic time is calling out
Picnic time is calling out By Manjari Saxena, Staff Reporter, and Layla Haroon, Special to Explore
GULF NEWS Published: December 22, 2007, 00:23
Nature is decked out in its best. So what are you doing sitting indoors? Pick a cool spot to enjoy during this lovely time
Nature is making its presence felt with red, gold and green spread out all over the UAE. The weather is perfect.
And our photographers go “trigger-happy” this time of the year, capturing people who’ve been making the best use of the cool weather by becoming one with nature.
The extended Eid break may be over, but the weather — and the colours — will be around for another couple of months.
So, for those who were travelling during the holidays or stayed at home due to the heavy traffic in the greener areas in and around Dubai — and, of course, for those who cannot get enough of the season — we provide our pick of picnic spaces and pack a hamper for you .
Mushrif Park, Dubai
Far from the madding crowd, the 400-hectare Mushrif Park is not just another green space.
Along with the usual children’s play area, a train, leisure games and barbecue areas, the park also offers swimming facilities. Entry fee is Dh10 for cars; swimming fee is Dh10 for adults and Dh5 for children.
Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai
Opened in 1989, the Jumeirah Beach Park, as the name suggests, is a combination of a pristine beach and park with beautiful landscaping.
You can either bring a hamper or cook on-site in the barbecue areas of the park and beach. In the evenings, you can stroll on some of the lovely walking areas in the park.
Entry fee is Dh5 per person and Dh20 per car.
Hatta, Dubai
Enjoy a day at the Hatta Rock Pools, nestled in the Hajjar Mountains, amid rippling waterfalls and turquoise pools.
Another place to check out while in the oasis is the Heritage Village.
Green Mubazzarah, Al Ain
Al Ain is known as the Garden City of the UAE, as it has many public parks.
Located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, the garden provides recreational activities such as desert safaris, sand skiing, abseiling, rope climbing, camping and hiking on scenic trails.
The place also has bowling, snooker and billiard centres. Free sheds, with benches and barbeque stands, are provided.
Ain Al Faydah, Al Ain
Situated around a lake created by underground springs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet Mountain and surrounded by jagged cliffs, the Ain Al Faydah picnic resort offers everything from ten-pin bowling to swimming pools.
Besides enjoying a boat ride on the lake, you can spread a blanket and sit in the beautifully manicured gardens or pitch a ball in the playground.
Central Gardens, Al Ain
This is one of the largest parks that helps brand Al Ain as the “Garden City”. A musical dancing fountain attracts large numbers of visitors.
Equipped with a large playground, it offers an adventurous picnic deal with wall climbing, grass skiing and other activities.
Sharjah National Park
This is the largest park in Sharjah. The park boasts a miniature City of Sharjah with models of the most prominent buildings.
Facilities and entertainment include barbecue area, children’s play areas, a duck pond, a giant slide, a cycle track with a horror tunnel and an infrared beam to squirt water on unsuspecting cyclists.
You can also skate on Rollerblades. Entry is free.
Jazeerah Park, Sharjah
Located in the Khalid Lagoon, as the name suggests, the park is an island and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Sharjah.
The facilities include an amusement park for children, a mini zoo, swimming pools, an artificial waterfall and train rides.
The park offers some stunning views of the Blue Souq, Corniche and the Sharjah fountain. Entry is Dh5 for adults and Dh2 for children.
Lulu Island, Abu Dhabi
A barren, man-made island in front of Abu Dhabi’s coastline serves as a scenic and peaceful picnic spot.
With its lovely beach, this place is a hub for water sport aficionados.
It has two restaurants, four coffee shops, two stretches of beach on the northern and southern part of the island, changing rooms, cafeterias, two artificial freshwater lakes, mosques and a duned area.
You can cook, play and swim. A short boat ride (free of charge) takes you from the Abu Dhabi Breakwater to the Heritage Village. Entry is Dh15 per person. Children under five are admitted free.
Shaikh Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi
With its distinctive architectural design and landscaping, the Khalifa Park is the newest recreational landmark in the city.
It has an area dedicated for women and children — with a swimming pool and an amphitheatre, all linked by a train.
An aquarium, marine museum, a historical museum and a monorail time tunnel are added attractions. Entry is Dh5 per person.
Bedouin Village, Abu Dhabi
Also known as the Heritage Village, the Bedouin Village allows a glimpse of the simple pre-oil-era nomadic life of Abu Dhabi.
Original artefacts are kept here along with permanent structures such as the ruler’s mud-brick house, amid a traditional mosque and souq.
For those interested in a traditional get together, a picnic plan to the village is a must. Admission is free.
Enjoy anon.
Other places to picnic in
Dubai Creek Park
Mumzar Beach Park, Dubai
Safa Park, Dubai
Zabeel Park, Dubai
Dubai Creek Park
Umm Suqueim beach, Dubai
Buheira Corniche, Sharjah
Al Khan Corniche, Sharjah
Al Khan Beach, Sharjah
Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah
Public beaches in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
Public beaches in Fujairah
Masafi
Al Hili Fun City, Al Ain
Al Hili Gardens, Al Ain
Al Ain Zoo
Heritage Park, Abu Dhabi
Amrita Super Star Caravan in Dubai – 28 December 2007
Dear all,
Excellent, enthralling, everlasting – words are not enough to express the sheer joy of watching the young dynamites as well as the Superstars perform live. And what a performance by Shivamani to end the show.
May AMMAs blessings and God’s grace be with all these talented stars to perform better and better in the coming years too.
Ramesh Menon
28122007
New development project for Mubazzara
New development project for Mubazzara
By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief GULF NEWS Published: December 27, 2007, 00:13
Al Ain: Mubazzara, a prime tourist attraction in Al Ain, is to undergo a beautification drive through a multi-million dirham project launched by Al Ain Municipality.
Mubazzara, located in the south of the city, is a lush green valley in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in the UAE. It is a major recreational centre for people coming from across the country and neighbouring GCC countries.
New facilities
The project includes enhancement of the clusters of chalets in different parts of the valley, a children’s play area, ornamental plants and trees and development of new facilities.
A municipality source said ornamental plants would be planted in and around the chalet area.
As part of the project three water tanks will also be constructed to store around nine millions gallons of water for irrigation.
The project has been announced by the municipality’s Public Gardens Section, which says its intentions are to offer world-class facilities for tourists.
A large number of visitors come to Mubazzara during the weekends, national holidays and festive occasions. The area was packed during the recent Eid Al Adha holidays. The site was given special attention by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It has been jointly developed by Al Ain Municipality and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Mubazzara has hot springs and a number of other attractions. The area has lately seen many rapid developments.
The authorities, said the source, have a plan to develop Mubazzara into a fully-fledged tourist resort with all modern facilities and services.
Conference centre
The plan includes a club house and golf course, a visitors’ centre, a planetarium and a conference centre.
The planned golf club will have an 18-hole course and a nine-hole short course along with a media centre.
Earlier this year, the municipality contracted a private firm for the maintenance and development of Mubazzara and its surrounding areas.
The Dh50 million contract will cover the maintenance and landscaping of Zakhir, Ain Al Faydah, Mubazzara and some surrounding areas for four years.
All for fun and fun for all
All for fun and fun for all By Cindy L Bailey, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59
Families in the UAE are spoilt for choice when settling for
a weekend of serious fun.
A hard week in office demands a fun weekend. Now, having fun may be a state of mind in some hick town due to a lack of options, but not in the UAE. Dubai and the other emirates throw up seemingly endless opportunities for the family for a weekend of fun and frolic. Seek and you shall find.
Whether it’s spending time at the many beaches or parks in Dubai, visiting the exciting water parks or enjoying the adrenalin rush while indulging in some serious dune bashing in one of the seven emirates in your four wheel or on an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), the UAE prides itself in having something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Clare Hadley, mother of two children, Alexander, four, and Daniel, one, says, “As my boys are so young I can only really take them to the beach. We are quite limited to what we can participate in due to their age.
“Parks are great, Alexander likes to ride his bike (in the park.).
There are so many things to do in Dubai. There are a lot of options, although we tend to observe rather than join in. There are powerboat and hot air balloon shows. They all cater well for children. We do like to go to the Jebel Ali Sailing Club, the boys can play in the pool and play with the other children there.”
Kay Robinson, mother of Summer-Jane, seven, and Megan, five, shares what she does to keep her daughters entertained. “My girls love the beach. They love to build sand castles and play in the sea. Wild Wadi is also one of their favourite haunts. I’m happy to take them wherever they can get fresh air, I don’t like to keep them inside all day. Dubai’s weather is great and I like to take full advantage of that, obviously we have to be very careful during the summer months, but on the whole I like to involve them in anything that keeps them active.”
The beach isn’t just for children as parents can also take advantage by sitting back and relaxing while watching their children play and enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
Andrew Kirk, a Dubai resident, is father of Jessica, 11, and Adam, nine and describes what his family likes to do in their free time.
“The beach is always a popular choice with my kids, they never get bored with it. Whether they are playing soccer, volleyball or just rolling in the waves, they are always entertained. And it’s always nice for Sarah (his wife) and me to have some down time too.
“We always try and go to a water park once every few weeks. Now that the weather has cooled down we will be spending a lot more time on the beach, it was a little too hot for the kids during the summer. We could only take them before noon or after 3 pm. Our favourite water park is Wild Wadi with Juha’s Dhow being quite high in the popularity stakes.
“Of late, a personal favourite is spending the day at Dubai Creek Park. It has a great picnic area and we play rounders — Jessica and Adam love it. We have a great time. That is one of the things I love about Dubai. There are so many places that parents can spend quality time with their children.”
Wild Wadi is not the only water park where families can enjoy quality time together, Wonderland, Dubai, also includes a family water park.
“The park is divided into three areas: the main street that includes a special water mist cinema show, (films are projected on to a thin layer of water) the theme park that has roller coasters, go carts and restaurants, and Splashland water park with a host of water-based activities and pastimes to keep the whole family amused. The park also offers a ‘families only’ special on Thursdays.
“Wonderland is a family favourite. It’s an amusement park and water park rolled into one and keeps my whole family entertained; we love spending the odd weekend there,” says Marcus Bumby, father of two children, Cameron Reece, eight, and Annalise, four.
“My son loves to play football, so I take him to the park or beach most days after school. I am very conscious about keeping my children active. I want them both to be as healthy as possible and I believe an active lifestyle will ensure that.
“I don’t really like them playing videogames and watching TV all the time so my wife and I try to rustle up activities that involve them. Annalise loves to just join in with anything that Cameron does, whether it’s kicking a ball around on the beach or playing at the park.”
Great Outdoors – A mountain playground
A mountain playground
By Shikha Mishra, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59
The rugged landscape of Ras Al Kaimah draws avid trekkers and sports enthusiasts.
“We perceived the town of Ras el Khyma rising from the water line at the foot of lofty mountains.”
— JS Buckingham, 1825. (From the book A Portrait of Ras Al Khaimah, by Shirley Kay)
Driving down the highway to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) can be a surreal experience as the rush hour traffic jam in Sharjah melts into stark rocky mountains and miles of sand dunes. However, not all the topography of this emirate is desolate and barren. Lush green fields, wadis over-run with fresh water, gurgling waterfalls – RAK has earned its title of outdoor playground as hundreds of adventure lovers flock to it looking for their next adrenalin rush.
“RAK is the only emirate where you can enjoy the mountains to the beach to the sand dunes within a 10-20 minute driving distance from one another,” says Nagarajan J Udupa, General Manager, Khatt Springs Hotel and Spa.
The hotel has tied up with RAK Events and promotes sand dune and mountain driving, desert safaris, sand surfing, camping in the desert, trekking and mountain biking in the emirate. “Overnight camping in the desert is very popular and it is safe as well. For the adventurous ones, RAK is the right place to be as long as all the safety precautions are taken,” says Udupa.
Among the numerous mountain biking trails in RAK, three major tracks start from the Khatt Hotel. “There are a numbers of wadis in the area, the most prominent being Wadi Bih, Wadi Tayeba and Wadi Oraiyah. In the Wadi Oraiyah area there is a spectacular waterfall,” says Udupa.
Mahesh Sarna, a 33-year-old banking professional based in Sharjah has driven his 4×4 through Wadi Aimah, a popular, but extremely tough route through the Hajjar mountains. “Wadi Asimah can be accessed through Ghail, a small village in RAK. The wadi offers mountain driving over all types of terrain and conditions – from deep green foliage to small water bodies to dreary rocks – it has it all,” says Sarna.
John Falchetto of Mountain Extreme, an RAK based eco-adventure company specialising in adventure tourism and sports, organises a hike to Shaikh Saoud’s Mountain Palace in RAK.
“This trek is the most popular right now. It offers a chance to climb to the highest peak in the area, Jebel Jays, and a chance to enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley below, which extends all the way to the Arabian Gulf. This hike is also a great way to reach the top of Jebel Jays also known as the Stairway to Heaven, without having to cross exposed ledges. This is not an easy trek, an effort of five to six hours is required to reach Shaikh Saud mountain palace, but the climb is worth the magnificent scenery at the top,” says Falchetto.
Khalifa Al Khatri of Aryam Tours says that the government is making an effort to promote tourism in RAK. “Wadi Bih is the most popular wadi in RAK. It has beautiful off-road driving options apart from stunning mountain views, and is great to drive through.
The mountains in RAK have a lot of potential — you can do biking, hiking, quad biking, desert safaris, camping, desert sports, walks and horse and camel riding. The costs range between Dh150 to about Dh450 depending on the size of the group. Water sports, fishing, snorkelling, and sea boat trips are also great options to enjoy the variety of sea activities that RAK offers,” he says. And then there is Mountain Day.
In 2003, the UN General Assembly designated December 11 as International Mountain Day. “International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring a positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands,” says Falchetto. On December 14 Mountain Extreme led a hike into the hidden mountain villages of the UAE to celebrate this day and create awareness.
Hikers were able to visit an authentic Shihi mountain village with houses, animal pens, a wheat mill and terrace fields, besides getting to see water springs, artefacts, wooden doors and tools dating back hundreds of years. An option to explore the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Yibir was also eagerly sought by avid hikers.
Apart from the mountains, the RAK beach is a popular venue for outdoor activities. The Hilton RAK has a diving centre, apart from activities such as fishing, boat trips, beach volleyball and football.
“Our main business comes from tour operators and the leisure market in the UAE. RAK is a great weekend destination and holidays such as Eid, Christmas and New Year apart from the long weekends get busy.
Our high season runs from November to the end of April because of the pleasant weather,” says Fadi Banat, Sales Manager, Hilton, RAK.
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