UAE Pics

My jump at SKYDIVE DUBAI - 2011 - Y&R

2011-08-18T21:07:00.000+05:30

Sharjah Lights festival

2011-02-11T18:43:00.005+05:30

Al Ain Air Show 2011

2011-02-11T18:19:00.007+05:30

TURKISH DELIGHT FOR VISITORS TO 2011 AL AIN AEROBATIC SHOW

Al Ain, UAE. January 10, 2011: One of the world’s leading military air force display teams, the Turkish Stars, is the latest aerobatic squadron to confirm its attendance at the 2011 Al Ain Aerobatic Show. The Turkish Stars will demonstrate their amazing airborne skills for the very first time in the UAE when they take to the skies above Al Ain International Airport from February 2-5.

The squadron features formations of up to nine F-5 fighter jets by the Turkish Air Force's 134th Acroteam Squadron Command, which has performed in hundreds of sensational displays around the world. The Turkish Stars are the only national team to fly with formations of eight supersonic aircraft, and in 2001 they sealed a world record by performing to an audience of over 1 million people at an aerobatic show in Azerbaijan.

“Turkish Stars have an outstanding pedigree for entertaining spectators and displaying truly remarkable skills and execution,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the Al Ain showpiece in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces. “Spectators are guaranteed a dazzling exhibition of aerobatic arts when the team flies above Al Ain in February. By joining some of the world’s best display teams, they will help the Al Ain Aerobatic Show to raise the benchmark for world-class spectacles in the Middle East.”

The Al Ain Aerobatic Show is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Now in its ninth year, the show has become firmly established as one of the world’s top five aerobatic events. Pilots from over a dozen of the best formation teams on the planet will visit the Oasis City to manoeuvre their agile aircraft over four days, in front of expected record crowds of some 130,000.

Taking centre-stage at the 2011 event will be the unique, multi-discipline FAI Desert Challenge. Arranged by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the international governing body for air sports, the Desert Challenge will see six of the world’s best pilots flying CAP232, Sukhoi 26 and Xtreme aircraft in classic and free-style competition formats.

Spectators at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show will be treated to a wealth of death-defying stunts featuring wing-walkers, subsonic jets and choreographed “dancers in the sky”. The Turkish Stars and FAI Desert Challenge participants will also be joined by the four Hawker Hunter supersonic fighter jets of Team Viper, which will be performing their amazing mock ground formation attack scenario for the first time in the Middle East.

Making their Middle East debut will be the Baltic Bees from Latvia, flying L-39C Albatros twin-shaft jets at speeds topping 900 km/h. Miss Demeanour, a mark F.4 XF947 Hawker Hunter that was built for Britain's Royal Air Force in 1956, returns for a second consecutive year to thrill the spectators.

ADTA is significantly expanding the spectator village for 2011 to make it the largest to date. Among the wide range of activities on offer for all the family will be karting, model aircraft displays, a hot air balloon and VIP flights, while a greatly improved selection of F&B outlets will cater to every taste.

Daily tickets for the show are Dh40 per adult and Dh25 for children between three and 10 years old, while children under three enter free. Visitors can check the website for details on how to purchase tickets – www.alainaerobaticshow.com. And by accessing the Al Ain Aerobatic Show’s official web site, www.alainaerobaticshow.com, one lucky enthusiast will also have a once-in-a-lifetime chance of winning a flight with one of the pilots at the show.

Commonly known as the Oasis City and central to the cultural heritage of the country, Al Ain is approximately 80 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with both drives offering stunning views of the golden desert landscape as it transforms from stunning dunes into a verdant oasis.

Christmas celebrations in the UAE

2010-12-23T01:33:00.002+05:30

Weekend of music across the UAE

2010-12-23T01:28:00.002+05:30

Mirdif City Center

2010-05-10T15:41:00.002+05:30

RTA driver safety campaign

2010-05-03T11:51:00.005+05:30

World's first Armani Hotel opens in Dubai

2010-05-03T11:43:00.005+05:30

The hotel will feature a spa, a nightclub called the Armani Prive, an Armani Dolci confectionery store and an Armani Galleria.
A staff member of an Indian restaurant in the world's first Armani Hotel, situated in the Burj Khalifa, welcomes guests.
"It was marvellous to see how the project in Dubai came to life after five years of hard work," Giorgio Armani said at the launch of the Armani Hotel.
A fashion show was held as part of celebrations to mark the hotel's grand opening.
Giorgio Armani, acclaimed as Italy's most successful designer, at Tuesday's launch of the Armani Hotel.
Staff wait to greet guests at the Armani Hotel in Dubai's Burj Khalifa on Tuesday. The Italian designer was on hand for the hotel's opening ceremony, which was delayed a week because of travel chaos caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
The Armani Hotel Dubai is the first collabaration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties.
The hotel's 160 rooms and 144 private residences are ready for occupancy.
The hotel and residences occupy floors concourse to 16 and 38 and 39 of the world's tallest tower and have been designed by Armani himself "in every aspect".
Armani Hasi Restaurant.
Armani Hotel's lobby in Burj Khalifa.
Decor in the Armani Hotel.

Ten Iconic Malls in Dubai

2010-04-27T20:23:00.003+05:30

Mercato Mall

Mercato (Italian for market) is the first themed shopping mall in the Middle East and UAE, which brings together the choicest lifestyle offerings from the Mediterranean, in addition to many exclusive international brands. Ideally located in Jumeirah, one of the fastest growing residential and retail districts in the city currently boasting several resort properties, hotels and private villas, Mercato is designed to be a prestigious shopping destination catering to quality-conscious residents and visitors to Dubai. Mercato is part of the AL Zarooni Group of Companies. The Group was founded in the early sixties and has since diversified in size and stature across various segments of the Emirate's business world.

Deira City Centre

The mall is one of the flagship shopping, leisure and entertainment centres within the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio. A multi-faceted complex, it has over 370 stores and attracts over 20 million visitors a year, making it one of Dubai's top attractions. Deira City Centre is home to 120 fashion outlets and prides itself as featuring mid-market popular fashion with well-known retailers such as Zara, Debenhams, New Look, H&M, Gap, Woolworths and Splash. The Centre has a wide variety of retailers, including its anchor stores Carrefour, Virgin Megastore, Paris Gallery, Sun & Sand Sports and Magrudy's. In addition to offering a great shopping experience, the Centre features City Centre Hotel and Residence; CineStar, an 11-screen multiplex cinema, Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a Textile Court, a specialized Jewellery Court, as well as a food court and several international restaurants and cafes; dedicated tourist services; and a host of electronic stores on the ground floor that all add to the overall atmosphere.

Ibn Battuta Mall

The Arab traveller and adventurer Ibn Battuta was a man of great vision and strong Islamic values. Ibn Battuta Mall is the first shopping complex inspired by an individual's life nearly six centuries after he embarked on his renowned journey. Each region Ibn Battuta explored - Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China - is reflected in the architecture and theme of the mall's six courts. These courts strongly project the historical and cultural richness of this Arabian icon's life, serving as inspiration to all those who visit. Nakheel is the mall developer.

Wafi City

With 200 outlets, Wafi City is less than half the size of the more famous Mall of the Emirates and more upmarket. But even those without an upmarket budget will find it interesting to experience its extraordinary architecture and decorations, and to browse through its specialty shops, some found only in Wafi City. Built on an ancient Egyptian theme, Wafi City has three atriums flooded with natural light from pyramid-shaped ceilings. Two of them consist of colourful stained glass illustrations of farmers, hunters, wrestlers, boatmen, scribes and priests from the age of the pharaohs. Also featured are the pharaohs themselves, their gods, and creatures of the ancient Nile, such as bulls, birds, ducks, jackals, crocodiles and hippos.

Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping malls based on total area and sixth largest by gross leasable area. Part of the Burj Khalifa complex; the 20-billion-dollar shopping centre comes complete with 1,200 shops, a massive indoor aquarium, an ice-rink and the region's only branch of American retail chainBloomingdale'. The Dubai Mall has recorded a visitor turn-out of more than 60,000 tickets sold for the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre in the first five days, following its opening. It hosted over 37 million visitors in its first year of operation, and attracts more than 750,000 visitors every week.

Dubai Festival City

Festival Centre is Dubai's unrivalled waterfront destination for style and sophistication, showcasing an exciting selection of prestigious retailers, an international gourmet culture and a world-class entertainment retreat. Festival Centre is located at the heart of Dubai Festival City with over 600 shops including 25 flagship stores, over 100 restaurants, cafes and bistros, a 12 screen Grand Cinemas complex, Bowling City and a vast entertainment centre and parking for 13,000 cars.

BurJuman Centre

A pioneering effort in establishing the 'mall culture' in Dubai, Burjuman Centre is located in Bur Dubai, a prime location in the city center. Burjuman Centre, Dubai houses more than 200 outlets of international brands. The retail space in the mall is spread across more than 300,000 square feet of area. With a good number of restaurants, cafes and gaming zones strewn around its complex. BurJuman Centre comprises of 800,000 square feet of retail space.

Oasis Centre

The Oasis Centre in Dubai opened in April 1999 with a large Home Centre, and handy location on Shaikh Zayed Road for residents from Bur Dubai to Jebel Ali. But in September 2005, the mall burnt down in a shocking fire. Four years later, the mall was rebuilt and reopened on 29 March 2009. The new Oasis Centre is bigger and better with expansion from 1 to 4 levels of shopping and four times as much shopping area. The mall development cost was about Dh900 million ($245m). The Glass Dome in the roof is reportedly the largest in the Middle East, but looks smaller than the one in Mall of the Emirates.

Al Ghurair Centre

The history of the Al Ghurair mall has been one of constant innovation. Built by the Al Ghurair family on an empty plot of land in the city of Dubai, it was the first modern shopping mall project of its kind in the Middle East. Within a few years, the Al Ghurair City was not only setting new standards for retail in the region, it was breaking all records. Al Ghurair City offers the best from both worlds. With over 200 retail outlets, Al Ghurair City boasts 470,000 sq ft of retail space, and houses a variety of retail outlets providing the latest in fashion, foot wear, fashion accessories, hand bags, travel accessories, watches and Jewellery, cosmetics and perfumes, home decor and more.

Mall of the Emirates

Biggest mall in the UAE when it opened in November 2005 with area about 2.4 million square feet (220,000 sq m) and 400 shops, has an indoor ski field at one end along with a hotel. It has stores selling designer brands, teen fashion products, furniture, electronics, accessories, jewellery, shoes, bags, toys, books, etc; stores include Harvey Nichols, Debenhams, Aizone, Bois & Chiffon etc.

Dubai Car Art Festival

2010-04-27T20:02:00.003+05:30

Ali Baba's cave hidden in Al Quoz

2010-04-25T18:51:00.005+05:30

The Antique Museum in Al Quoz is neither a museum nor a store selling antiques. It's a 65,000 sq foot warehouse where containers from overseas countries are loaded-off several times a month.
Fakih NP, the managing director of Fakih Group, which owns the gigantic and diversified gift shop, wants it to remain a best-kept secret.
The goods are sorted, stocked and distributed to nearly 30 retails outlets around the UAE (mostly in Dubai).
Fakih Group manufactures products from 12 different countries, such as carpets and pottery from India, wood and stone carvings from Indonesia, stitched items and statues from Thailand and perfume bottles and bamboo crafts from China.
Other items on show include wooden masks and crafts from Africa, ceramic, porcelain and lacquer crafts from Vietnam, pashmina shawls from Nepal, hanging carpets and puppets from Burma and woven romblon placemats, buffalo horns and mother-of-pearl and bamboo crafts from the Philippines.
The museum opened nine years ago and was transformed into an Ali Baba sort of cave over the years. Nothing is well-arranged and kept clean there, but that contributes to making the visit a different experience from the pristine shopping malls.
The experience conjures up old souks and items from places far away, exotic and foreign. The way to do it is to follow the sounds of the wind chimes clinging or bow to the many tall African and Thai statues welcoming you to a new alley.
Although there are tags on most of the items, make sure to bargain once you make your way to the cashier.
Egyptian wooden statues vie for space with Yemeni swords and jewellery and row upon row of linens and cushions and wood-carved ornaments brought in from Southeast Asia.
The warehouse is a maze of shoulder-wide passageways with goods imported from 27 different countries and covered with dust.
Be ready to sweat at Antique Museum as some areas don't have any ventilation and are kept really warm by the heat from the hundreds of multi-coloured lamps and lanterns hanging from the ceilings.
Although the museum isn't the place to shop if you're an avid antiques collector, be sure to ask to see the 'secret' antiques corner, which contains yet more goodies.
The Antique Museum is located somewhere in the Al Quoz Industrial Area, behind Times Square Centre. To get more chances of actually finding the place, call 04-347 9935 or visit www.fakihcollections.com.

Sharjah's bustling Old Souq area

2010-04-19T18:38:00.003+05:30

Wide choice: An Emirati woman looks at long colourful dresses known as ‘Jalabiyas’ in Al Shuwaiheen area of Sharjah.
It is well-known shopping area and people from other emirates come here to do their shopping.
Popular hangout: The Old Souq which has been running for more than 25 years has several eateries which attracts thousands of customers every day
The Old Souq area is also popular with families who bring their small children to buy toys.
Brisk business: Cafeterias in Al Shuwaiheen area capitalise on the huge numbers of people visiting the Old Souq.
Emirati women out and about in the Old Souq shopping area.
Fragrance trade: The Old Souq is known for its incense and garment shops. The best oud (incense) can cost as much as Dh7,500 per kilogram.
As there are many art galleries and art-related activities held throughout the year, the area is also referred to by residents as the Arts Area.

Burj Khalifa Interior

2010-04-14T21:08:00.007+05:30

Catwalk at the Dubai Fashion Week

2010-04-14T14:30:00.008+05:30

Mugda Godse presents a creation by Z FOR Z in style.
Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee presented a bohemian-inspired collection
Winners of the Studio 8 awards at the close of Dubai Fashion Week
The collection by Pakistani designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (better known as HSY) won the award for Best Haute Couture.
Pakistani designer HSY and model Ali Zafar on the ramp.
Agatha Paris presents Pepper by Uma.
Madame Butterfly may be an odd inspiration for Michael Cinco's blingtastic collection. But like the world famous opera, there was no sartorial tragedy awaiting the Filipino designer.
The multi-layered pearls and funky accessories from the iconic jewellery French brand Agatha Paris bonded well with Uma Ghospande's collection.
Indian designer Puneet Nanda for Satya Paul is hailed as one of the pioneers in making Indian saris a strong style statement.
What made his collection stand out on Tuesday were the daring blouses and cholis.
Pakistani designer Salma Khan unveiled her autumn-winter collection with a string of floral, summery creations.
Juhi Yasmeen Khan unveiled her heavily embellished lehengas (long mermaid skirts teamed with bejewelled bustiers) and kaftans.
Shahid Afridi may be a formidable figure on the cricketing turf, but the same cannot be said about his outing as a designer. His ethnic menswear collection wasn't exactly innovative.
A piece from the Barbara Bela collection by Helen Carvalho, Georgiana Mascarenhas and Juliana Bochese.
Fashion store Iconic blazed a new trail of glamour by showcasing an electric mix of fashion brands at its show during Dubai Fashion Week on Sunday.
The Iconic fashion show came just after the high-profile launch of the concept a few weeks back at Deira City Centre.
The catwalk came alive with the very best of Iconic's varied categories including the casual line of denim, street, sports, beach to the more elegant boutique and formal outfits.
A model shimmers in a gold design at Dubai Fashion Week.
Zeena Zaki also incorporated pastels in her designs.
A creation by designer Zeena Zaki puts on a show on the runway.
Bollywood actress Bhagyashree struts the runway as the showstopper at designer Nisha Sagar's show.
Bollywood actress Riya Sen as the catwalk show-stopper at Dubai Fashion Week.
Show by designer Artivijay Gupta at Dubai Fashion Week.
Designer Andres Aquino did his bit to inject a bit of drama and theatrics onto the catwalk. Kicking off with a live rendition of a love song, the models strutted down in a string of vintage gowns made in satin and lace and pleated dresses.
Reem and Hind Beljafla added a shot of glamour to the conservative abaya.
Muted gold, metallic studs and sashes with big bows gave the all-black robes a modern twist. Not ones to shy away from racy abayas, the Beljafla duo also interspersed crimson panels to make the contrast with the black silk more dramatic.
"Do your own thing" should ideally be the tagline of Dubai Fashion Week. As usual, the clothes on the runway were pretty but made you wonder about their seasonal significance.
The opening day also lived up to its usual notoriety of running fabulously late. The last show by New York-based Andres Aquino began at 11.15pm and even his dramatic, theatrical show could not lure the fashionistas to wait around that late.

Pictures from the 10th Career Fair UAE

2010-03-31T12:16:00.007+05:30

Young exhibitors during the Careers UAE fair on Monday, the second day of the event.
The 10th annual Careers UAE fair started on Sunday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
The exhibition brought more than 100 national and international companies under one roof for job seeking EmiratisA prominent feature at this year's fair is the segmentation of companies into 10 sectors which include banking, finance, government, private, oil and gas, trade and telecommunications.
Newcomers to the fair include Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and the Gulf Energy Maritime and National Rehabilitation Centre.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to formally open Careers UAE.
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, visits the event.
Shaikh Hamdan indicated the importance of appointing Emiratis, the holders of secondary and preparatory school certificates in the administrative jobs at the civic body to encourage them to complete their studies.
Emirati students with an exhibitor during the second day of the event at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, stressed the municipality's keenness to participate in the career fair to streamline its strategy to rehabilitate citizens and employ them in suitable jobs.
Careers UAE takes place in Zabeel Halls one and two at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, women only on Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 1pm.

Burj Khalifa from the Top and its Best

2010-03-25T14:29:00.006+05:30

Dubai International Boat Show 2010

2010-03-22T14:11:00.006+05:30

Two boys look at a huge super yacht at the 18th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show on Saturday.
The boat show takes place at the Dubai International Marine Club until Sunday.
A potential customer checks out the digital bridge equipment from the DMP stand.
The business end of a Coastguard boat with four 350HP Evinrude engines.
At the Heritage Village, men and boys demonstrate a variety of tradition crafts including net making, basket making and fish preservation by sun-drying.
Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is the most important and established event of its kind in the Middle East region and Indian subcontinent.
DIBS, said to be one of the world's top five international boat shows, received 25,000 visitors last year. Organisers are expecting a similar turnout this year.
Industry officials expect the boating market to pick up during the Dubai International Boat Show
A Numarine 55 HT boat is on display at the show. International manufacturers are displaying about 400 boats.
Models stand on the deck of an Asmarine yacht. Visitors toured the numerous yachts on display at the Dubai International Boat Show 2010 on Tuesday.
Compared to international markets such as the United States, which has 13 million boats, the local industry is still in its infancy.
More than 700 companies from 40 countries are confirmed for this year's show, which is spread over more than 85,000 square metres.
Austria, Croatia, Mald-ives, Portugal and Tunisia all make their Dubai International Boat Show debut this year.
One out of every 350 people in the UAE owns a boat.
The 18th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show was launched on Tuesday by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The yacht market was expanding very fast three years ago, but saw a significant downturn following the global financial crisis
A super yacht on display at the show. Boat builders said they face significant risks in bringing their vessels to the region because of the threat of piracy.
Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum tours the Dubai International Boat Show 2010 at the Dubai International Marina Club at Mina Seyahi.
With about 400 boats on display from international manufacturers, the show features 15 exclusive global launches and 25 regional launches.
Visitors tour the numerous boats and yachts on display at the show
The yacht market was expanding very fast three years ago, but saw a significant downturn following the global financial crisis.

Steeds on show at Arabian Horse Championships

2010-03-22T14:00:00.003+05:30

Purebred Arabian Horses are graceful creatures which exhibit much beauty and class
The event, which was in it's seventh installment this year, is held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and UAE Minister of Finance.
The event has attracted much worldwide interest, with over 300 entries from all across the world
The three-day event aims to showcase the beauty, agility and heritage of Purebred Arabian horses.
The third prize winner Ashhal Al Khalediah in the Stallions 4-6 years category accepts his award at the show
The Championship is considered the most prestigious competition of its kind in the world
A true show of beauty and grace, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championships began on March 18
Eden C takes a trot while on display in the Stallions 4-6 years category.
The Championship ends with a competition that puts the most exquisite horses against each other

Iconic architecture in the UAE

2009-12-21T22:12:00.003+05:30

The Burj Dubai, the world's tallest skyscraper, towers over the skyline in Dubai.
Emirates Towers and the DIFC metro station are seen in the centre of Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
The distinctive Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
Dubai World Trade Centre.
An aerial view of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
An exterior view of Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi
Bastakiya in Bur Dubai.

Rain across the emirates

2009-12-21T21:39:00.006+05:30

UAE national day

2009-12-03T08:15:00.004+05:30

National Stick Dancers performed the traditional Emirati Harbiya at Mercato in just one of the many traditional events held across the country.

Stalls at Mercato mall did a brisk trade in UAE flag branded items such as hats, flags, scarves and other novelty goods as families got into the spirit of the celebration.

UAE nationals both young (right) and old celebrated UAE National Day at Jebel Hafeet.

Getting in on the action, groups of Emirati divers spread the UAE flag across the seas in front of Emirates Palace marina in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

The UAE was lit up with bright lights in intricate decorations ahead of National Day

Giant Ball Juggling show at Mall of the Emirates

Pilgrims undertaking Haj

2009-11-24T16:19:00.004+05:30

Thousands of Muslims perform tawaf, circling the Ka'aba seven times, which marks the start of the pilgrimage. The Haj begins on the eighth day of Dhu Al Hijja (month for Haj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days.
Pilgrims climb Mount Arafat, located a few miles outside of Makkah, site of the Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) final sermon
This ritual is the most important during the Haj pilgrimage, where Muslims ask forgiveness from God. At sunset, they start their journey to Muzdalifah and on the following day return to Mina before sunrise
In Mina, pilgrims then perform ramy - the 'stoning of the devil' ritual - in the early morning. This involves throwing small stones at a rock structure, marking Abraham's temptation by Satan.
Pilgrims then shave their heads, and an animal is slaughtered, which is offered as food to the poor.
Pilgrims then perform two further 'stoning of the devil' rituals at Mina. The ritual is perhaps the most dangerous of all during the pilgramage. In recent years, many pilgrims have been trampled to death in the big crowds.
Pilgrims then return to Makkah and perform a final tawaf of the Ka'aba. This is the last duty of the Haj. Muslims around the world face the Ka'aba during prayer. It is a cube structure that predates Islam. According to Islamic tradition, the first building at the site was built by Abraham.

A journey around Abu Dhabi

2009-10-29T21:18:00.007+05:30

The glorious Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a great draw for visitors to the capital.
The massive religious structure was named after the late president of the UAE.
Designed by Iranian artist Ali Qaliqi and featuring a 115-metre high minaret, 1,084 columns and 82 domes covered with gold, the mosque took 12 years to complete at a cost of Dh2.167 billion and opened during Ramadan in 2007. It covers 22,000 square metres (five football fields) and can hold up to 40,000 worshippers.
Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan now rests in a large mausoleum next to the mosque where imams relay to continuously read from the Quran and only stop for the five daily prayers.
The new Aldar Headquarters, at Al Raha Beach. Scaling a height of approximately 110 metres, the first totally spherical building in the Middle East features a futuristic aluminium and glass exterior.
The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is the capital's arts centre.
The Heritage Village is a reproduction of a traditional Bedouin village, with an old dhow yard and a souk area where visitors can buy leather, glass, pottery, spices, perfumes, daggers, swords and silk.
Near Heritage Village is a gorgeous view of the skyline - mixing traditional Arabian architecture and pure modernity - that lines the Riviera-style Corniche.
The fish market at the old fishing village is a covered and air-conditioned market where both locals and expats of all ages were bargaining for the freshest seafood.
There was not much to report at the Fishing Harbour because it was a weekend day and no fishermen were returning from the sea with fresh catch.
To trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without stopping to take pictures of the famous Emirates Palace Hotel.

Gadgets galore as Gitex Shopper opens

2009-10-29T18:27:00.009+05:30

Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, on Saturday opened the Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo.
The shopper is the largest and most popular technology retail event in the Middle East.
Following the inauguration, thousands of people descended on Airport Expo Dubai to avail of some of the best deals and Gitex Shopper exclusive packages on a wide variety of gadgets. Big name exhibitors include Acer, Compu Me, du, etisalat, and Emax.
Jacky's and Jumbo, strategic partners for the event, have also increased their retail space at the show to provide exclusive bundled offers, available only at the show
The product choice will be increased further this year with the return to the show of Plug Ins and Sharaf DG, as well as the participation of many new companies including BDL Gulf, Super Speed and Texamedia.
The product choice will be increased further this year with the return to the show of Plug Ins and Sharaf DG, as well as the participation of many new companies including BDL Gulf, Super Speed and Texamedia.
Gitex Shopper visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to preview Windows 7 on new PCs prior to its global launch on 22 October 2009.
Gitex Shopper runs until 24 October 2009 with more than more than 25,000 products from laptops and mobile phones, to accessories and hardware on offer with exclusive bundled offers which are only available at the show.
More than 160 companies will be participating in the show from eight different countries and this year, over Dh2 million worth of prizes will be given away.

Elegant

2009-08-26T16:49:00.003+05:30

Friday Fashion: Enhance your poise with these Arabic ensembles. Seen here is, Multi-coloured dress by Mimi Fashion Design, Dh4,300; neon green necklace, Dh7,480, earrings, Dh2,910, both by Tom Binns; gladiator heels by Carvela at Kurt Geiger, Dh699; aqua blue and chrome clutch by A. Serima, Dh2,160
Shell pink brocade one-shoulder gown at Studio 8, Dh1,800; gold mesh flower bracelet, Dh855, gold necklace, Dh1,620, both by Lavish
Blue and silver jalabiya by Kubra Al Qaseer Fashion, price on request; earrings by Jewels, Dh1,275
Yellow ochre gown with lace top and trousers at Studio 8, Dh4,640; crystal drop earrings by Jewels, Dh1,600; clutch by Sarah’s Bag, Dh1,470; gold ring, stylist’s own; black and gold peep-toes by Carvela at Kurt Geiger, price on request
Multicoloured caftan by Rimalya, Dh6,900; neon orange necklace, Dh2,820, earrings, Dh1,075 both by Tom Binns; suede pumps by KG at Kurt Geiger, price on request
Rose pink jalabiya with Parsi thread work at Studio 8, Dh3,910; gold mesh ring by Bijuland, Dh295
Black and red jalabiya with antique gold embroidery at Kubra Al Qaseer Fashion, Dh4,200; antique gold necklace by Sophie, Dh1,905; ring by Jewels, Dh875; peep-toes by Carvela at Kurt Geiger, Dh489

Deira building collapse

2009-08-26T16:41:00.004+05:30

A six-storey office building under construction, near Al Ittihad Road, fell at around 3pm, according to eyewitnesses

Please don't keep them in captivity: a visual petition

2009-08-26T16:33:00.002+05:30

Gulf News reader Osbert Panakal sent this picture of a baby monkey taken at Dubai Zoo as an appeal against keeping animals in zoos.He wrote: "Animals in captivity ... things that are denied to the prisoner become precisely what he wants most of all." The reader has a keen interest in wildlife photography and is based in Sharjah.Panakal took this picture of a baboon eating a mango at the Dubai Zoo on a hot day in July. He wrote: "I fear ... freedom must taste better."This baboon appears to be "waiting". The reader argues through images against the captivity of animals.Panakal captures a vulture in repose and writes, "... savour the last drop".

Pictures from the past Abras

2009-08-11T16:59:00.006+05:30

The abra has long been a godsend for the thousands of commuters who spend just Dh1 and a matter of minutes to get from Bur Dubai to Deira, or vice versa. This shot from June 1981 shows the abra station in Bur Dubai.

These men are seen inside the abra station in Bur Dubai in this photo from June 1981. An abra driver will make the short journey across the Creek an average of 200 times a day.

The abras often don't line up right alongside the multiple jetties on either side - they simply pull up to another boat that might be parked and travellers stride from their boat and down the length of the other before jumping off on to the concrete steps on land.

A shot from July 1982. Most abras have a maximum load of 20 passengers, and abras can also be hired out by the hour for a higher price for those wishing to see more of the Creek.

One of the biggest attractions to tourists using abras is the large number of vendors who sell goods at both sides of the Creek near the abra stations. Food, spices, textiles, jewellery and a whole host of other weird and wonderful objects can be bought.

For many, the quick and affordable abra ride is greatly preferable to crossing the Creek via the various other roads and tunnels linking Deira to Bur Dubai. Abras are seen in this shot from July 1984.

Abras line up for business in this March 1985 shot. These days, more and more tourists are taking advantage of the facility, using the abras as an opportunity to see Dubai from its main waterway, a waterway that was the city's main economic artery.

For many people, like these commuters pictured in February 1986, the Creek is the only obstacle between their home and their workplace, so these water taxis are ideal.

The well-used underpass which enables people to cross the busy road at the Deira abra station is pictured in this aerial shot from October 1988. The tunnel is a must for people wanting to reach the gold souq.

Customers line up to purchase electrical goods near the abra station in Deira in this shot from November 1993.

In July 2007, the RTA launched air conditioned 'water buses', but these have not hindered the popularity of abras. This snap shows the Creek in February 1997.

Abra drivers work an average of 16 hours a day. Here, men are seen drinking near an abra station in June 1998.

In recent years, Dubai Municipality has spruced up the abra services, adding lighting markers, a customer service stand and regulating the safety aspects of the flotilla of boats that crisscross the Creek every few minutes.

A much loved part of traditional life, abras remain one of the most popular and affordable means of transportation in Dubai.

Sharjah was take-off point for cricket in UAE

2009-07-23T17:05:00.007+05:30

The first match between the Gavaskar XI and Miandad XI being played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in April 1981. The stadium went on to break the world record for hosting the highest number of ODI's.

Pakistani legend Javed Miandad (left), with a fan and a photographer, after playing a game on a makeshift pitchwith a sandy outfield in the UAE.

The game drew modest crowds.

First One-Day International match being played in Sharjah.

A general view of the Zayed Cricket stadium during theTri-Nation Zayed Cup Cricket Tournament in Abu Dhabi. The first international game here was hosted in April 2006.

A view of the Dubai Cricket Stadium housed at the Dubai Sports City. The state-of-the-art lighting facility is dubbed as the 'Ring of Fire'.

.Sachin Tendulkar celebrates after a memorable century in Sharjah. Tendulkar's back-to-back hundreds against Zimbabwe and Australia, in 1998, was termed as the 'sandstorm innings'. His second hundred was scored on his birthday.

Wasim Akram rejoices after his hat-trick at the Sharjah Stadium. Akram went on to become the highest wicket-taker in history. Some of his deadliest spells were reserved for Sharjah. Pakistan's Younus Khan in action against the West Indies at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The venue hosted the first ever Test series to be held at a neutral venue from January 31, 2002.

Tendulkar is seen during one of his glorious knocks against Pakistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan's Taufiq Umer in action during the first day of the historic test match between Pakistan and West Indies at a neutral venue, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, on January 31st 2002.

A handful of spectators savour the first day of the historic test match between Pakistan and West Indies at a neutral venue - the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, who brought international cricket to the UAE, in action during a domestic tournament. The Bukhatir League, which will enter its 35th year, is named after him.

Mohammad Redha Abbas, who is now the executive member of the Emirates Cricket Council, with Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, the chairman of the Dubai Cricket Council, gets ready to bat in a match during their playing days

Former ICC President Ehsan Mani (above left) masterminded the shift of the game's headquarters from London to Dubai.

Action from the first one-day international, between Pakistan and Australia, hosted at the Dubai SportsCity cricket stadium. The Sports City also houses the ICC Cricket Academy and the ICC headquarters.

Online community revs up as Mohammad turns 60

2009-07-15T23:00:00.006+05:30

Shaikh Mohammad was born on July 15, 1949. A photo taken from Shaikh Mohammad's Facebook page.

A rose and a birthday wish for Shaikh Mohammad. A large number of his Facebook friends congratulated him and wished him long and prosperous life.

The Facebook page that shows his date of birth.

Shaikh Mohammad had set up his Facebook profile at the end of June and has uploaded three photo albums.

Dubai: Facebook users have been wishing - and singing - Happy Birthday to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on his Facebook page for the past two days as he turns 60 today.

A large number of his Facebook friends congratulated him and wished him long and prosperous life.

Shaikh Mohammad was born on July 15, 1949. He is the third son of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and has three brothers, Shaikh Maktoum, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Ahmad.

Shaikh Mohammad had set up his Facebook profile at the end of June and has uploaded three photo albums, including family images.

As a user-generated content site, Facebook users are able to comment on his status updates and make virtual friends with him on his unrestricted profile, which allows the general public to view his photo albums, videos, personal information and "poke" Shaikh Mohammad (to get his virtual attention).

Many users "sang" for Shaikh Mohammad happy birthday on the Facebook page. Al Awadi added: "May Allah grant you long life."

Another facebook user, Pranay Gupte, posted saying: "Your Highness: This is specially to send you my warmest good wishes for your birthday on July 15. With great admiration and respect."

Oliver Mahon, said: "Happy birthday to our dear leader. I wish you more joy and happiness in the coming year."

Many other Facebook users posted birthday greetings, which included prayers for health, happiness and long life.

Ali Khalil said: "many many happy returns of the day your highness alf alf mabrook."

Sehar Adeel posted saying: "MANYY MANYYY HAPPY RETURNZZ F D DA!!!GOB BLESSS U!!!"

Mona Baqer said: "Wish u very " happy Birthday " our dear father. Wish u all the happiness of this world."

Another Facebook user named Shaikha Mohammad, wished him many happy returns of the day with wishes of loads and loads of success and happiness and bright life like birthday candles on the cake. She added: "May u start ur new year with smiles n happiness,,,,, theres all i can say iz u r the greatest father 4 all of us n u will b the greatest as alwayzzzz."

Another Facebook user, Lulwa Al Hamammi, sent a happy birthday wish to Shaikh Mohammad using roses application, which allows sending the pictures of roses to the intended person on Facebook.

The Facebook users are still continuing to post birthday wishes for Shaikh Mohammad.

Three years of pioneering leadership for the country

Dubai: On January 4, 2006, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai following the death of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

On January 5, Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council elected Shaikh Mohammad the UAE Vice-President.

On February 11, 2006, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan nominated Shaikh Mohammad to be UAE Prime Minister; the Council approved this nomination.

Shaikh Mohammad and the members of his Cabinet took their oaths before Shaikh Khalifa at Al Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Shaikh Mohammad embodies energetic and successful leadership. He is a man who has made promises and kept them; he has insisted on excellence and achieved nothing less; he has defined the role of leadership and fulfilled it.

Since becoming the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, groundbreaking initiatives have been rolled out at an astonishing rate.

The year 2007 witnessed unique achievements for Shaikh Mohammad locally and regionally.

On February 3, he announced the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to bolster Dubai's leading position in the region and boost its role as an international economic and financial hub. The strategy will be used as a road map for development in the coming years.

On April 17, 2007, Shaikh Mohammad unveiled the UAE Government Strategy Plan with the aim of achieving sustainable development throughout the country, investing federal resources more efficiently and ensuring due diligence, accountability and transparency across federal bodies.

Remembering Shaikh Zayed the Great

2009-07-01T16:40:00.003+05:30

A portrait of Shaikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is shown at an event heralding 100 years since his death. The great leader, who ruled Abu Dhabi for 54 years from 1855 to 1909, died on May 19, 1909.
Paying rich tributes to Shaikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (also known as Shaikh Zayed the Great and Shaikh Zayed I), the event highlighted the great ruler's dynamic leadership that left lasting impact in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The centenary, held on Tuesday evening at the historic Al Jahili Fort, was part of a public education campaign to rediscover great historical figures in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. 4. The celebration started at Al Jahili Fort, which was built by Shaikh Zayed I in 1987 to guard the eastern region that was bordering with the then turbulent Oasis of Buraimi. Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Authority organised the celebrations showing documentary films, photographs, and paintings, along with a variety of traditional events.

Shaikh Zayed I ruled Abu Dhabi for the longest reign in the history of the emirate, leaving behind a legacy of dignity, political wisdom, and unity. The emirate has been marking his centennial death anniversary through a campaign which started on Tuesday and lasts for a whole year.

Historians say Shaikh Zayed I was a powerful leader after Shaikh Dhiyab Bin Isa, who founded the city of Abu Dhabi, and his son Shaikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiyab (1793-1816), who brought a large territory under the Beni Yas tribe's control. This area was spreading between Doha to Buraimi, an oasis bordering Abu Dhabi and Oman. Much of his ruling time was in the 19th century, which is considered a period of significance that brought Abu Dhabi into a pre-eminence in the region.

Shaikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan developed a powerful foreign policy to deal with the Britons, Omani, Turks, and Saudi religio-military confederacy of the tribes that repeatedly occupied the Oasis of Buraimi. It was he who signed a treaty with Britain giving the right to represent the emirate in its international relations while guaranteeing Abu Dhabi's sovereignty.

The function was attended by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, Shaikh Hamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage, government officials, diplomats and dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaikh Sultan said the year-long campaign aims at raising awareness about the great historical figures and their achievements. "It also aims at reviving the legacy of Sheikh Zayed the First and presenting it to the new generations," he said.

During the ceremony, documentary films were shown on the activities of the campaign shedding light on the historical significance of Sheikh Zayed I. An exhibition of photographs and paintings on the late leader was also launched along with a variety of traditional events.

Construction of the Burj Al Arab

2009-07-01T16:32:00.005+05:30

Gulf News brings you a weekly series of images from our archives, showing the UAE how it was in past years. The first in the series shows the construction of the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach hotels.Construction of the Burj Al Arab began in 1994, on an artificial island 280 metres out from Jumeirah Beach. Here, the iconic hotel is shown on July 13, 1996.

In this picture, taken on March 3, 1997, the under-construction Jumeirah Beach Hotel stands above the Chicago Beach Hotel, which dominated the area before the two landmark hotels were built.

The entrance to the Chicago Beach Hotel is shown in this photo from March 20, 1991.

On June 27, 1997, the hotel was demolished, clearing the view for the Burj Al Arab, which was rapidly taking shape.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel on May 8, 1996. When completed the following year, the hotel was the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Presently, it does not even make the top 100 of tallest buildings in the city.

A photo from March 30, 1997, shows a large part of the structure being delivered. The idea behind the architecture was that the hotel should resemble the sail of a dhow.

Taken on the same day, this picture shows the view from the sea of the two under-construction hotels alongside the Chicago Beach Hotel.

This wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel was intended to complement the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. 10.The Burj Al Arab now stands at 321 metres, making it the tallest hotel in the world. This is due to be surpassed in 2008 by another Dubai building - the Rose Rotana Suites on Shaikh Zayed Road.

These days, the Burj Al Arab stands amid a large number of hotels populating that area of Jumeirah Beach, and is arguably one of the most iconic structures in Dubai.

Red Tide in Dubai

2009-04-15T16:22:00.004+05:30

Wowowee in Dubai

2009-02-11T18:58:00.006+05:30

Popular Filipino show host and comedian Willie Revillame was supported by Valerie Concepcion, Pinoy Big Brother show host Mariel Rodriguez, comedienne Pokwang and a troupe of dancers.

Thousands of Filipino fans turned out to see the Wowowee show at Dubai Festival City.Willie Revillame, the main man in the mega popular Filipino TV show Wowowee, engaged with the crowd

The Wowowee team performed in Dubai as part of its Wowowee World Tour, which has reached the US, Canada and Australia. The huge crowd that made their way to the show at Dubai Festival City was testament to the noontime show's popularity.

Wowowee is a favourite noontime show telecast in the Philippines and through the TFC channel to reach viewers around the world.Fans of the popular TV show sang along to Revillame's Ah Doo Doo Doo, Araw-Araw Ay Pasko, Boom Tarat Tarat, Igiling-giling, Joke Joke Lang, Buksan Mo Papasukin Ako and Mamamasko Po.

Energetic dance routines were the order of the day. Upbeat moves had the crowds entertained.During a part of the show, the audience will dance to Willie Revillame's latest song. The best dancer among the lot will be chosen for the next game.

The Hep, Hep, Hooray segment, for example, not only delights the audience with star talent, but also with talent from the public.As they say, everyone is game during a Wowowee show.

Willie Revillame's funny antics never fail to delight the audience.Wowowee offers members of the audience a chance to win cash prizes, which one of the main reasons why it is very popular among Filipinos.

Audience participation is the key ingredient for Wowowee. Spontaneous fun is often the order of the day.The hosts make sure everyone is having a good time. This is one event Dubai fans will surely not forget.

International Filipino singer Charice Pempengco was at the event to give the crowd a sample of her powerful vocals.Former Dubai resident and Philippines' upcoming star Liezel Garcia was also there to wow the crowd.

Willie Revillame (left) with one of the contestants from the audience.Willie Revillame (right) with Ana, one of the winners at the show.

Barbie Fabulous at 50

2009-02-11T18:35:00.005+05:30

The world's favourite doll celebrates her 50th birthday this year. In honour of Barbie we take a closer look at the extraordinary life of the iconic doll. For example, did you know that on average a staggering three Barbies are sold every second across the globe?The first ever Barbie was launched on March 9, 1959, and wore a zebra print swimsuit and sunglasses. She was developed by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, who used a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.

Barbie's full name in Barbie Millicent Roberts. She was named after Handler's daughter Barbara, for whom she created the doll after watching her play with paper dolls. Here she is driving one of her many motors, most of which are, of course, pink.

The doll is made by Mattel, Inc, but initially the company's executives, including Handler's husband Elliot who was a co-founder of the toy company, were unimpressed by the idea. These days, Barbie is big business for Mattel, and it is estimated that over a billion dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries

To honour the five decade mark of the doll, Mattel are planning a year-long list of events to celebrate her life, including a Barbie runway show in New York, a celeb-filled party at a real life Barbie Mansion, and special edition birthday dolls.

The anniversary year will also be marked with the opening of Barbie's first flagship store in March. The six-storey "retail-tainment" shop in Shanghai, China, will also feature restaurants and a spa.

A career woman, Barbie has had 110 jobs, and even holds a pilot's licence. Among the careers she has had in her fifty years are astronaut, nurse, dentist, footballer, ballerina and chef. Although it's not exactly a career move, princess Barbies are among the most popular in the shops.

arbie is a popular girl and has an array of friends and relatives, including Midge, Christie and Teresa. She has a younger sister called Skipper and various other cousins. She has never had any children, presumably because of all those jobs, but does act as a babysitter for some of her younger relatives.Despite her busy life, Barbie still finds time for a little romance, and in 1961 a boyfriend was made for her. Although they make a pretty couple, life hasn't always been rosy for Barbie and Ken, and in February 2004 Mattel announced that Barbie and Ken had split up. However, they reconciled their differences and two years later they were back together again

The Barbie brand is not just limited to dolls. As well as these laptops in her signature pink, the Barbie range also extends to mobile phones, jewellery, stationery, confectionary, clothing and more. In 2007, cosmetics company MAC even brought out a range called Barbie Loves MAC.

As well as an array of pets, homes and cars, Barbie also boasts a designer wardrobe, with outfits by Dior, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Versace and many others. Here she is modelling a fetching outfit by fashion house Burberry.

After decades as the queen of all dolls, Barbie got some competition in 2001 when American toy company MGA Entertainment launched Bratz dolls. Young, trendy, and with abnormally large heads, these dolls gave Barbie a run for her money, and led to worldwide Barbie sales decreasing significantly.

It is estimated that there are around 100,000 Barbie collectors in the world, and this year's National Barbie Doll Collector's Convention in Washington is set to be a sell out. Auctions of the doll are also popular, like this one at Christie's in London, with 1965's Barbie in Midnight Red breaking records when it sold for 9,000 pounds in 2006.

Barbie is not to everyone's taste, and in 2003 she was outlawed in Saudi Arabia on the grounds that she did not conform to the ideals of Islam. Step forward Fulla. This Muslim-style doll made her debut in Egypt in 2004, and is hugely popular in the Middle East. Wearing an array of abayas and hijabs, she also appears as a teacher and a doctor.So there we have it: 50 years, over a hundred jobs, splits with her boyfriend, yet Barbie is looking pretty good. Happy Birthday!

Al ain aerobatic show

2009-01-29T17:10:00.005+05:30

Snow in Ras Al Khaimah

2009-01-29T16:52:00.006+05:30

Rain Lashes UAE

2009-01-21T17:23:00.007+05:30

Atlantis fireworks display lights up Dubai night sky

2008-11-25T14:38:00.005+05:30

At least 100,000 fireworks were used in the spectacular display.The fireworks were part of the $20 million party to mark the official opening of the Palm Atlantis Hotel.Guests were treated to a spectacular light show as well.Among the celebrities who attended were Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron and Lindsay Lohan.The display could be seen for miles and was three times bigger than the one at the Beijing Olympics.Celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli was one of the people who catered at the party.The fireworks display was certainly a feast for the eyes for residents and A-listers alike.

Kylie Minogue and Mawal Al Zoghby performed for the 2,500 invited guests.

The crowds got so big that it caused a traffic bottleneck when the fireworks had finished.Thousands of people lined the beaches near the Palm Jumeirah to watch the display.The display lasted for around 15 minutes and could apparently be seen from space.Fireworks were spread out across the whole of the Palm Jumeirah.Palm Jumeirah residents were told to return home by 4pm to avoid traffic during the oficial launch party.The lavish bash was strictly invite only and featured the cream of local society as well as international celebrities.No doubt everyone enjoyed the lavish and colourful fireworks display that lit up the Dubai sky.

Queen and Paul Rogers rock Dubai

2008-11-25T14:28:00.003+05:30

Legendary rockers Queen and Paul Rogers, the former Free and Bad Company singer/songwriter, stamped their own mark on a quintessential evening of classic rock music at Dubai Festival City on Friday.The group performed classics such as We Will Rock You, Tie Your Mother Down, Bohemian Rhapsody, All Right Now, I Want It All, Bad Company and their latest hit C-lebrity.

Fans were thrilled as the rock artists raised the roof with their energy-charged performance at a packed Dubai Festival City.The trio hit the stage, launching into Hammer Will Fall before covering the hits fans wanted to hear — Fat Bottomed Girls, Another One Bites The Dust, I Want It All and I Want to Break Free.

Rogers teamed up with Queen's guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor to launch an exhaustive European Tour, which also took place in Dubai.Queen was formed in 1970 in London by guitarist Brian May, lead vocalist Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. Bassist John Deacon joined the team a year later.
The artists are known for vocal harmonies and audience participation in their live performance.
Following Mercury's death in 1991 and Deacon's retirement in 1997, May and Taylor have performed infrequently under the Queen name.
The two artists have also been collaborating with Paul Rodgers since 2005 for performances around the world.
Queen's hit single Bohemian Rhapsody, was number one in the United Kingdom for nine weeks, and is Britain's third best selling single of all time.

Plastic Boat Regatta at Dubai Festival City Marina

2008-11-11T17:15:00.001+05:30

Past pictures: The UAE's famous female celebrity visitors

2008-10-30T23:14:00.018+05:30

Cindy Crawford was one of the most successful models of the 90s, during which time her marriage to Richard Gere made them one of the most high-profile couples in showbiz. Here, she joined a number of other A-listers, including Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis, in opening Dubai's Planet Hollywood restaurant in May 1998

Naomi Campbell is one of the most recognised supermodels in the world and has also tried her hand at being a singer, author, actress, and fashion designer. Unfortunately, her reputation for violence has recently eclipsed her success as a model. She has been arrested and convicted of physically and verbally abusing others on several occasions. In January 2007 she was sentenced to five days community service for assaulting her maid.

Claudia Schiffer was one of a number of top supermodels who visited Dubai in May 1998. Schiffer, originally from Germany, is one of the world's most successful models, having appeared on over 500 magazine covers. She has also appeared in several films, and married film director Matthew Vaughn in 2002.

Egyptian actress Safia El Emary visits the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre in Dubai in this shot from December 1997. She became a goodwill ambassador for the Arab world for the United Nations Population Fund earlier that year.

Karisma Kapoor dances with Shah Rukh Khan in Dubai in this photo from February 1997. The Indian actress is the sister of Kareena Kapoor and has starred in several successful films, including 1997's Dil To Pagal Hai. She took a break from cinema in 2003 but is set to make a comeback soon.

English socialite Jemima Khan is pictured at the Dubai World Cup with then husband, former Pakistani cricketing legend and politician, Imran Khan, in this picture from March 1996. The couple had two sons before splitting and most recently she was in a relationship with actor Hugh Grant.

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai is one of the most recognised Bollywood faces in the world. Married to Abhishek Bachchan, she has starred in dozens of Hindi movies, and several English-language films, including the commercially successful Bride and Prejudice. Here, she enjoys some Arabic coffee in this shot from May 1995.Indian actress Jaya Bachchan has acted in many films throughout her career, which began as far back as the 60s. She has also, until recently, dabbled in politics. The wife of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and the mother of actor AbhishekMadhuri Dixit made a promotional visit to these shores in November 1992. An accomplished dancer, she is one of the most successful actresses in India. In 2008, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.

Zsa Zsa Padilla is an award winning and world class Filipino singer, recording and concert artist, and also a dramatic and comedy actress. She's also a songwriter, commercial model, product endorser, businesswoman, and record producer. In a relationship with comedian Dolphy, she managed to squeeze in a visit to the UAE in May 1991.

Egyptian actress Athar El Hakim began acting over 20 years ago. She has made over 20 movies and has also starred in several television shows, including Ramadan blockbusters Zizinia and We Don't Plant Thorns. She takes part in a press conference in this shot from January 1990.

Elaine Paige is one of the most prominent stars of musical theatre in the UK, and has appeared in dozens of well-known stage shows, including Grease, Evita and Cats. In 1985, Paige released "I Know Him So Well" with Barbara Dickson from the musical Chess, which remains the biggest-selling record by a female duo. She is seen here during a visit in July 1989.

Pakistani-born Salma Agha sang as well as acted in several Indian films in the 1980s and the early 1990s. Born to a wealthy father in Karachi, she moved to London at age 9 and has also worked on many Pakistani movies, none as successful as her Indian films. Pictured in Dubai in February 1987, Agha currently lives in the city.

Bollywood diva Rekha is pictured here visiting the country in March 1985. Born in Chennai, India, she has acted in over 180 films in a career that has spanned 40 years.

Sharon Cuneta, seen here in December 1991, is a television star and singer. The mother of actress and model KC Concepcion, she is also known as The Mega Star of Philippine Showbiz.

Academy Award winner Vanessa Redgrave is an English actress and member of the famous Redgrave acting family. A social activist for human rights, she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1977, for her role in the film Julia, about a woman murdered by the Nazi regime in the years prior to World War II. She visited the UAE in October 1982.

Actress and Lebanese director Nidal Al Ashkar on a visit to the UAE in May 1993. After studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, Al Ashkar went on to become a founder of the Theatre Workshop in Beirut and has had main roles in many popular Arab television series.

GITEX 2008

2008-10-20T15:00:00.006+05:30

Gitex, the Middle East's largest technology show, took off with a bang on October 19 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, opened the Gitex 2008 exhibit on Sunday.

The show is set to receive more than 130,000 visitors and host 3,300 companies from 83 countries over the next five days.His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right), Dubai Crown Prince, at the Gitex show.

A host of brands are featuring the latest developments at the expo.The annual business and consumer technology exhibition, now in its 28th year, is scheduled to be held from October 19 -23 and promises to be bigger than before.

Gitex Technology Week consists of three major elements: Gitex Business Solutions, Gulfcomms and Consumer Electronics.His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai tours the show.

Gitex is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre.Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo, the retail component of Gitex got off to a flying start on Saturday.

Models show off some of the newest gadgets being launched at this year's expo as part of Gadget Glam 2008.Major international companies launching new products and making announcements at the exhibition include BlackBerry, Dell, du, etisalat, Google, HP and Microsoft.

Oracle, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sun MicroSystems and Symantec are also expected to make big announcements.Visitors take in the tech one day one of the exhibition.

Gitex Business Solutions is a premier exhibition catering to government, enterprise and SMB solution providers.The Dubai Police booth at Gitex 2008.

Gitex attracts experts from a wide variety of fields including medical technology.

First flight sail through Emirates Terminal 3

2008-10-16T13:34:00.004+05:30

The first Emirates flight EK843 Dubai-Doha, an Airbus A330-200 with 136 passengers, four in First, 27 in Business and 105 in Economy Class was flagged off from Gate 213, on time at 2.15 pm, on October 14th, 2008

On day one, besides flight EK843, other flights which were scheduled for departure were Emirates Terminal 3 include EK845 to Doha, EK857 and EK859 to Kuwait, EK839 to Bahrain, and EK817 to Riyadh.

Emirates flight EK2926 Jeddah-Dubai was the first flight to arrive at Emirates Terminal 3

Jamal Nasser Lootah, Executive Director for Industrial Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy (third from left), and a Gold Skywards member was the first passenger to check in at First Class at Emirates Terminal. Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline (second from left), presented Lootah with a commemorative certificate, and was joined by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Emirates cabin crew member Cintia Michaelsen.

Khalida Mirza, Vice Manager of A1 Properties, a Skywards Gold member and the first passenger at Business Class check-in was presented with a certificate by Mohammad H Mattar, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Airport Services (Dubai) and flowers by Emirates cabin crew member Cintia Michaelsen.

Tamatsu Tamaro, (second from right), the first passenger at Economy check-in received a warm welcome and a commemorative certificate from Dale Griffith, Divisional Senior Vice President; Emirates Airport Services Network and flowers from Emirates cabin crew Tatiana Perez.

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

2008-10-16T11:46:00.007+05:30

Dubai's Airport's brand new Terminal 3

The Terminal is designed to handle 43 million passengers a year when fully operational.The terminal is being opened in phases and the first phase will have flights arriving and departing to destinations in the GCC namely Doha, Muscat, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh.

It will also include flights to and from the Americas, including New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and Toronto.The second phase will open flights to the Middle East and Africa.

The baggage handling system at the new Dubai terminal is one of the largest in the world, Dubai Airports said.There are many self check-in portals available.

Dubai's new Terminal 3 is the complete opposite of its cramped, older counterpart up the road.At one million square metres of space, the facility is nearly double the size of Heathrow's new terminal.

Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Australia will be serviced in later phases.The non-traditional check-in areas have plenty of room to accomodate long queues.

Terminal 3 and its airside facilities at Dubai International will boost the capacity of the airport to an annual figure of over 60 million passengers.Media briefed a special tour of the airport

Light and space dominates the Terminal's interior as well.Even from the outside the new terminal is visually pleasing.

One of the waiting area's in the terminal.Light, spacious, easy to navigate - the Terminal redeems all of it's counterparts flaws.

Terminal 3 has five gates to handle the A380 superjumbo.The swanky waiting lounges are seen in this shot.

The interior of the Terminal is wide and spacious, with abundant waiting areas.

The facility is part of a part of $4.5-billion expansion plan.Emirates is expected to eventually shift its operations to the new terminal and other facilities.

This walkway demonstrates the light-driven interior design.The new Terminal is shoppers' paradise with its large Duty Free area.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline and George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free met with members of the media during a tour through the Terminal 3.The Terminal is exclusively for Emirates flights.

The new terminal, which is underground, will also ease the congestion at the older Terminal 1.Terminal 3 will increase DIA's overall passenger handling capacity to 60 million.

The first Emirates flight EK843 Dubai-Doha, an Airbus A330-200 with 136 passengers, four in
First, 27 in Business and 105 in Economy Class was flagged off from Gate flagged off from Gate

213, on time at 2.15 pm.

Music acts who have visited the UAE in past years

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The woman behind that perennial karaoke favourite 'I Will Survive,' Gloria Gaynor belted out some hits when she performed in the UAE in May 1980.For many, she really is 'Simply the Best'. Tina Turner has made several trips to the UAE through the years, but this shot shows her performing at Dubai's Hyatt Hotel in November 1981.A hero in his home country of Pakistan, the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan salutes the crowd in this picture from September 1993.British band Status Quo visited in April 1986 and rocked one of the UAE's more unusual music venues - an abra!

Wearing one of her trademark sequinned dresses, Shirley Bassey sang some of her most famous songs, including 'Diamonds are Forever' and 'Big Spender', when she performed in the UAE in October 1986.Ghazal singer Jagjit Singh performs with his band in this photo from November 1987. He performed songs in several languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and Gujarati.

No stranger to performing here, Lebanese superstar Fairuz sings on stage in this photo from May 1990. She most recently performed in May of this year when she starred in the play 'Sah Al Noum' in Dubai.American diva Chaka Khan has been responsible for getting music fans onto the dance floor through the years with hits including 'I'm Every Woman'. This photo in 1993 shows her performing in the UAE.

First finding fame in the 80s, Duran Duran are still releasing music today. The band, including lead singer Simon Le Bon, left, take part in a press conference in this shot from April 1993.Gary Valenciano is a huge star in his native Philippines, where he is also an actor and producer. He brought his famous dance moves to the country in September 1994.

The Welshman with the huge voice, Tom Jones brought his distinctive singing style and hip-shaking moves to the UAE in November 1994.Apache Indian had a major worldwide hit in the mid-90s with 'Boom Shack-A-Lak'. Classing his sound as 'bhangra raggamuffin' the British-born singer performed in front of a large crowd here in November 1995.

Love them or hate them, Simply Red were hugely successful in the 90s, and singer Mick Hucknall and his band came to the UAE during the height of their fame in March 1996.

A regular in the UAE's concert scene, Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam, seen here in September 1996, is due to perform at Dubai's Aviation Club on October 16 of this year.The woman behind one of the biggest sing-along anthems of all time, Bonnie Tyler belted out hits including 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' when she visited these shores in October 1996.

Still a media personality in the UK, Peter Andre won over teenage girls in the 90s with his songs and famous six-pack stomach. However, he kept his body under wraps when he visited in November 1996.

Boney M. are one of the most popular Western groups in the Middle East, and frequently tour Arab countries. This shot shows them acting up for the camera in November 1996.

He performed at Dubai's Irish Village in March this year, but singer and Live Aid founder Bob Geldof didn't look too pleased to be in the UAE in this photo from March 1997.Famous Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain has been touring since he was 12, and found time to stop in the UAE for a concert in March 1997.

Irish boyband Boyzone have recently reformed after a string of hits in the 90s. They delighted their army of female fans when they performed in the UAE in May 1997.Indian singer Shaan is supported by his sister, fellow singer Sagarika. The former Sa Re Ga Ma Pa host and his sibling sport some vibrant fashions in this shot from October 1997.

Rap star Coolio had a major hit in 1995 with 'Gangsta's Paradise'. He held a concert in Dubai in November 1997.

During the same month, legendary singer Rod Stewart also performed in Dubai. The 63-year-old has had many hits throughout his five decades of fame, including 'Maggie May' and 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?'.Rock and roll star Chuck Berry helped open one of Dubai's most famous music institutions, the Hard Rock Cafe, in March 1998. At the ripe old age of 81, the singer and guitarist still performs live once a week in the US.Egyptian singer Amr Diab is one of the biggest selling Middle Eastern artists of all time, and performed at the World Music Awards presentation ceremony in the UAE in May 1998.

Junoon are one of Pakistan's most famous rock bands. After splitting in 2005, a reunion concert took place in Dubai in March 2006. This shot shows the band in July 1998.Responsible for one of the biggest selling singles of all time in '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You', Canadian singer Bryan Adams performed to a sell-out crown in Dubai in March 1999.

Believe it or not, but this is Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram performing at the Dubai Shopping Festival in March 1999, when she was just 15 years old.

Traffic in Dubai

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A Day In Satwa Life

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Satwa is a 'city' that never sleeps, a haven for community spirit, an Aladdin's cave offering a never-ending treasure trove of bargains for everyone who visits.Satwa has expanded along with the rest of Dubai over the past 30 years, with a growing Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino and Arab population.

The redevelopment of Satwa is already underway.

The Satwa community is a one-stop-shop for textiles, tailoring and all those who love shopping for bargains.After an evening stroll down Satwa Road, shoppers can refresh themselves at the many tiny cafes and restaurants.

Many expatriates live in Satwa because of its close proximity to the business centres.Evenings at Satwa where the shopping malls and the roads are very much alive.

Satwa is very busy with all the shops that have opened over the last 18 years.Barbers at work. Barber shops are commonly situated in Satwa where men get good grooming.

Gold on display at the stalls along Satwa Road.The photocopier stall in Satwa is very useful for office personnel and job seekers as well.

Satwa is not complete without shawarmaWant car accessories? You can find those in Satwa.

Bus stops are part of people's life in Satwa. Satwa residents take public buses to go to work.Some of the famous landmarks along Satwa Road.

In Satwa you can get all the services you want for your car.

Eid Celebration in different partsof UAE

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