The Heart of Sharjah

Coral walls of the Al Hisn Fort

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

Along the canal at 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

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

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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

Al Fahidi wind tower

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.

Doorway

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

Doha By Dhow

Down Town – West Bay

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