Sharjah doesn’t have the mega malls of Dubai and can’t boast a mosque quite as grand as Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque but culturally and historically, it is every bit as good as a day spent around Bur Dubai (Dubai’s old town) or the Al Fahidi Historic District and in some respects, it is even better. … Read the rest
Global Village
Forget around the world in 80 days, you can now explore the world in an evening at Global Village. This is an ambitious journey though – Global Village is expansive – so like all good trips it might be best to take a moment to plan your itinerary, unless you’re happy to see where the world leads you…
It’s not my first time here, nor is it mum’s, but I have always had the boys in tow and tonight it’s just the two of us. … Read the rest
Dubai Garden Glow
Some things are hard to describe and the experience of Dubai’s Garden Glow is one of them. Set in a corner of Zabeel Park (not to be confused with the rest of Zabeel Park on the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road), it promises an afternoon of fun and adventure for the whole family.… Read the rest
The New Louvre
The Abu Dhabi Louvre, the ‘new’ Louvre, has been on my list since before it opened in November 2017. Knowing it would be a day best enjoyed with another enthusiast I have delayed my visit more than once. … Read the rest
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
After my somewhat disappointing first taste of Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve, I decide to revisit with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque firmly in my sights. I drive in Dubai, but it has taken me a long time to get used to it and I can’t say that I’m entirely comfortable with it. … Read the rest
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
I arrive at the SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) early and have time to wander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before my cultural breakfast begins.
My real quest, heading into the quiet streets, is for a karak tea – that lovely, strong, sweet tea flavoured with cardamom (or sometimes other flavours if you’re lucky, like at Global Village). … Read the rest
Museum of Islamic Art
Foyer of the Museum of Islamic Art
I am in Doha for the day. I spent the morning at Souq Waqif and The Pearl and much of the afternoon walking the sights after a dhow ride (see Doha by Dhow). … Read the rest
Doha By Dhow
We have spent our morning in Doha in the old town and Souq area and then visiting The Pearl. On the way back from the Pearl, we change our minds and decide not to head straight back to the old town and Corniche but to take a dhow ride the rest of the way back – from West Bay to the Dhow Harbour near the Museum of Islamic Art. … Read the rest
The Pearl
The Pearl
We have been at Souq Waqif all morning and it’s time to keep going as there is more to see. We hail a taxi. No haggling here (unlike Bahrain), this taxi driver is friendly and immediately turns on the meter as requested. … Read the rest
Souq Waqif
My expectations were not high. I have heard that Doha, the capital of Qatar, is nice but no one has ever raved about it to me. Now, having been there myself, I find there is a lot to praise. … Read the rest