Photo Album

First impression - as the taxi cruised smoothly down the Airport Road I was amazed by the clean, well organised roads lined with working street lights and green palm trees swaying in the early dawn breeze.

Golden pillars, the serene pool and the lush greenery on the other side.

The Cafe Arabia - a quaint restaurant on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. It had traditional, delicious arabian food, the menu of which was stuck onto old fashioned hand fans. The decor and the paintings were lovely.

'Live' in-door plants in the lobby of the building in which was my children's 11th floor apartment.

Fountains of silver, gushing waters giving a cooling ambiance.

Aerial view of the Abu Dhabi Mall.

Aerial view of the Khalidya area, near the Sheraton Hotel. The turquoise sea looked calm and beautiful.

The Grand Mosque shining in the moonlight.

Steps to 'The Emirates Palace', an imposing building that is a 7 star hotel. Even the attendants here are dressed in 'silk' outfits.

Its right-hand drive there. The traffic runs without jams - the signals are all working and the car drivers have to follow strict laws. Hidden CC cameras can catch culprits immediately!

My beloved children outside their apartment.

Inside the Palace lobby. Seats fit for princesses!

Astounding sun-set on the Corniche

A merry go round in Khalidiya Mall one of the favourite shopping places in Abu Dhabi.

The soft lights, soothing music, artistic decor - all add to the awesome charm of the Palace.

The concrete jungle interrupted by greenery in the park in the middle of the city.

Entrance fountains at Khalidiya Mall. There are more than 50 malls in the city but this one seemed to be the most frequented as it had stores like the famous 'Lulu'.

A carpet under water - an illusion?

A walk in the children's park elates you and reminds you of the good things in your life.

Marina Mall on the Marine Drive - colossal building with several floors housing famous 'brands' from around the world.

Walking down the carpetted corridor to a restaurant in the Palace - you could spend your day's salary on a cup of tea here! So just enjoy the ambience!

Nothing like a little rest after a long walk in the humid but pleasant surrounding.

There are small outlets like Choitram, Wear Mart and this Toy shop. Super Man, still a hot favourite of children and adults!

Hand crafted lamp stands and exquisite paintings add to the awesome beauty of the Palace

I felt lucky and humbled to get an opportunity to pray in one of the most magnificent combinations of marble, craftsmanship and faith in the form of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi.

A Doll among the dolls! In the Toy Shop.

The Falcon is a respected bird here. There is even a Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

At the entrance is a huge notice to remind people of the etiquette needed when entering the mosque. All visitors, regardless of colour, creed or religion are allowed in but they have to be in proper dress code. Women may be given 'abayas' to cover the whole body.

The Madinat Zayed Mall, a haven for all Indian, Pakistani, Japanese and Chinese goods.

The Abu Dhabi sky line from the grounds of the Palace.

We were provided with head-phones and 'tablets' that had video guided information on the history and the touring of the mosque.

The Daima Mall

On the way for Dubai - it took us about 1 and 1/2 hours driving from Abu Dhabi

The white marble mosque shone like a jewel in the desert.

Difficult choices - there are so many eating outlets, food courts - with cuisines from all over the world - chinese, english, american, indian, lebanese etc.

In the parking lot outside the Global Village in Dubai.

The floor of the court yard had huge motifs of beautifully coloured marble flowers.

The Madinat Zayed Mall - huge departmental stores on every floor with escalators, restaurants, and ice-cream parlours

A huge poster showing the map of the grand exhibition pavilions of countries from all over the world. We had to walk a lot!

The walls are decorated with tinted glass and flower vines - a breath taking sight!

Lego Camel, Yas Mall

The U A E stand exhibiting food, clothes and crafts.

Multi-coloured chandeliers light up the ceilings.

Yas Mall - breath taking beautiful architecture and decor - a cosmopolitan city within a city!

The Indian pavilion was colourful and very crowded.

Pretty feet on the beautiful floor!

The Khalidiya Mall - a favourite shopping and eating spot - wonder if people here do anything else!

The moat running all around the grounds gave a cooling effect to the warm and sunny day.

Corridors lined with gold sculpted pillars.

Al Wahda Mall - anpther huge,beautiful place with excellent stores and eating houses.

Children and adults were enjoying the boat rides in the moat. There was also a special 'taxi' driving people around the grounds.

Softly lighted reflection in the pool water - a treat for the eyes.

Some of the many countries participating in the exhibition were Lebanon, America, China, Egypt and Kenya - but it was impossible to visit all of them!

Saying good bye to Dubai at the exit gate. A tiring but wonderful experience!