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.

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

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

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!

Astounding sun-set on the Corniche

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Multi-coloured chandeliers light up the ceilings.

Pretty feet on the beautiful floor!

Corridors lined with gold sculpted pillars.

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

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

Fountains of silver, gushing waters giving a cooling ambiance.

The Grand Mosque shining in the moonlight.

My beloved children outside their apartment.

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

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'.

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

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

A Doll among the dolls! In the Toy Shop.

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

The Daima Mall

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

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

Lego Camel, Yas Mall

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

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

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

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.

Aerial view of the Abu Dhabi Mall.

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

Inside the Palace lobby. Seats fit for princesses!

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

A carpet under water - an illusion?

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!

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

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

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

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

In the parking lot outside the Global Village in Dubai.

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 U A E stand exhibiting food, clothes and crafts.

The Indian pavilion was colourful and very crowded.

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

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

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!

Abu Dhabi, Dubai 2015

Comments

21.07.2015 12:00

judy kavutha

woow i luv this shamma the pics are wonderful,God bless.

15.05.2015 11:13

Mrs. Miheso

Hi Sharma,
The photos are wonderful. I will come to listen to the stories. Have a blessed forthcoming month of Ramadhan.

Beloved friend,
Mrs. Miheso

Latest comments

19.11 | 07:25

You are so kind. Do see other pages on menu. You will enjoy. Bless you. Luvv.

19.11 | 01:25

Sad to know that Ms M Butt is no more. May her soul rest in eternal peace... Ameen ❤️

19.11 | 01:22

You were my favorite biology teacher. I never forgot you😊

22.06 | 09:34

Thanks dear arfa. Check out other pages on the menu. You will enjoy. God bless.