Desert Balloon Ride and Wildlife Safari, U.A.E.

Here’s the advert…

“Enjoy this magic carpet ride over an endless ocean of sand dunes, emerald green oases, oryx, gazelles and wandering camels. Witness a breathtaking sunrise with the backdrop of the majestic Hajjar Mountains and be welcomed by the warmth of the desert people we chance to meet on landing. Get driven to our traditional Bedouin camp in our signature vintage Land Rovers.

We have different Hot Air Balloon packages available for you. Experience an early morning Hot Air Balloon Experience, a gourmet breakfast and a wildlife drive in a 1950’s Land Rover through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. For those that want to make the most of their visit to the desert, embark on an overnight safari with the sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride and a gourmet breakfast.”

So I signed up…..

Etihad and Saruq Al Hadid Museums, Dubai, U.A.E.

The Etihad Museum collects, preserves, and displays the heritage of the U.A.E. The site of the museum was formerly called Union house. It’s where in 1971 the seven emirates’ Rulers signed a declaration that marked the formation of the UAE.

The Saruq Al Hadid museum in Dubai's historical district displays a wide range of artifacts unearthed from a new archaeological dig at Saruq Al Hadid.  The archaeological site was discovered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum while flying his helicopter, as he noticed that some dunes were a darker color than others.

This museum takes you through the mysterious route of archaeological discoveries and presents exciting treasures of long ago. However, a lot of unanswered questions are remain: when was the site abandoned and why?  Why was the site located in the middle of the desert?  Why are there no human remains amongst the relics found?

After which we made a quick stop at Burj Al Arab for a bit to eat.  My first time visiting a "seven" star hotel.

Misc Pics, Dubai, U.A.E.

Gold Souq

Hanging out with the locals. 

The aquarium was fun, but it wasn't really an "aquarium". Its was more like an exhibit in the mall. 

Never knew how prominent pearl diving was to the area's economic well being historically. 

The tour company make me wear it ! 

My buddy - Tux ! 

Oil was discovered in the U.A.E. in 1953 before that not much was happening here.   

Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai, U.A.E.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, U.A.E.

The Burj Khalifa is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft) and a roof height (excluding antenna) of 828 m (2,717 ft).

 The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world since topping out in late 2008.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

The mosques is named after the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.  The structure was established to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with the historical and modern values of architecture and art. The Sheikh's final resting place is located on the grounds beside the same mosque. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. An absolutely amazing structure.

It’s also where Rihanna received negative criticism for taking photographs with the Mosque in the background, during a private visit in 2013. Remember?