So, my first visit to the land of sand, a.k.a. UAE or United Arab Emirates. A long coast line, and no water, except, well, water everywhere.
The week started with a visit to Abu Dhabi. A friend I had gotten to know in Delhi, but who really is from Stenungsund, just moved there.
First on the list - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. "This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site." (source)
Reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The
striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are transformed at
night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the
moon.
These creatures can be spotted in abundance all around the mosque. Here, however, a rare shot of the lesser spotted kid still with the net hat, which is shed normally as they grow.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has many special and unique elements: The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. This carpet measures 5,627 m2
(60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters.
The
weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool
(originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots
within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.
It is a stunning piece of architecture/art/technology.
I think I could have spent more time there, but, we were headed out into the wilderness instead.
Well, when I say wilderness ... I actually mean a trip around the mangroves outside Abu Dhabi in an Eco Donut ...
... powered by solar panels on the roof.
It came with an excellent captain, powered by ice-cream.
Wait, what was that? A shopping cart? Some homeless birds aimlessly pushing their stuff around ...
It was a very quiet and peacefull little tour. We saw some birds, donuts and mangroves and had a nice chat.
However, when we got there, it turned out we were the only ones there. Not even the leader was there - she had left a few minutes before!
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle.
Fashion for women - the last hundreds of years...
Done! Here with our guide.
A great way of recycling broken pots and bottles - put them on the wall! Love that idea.
Desert anyone? ... or dessert maybe?
The outside and the view alone did it for me, and that was all for free.
The construction began in December 2001. Architects were Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo (WATG), who are among the leading hospitality designers worldwide. Unique structure comprises a Palace section with the top suites, two wigs with guest rooms and the Conference Centre. The colours of the building reflect the different shades of the Arabian Desert. Interior design is made by KY&A. Emirates Palace employs around 2000 staff members from at least 50 nationalities. Room prices start with 327$ per night but a 165 sqm room with panoramic ocean view may cost 1797$ per night.
I was lucky - this was the first and only day ever with this fabulous view.
Emirates Palace was operated by the luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. The world's most expensive hotel was built and is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. The city, which is the United Arab Emirates'
capital makes a great impression on the Middle East corporate tourism
being the biggest rival of Dubai. The 3 billion $ cost hotel was opened
in 2005 and is a colossal standstone itself.
The seven star hotel shows the beauty of Arabian
culture. Traditional decor is used inside mostly in silver, gold, marble
and glass mosaics. The chandeliers are made of Swarovski crystal. There
are 114 domes (including the Grand Atrium which is higher than the dome
of St.Peter's Basilica in Rome), 200 fountains, the luxurious and
technologically advanced Conference Centre, The marvellous Blue Salon
and so on. The simplest suite is called Palace Suite. Each of them
contains at least three rooms and a 61" plasma screen.
Being one of the word's most prestigious hotels,
Emirates Palace is a popular place for dignitaries and celebrities. With
its beautiful view and incredible luxury, the hotel became the crowning
glory of Abu Dhabi. Some of the famous people who have set foot on the Palace are
Bill Clinton, Robert de Niro, Will Smith, Lawrence Fishburne, Michael
Jackson, many golf superators, FIFA World Cup Champions and also lots of
sport celebrities as the hotel has 70 football pitches.
Well, maybe next time ...
If you look closely you can discerne the presidential palace in the distance.
The week started with a visit to Abu Dhabi. A friend I had gotten to know in Delhi, but who really is from Stenungsund, just moved there.
First on the list - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. "This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site." (source)
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
Off we went into the mangroves.
It was a very quiet and peacefull little tour. We saw some birds, donuts and mangroves and had a nice chat.
After 30 minutes it was time to head back to the Marina.
The next lot of customers were already lined up.
The next day Annika had water aerobics in a pool at a nearby hotel, so Maia and I decided to join her.
Oh well, we did find something else to do.
The UAE Heritage Village, a wonderful outdoor museum with information about life in the desert pre-oil money.
This man had just climbed down from the palm trees, where he was pruning the dried leaves. He was moving up and down the trunk with the help of a rope and his feet. It looked very impressive.
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
Heritage
Village Abu Dhabi is one of the best cultural attractions. It is a
re-creation of an Emirati village and showcases the Bedouin lifestyle. -
See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpuf
There
are Bedouin tents set up with campfires brewing up the famous Arabic
tea. - See more at:
http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/heritage-village.html#sthash.f53ZY058.dpu
View from the island towards the Corniche and the city. The Corniche Road spreads across an impressive eight kilometres of
manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle
and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach -
a lifeguarded beach park.
A quick visit to the different artisans, who were displaying and selling this and that.
There was a restaurant in the village and we were hungry!
To finish off the day, a visit to the most expensive hotel in the world - the Emirates Palace.That's what they claim, but I'm not sure it is anymore. Anyway, out of my budget anyway!
Yeah, it is real gold on this cake, to be accompanied by coffee with real gold flakes in it. Obviously!
The Gulf Arab royalty has a reserved separate floor.
Even the traffic cones were gold ... -coloured.
Our two days in Abu Dhabi were certainly well used. Thanks Annika for being a perfect hostess AND letting us stay with you. Next stop - Dubai inshallah.
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