When I drive in the desert, utter calm descends over me.
Lowering the tyres to 12psi, the Pajero seamlessly floats over the surface of the sand, every dune unknown, accelerating up and over, easing the pressure as the car crests over and down the ridge.
Beautiful desert colours encompass the surroundings with sand hues ranging from pale yellow to deep ochre, offset by the cloudless blue skies. Continue reading
Real doors, opening into a room, not often visible here, normally I only ever see doors opening into a courtyard, privacy of the home and family is very important…
Finally, I found some doors in the UAE that I call doors, not solid, thick, meaty doors, I’m not sure I’m ever going to find those types here, but these ones are carved, slightly misshapen and quaint. I’m really happy to have found these doors. Continue reading
Attending the Open day at the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG), located beyond Jebel Ali, our host, Major Ali, the lynchpin of this non-governmental organization introduced us to the stalwart work carried out by this non-profit group. Continue reading
Weekends in Dubai are my time to explore the city. Even though views from my flat are of the Palm Jumeirah (just) and it seems a stone’s through away, getting there is another matter. You really have to plan your journey in this city, no random heading off in “that” direction, the road network is superb, but requires advance planning otherwise you can be many miles from your chosen destination, spoken from experience! Continue reading
Driving in the desert in the Emirates, if you are lucky enough, there is the chance to come across the Arabian Oryx or white Oryx (Oryx leucoryx). Continue reading
Beautiful wooden doors at Siyja fort, Abu Dhabi region, UAE.
There are many old forts restored in the UAE. This one is in Al Ain region, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is a small little fort, off a road where not many people travel, but it’s beautifully maintained and a pleasure to visit.
Google maps: 24.020525, 55.632556
Starting off my windows with a very small one….
A little window of light at the top of the stairs… Siyja fort, Abu Dhabi region, UAE.
Every year the Gulf News, an English-language paper in Dubai, runs a fun drive in the desert during the winter.The event has been running for 30 odd years, with a route carefully planned well in advance, tickets go on sale before the event and it’s always a sellout. Continue reading
Right in the midst of urban Dubai development is Rhas Al Khor wildlife park.
Full of Flamingos and in sight of the iconic skylines of the high-rise city. Surrounded by highways, the traffic whizzes past this urban sanctuary 24/7. Continue reading
I always have to go to the furthest point and this one had been on the to-do list for a long while. It’s a long drive and there has always been some other exploration to take preference. Continue reading
I’ve always picked up shells from beaches, pretty reminders of holidays, one or two here and there… a dish at home full of memories .. but it was my first summer in the Middle East that sparked a hobby that has now taken me to the most amazing places. Continue reading
Dalma Island location
Dalma island is situated in the Arabian Gulf, part of Abu Dhabi emirate and has been on the “to do “ list for a while. Everywhere that is possible to visit in the UAE, will be visited!
Dalma can also be referred to as Delma Island: the road- signs, as normal in the UAE, are a mix of interpretations of the Arabic translation. Luckily with this name not too much guesswork is required ! Continue reading
