..::everyday thru my viewfinder::..: October 2010

During my stay at Abu Dhabi, I had the chance to take a very interesting and informative tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here in Abu Dhabi. It’s a free tour, so I highly recommend it when you come to visit Abu Dhabi.

It’s definitely an impressive and big mosque It’s currently listed as the 8th largest in the world, according to this blog, and it can hold 40,000 to 50,000 people (some of whom arrive 2+ hours early for Fridays prayer.

Somehow, the configuration of the stones in the middle courtyard makes them cool despite being directly in the sun on a 100 F degree day. Apparently it’s because they’re fairly small and white, but it’s hard to believe when you take off your shoes and step on it.

Each dome is topped with real gold, which is part of the reason the cost is so far estimated at $545 million. The Mosque is home to the world’s largest carpet (handmade by over 1,000 people in Iran) and the world’s largest chandelier (made in Germany) and cost around AED 30 million.

The wall also has an interesting glow that subtly moves from vine to vine, creating a cool effect if you’re paying attention. The Mosque is lit with different colors at night depending on the phase of the moon .

Apparently every mosque has an area like this which used to allow the prayers to echo more. Today, they just use microphones, which is good because the calls to prayer done at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque are transmitted to all mosques in Abu Dhabi (over 1,000 mosques).
I really liked this side room to the main prayer room.

Overall, I really love Sheikh Zayed Mosque and it is a must-visit place for those who planning to visit Abu Dhabi.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Half day trip to Dubai

Last weekend, I had a chance to visit Dubai which become as one of the world's top tourist destinations. It takes about 2 hours to get there by car from Abu Dhabi.Although its just a half day visit, but definitely its worth a visit.

My first stop is nothing else than the famous Burj Al-Arab hotel which located at Madinat Jumeirah. Burj is an Arabic word thatmeans tower. Burj Al-Arab which is self-proclaimed as the only 7 star hotel in the world is nothing else than just a hotel. Entryto the hotel requires a reservation which will be confirmed at the entry gate. I will have to pay about DHS 200 just to get into the lobby, look around and have a cup of tea. You must make a reservations a month in advance for a room.I dunno what is so special with this hotel since I'm not able to enter the hotel. But, one thing for sure, it is extremely expensive. A friend of mine told me that the cost of a hotel room is mere DHS 50000 per night. WTF!!

Burj Al-Arab from Jumeirah Beach

My next destination is Al Safa Park, which is one of the oldest park in Dubai. The entrance fee is Dhs 3 per pax. Al Safa Park is a favourite placefor sports lover where you can jogging, playing tennis, rowing, and even barbeques and picnic area are available here.The park is packed with people when it comes to weekend. They gathered and have barbeques here.

Al Safa Park

My journey continue as I'm heading to Dubai Mall as my last destination in Dubai. The only thing here that I'm attracted to is the Burj Khalifa or Burj Dubai which is the world's tallest structure by a long shot. This 828 metres tower has 160 floors, over 300m taller than the previous contender, Taipei 101. The observation deck at the 124th floor is also said as the world's highest observatin terrace in the world. I'm thrilled by a high speed journey in one of the world's fastest elevators. It takes only a minute (I set a stopwatch using my watch) to get up to 124th floor from the ground floor. At The Top, that is the name of the observatory floor at Burj Khalifa. You can experience 360 degree sweeping views from here.You can take a closer look at the world below through avant-garde, high powered telescopes. I'm amazed with the features of the telescopes, it can show you the view day and night and also before and after constructions.BTW, the tickets cost DHS 100 for a timed entry, or DHS 400 if you don't want to wait.
Other attraction in Dubai Mall is definitely The Dubai Fountain. At 900 feet in length and and jet that shoots water up to 500 feet, the Dubai Fountain is indeed the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very wonderful display (you must see this by yourself when you visit Dubai).