Life in Dubai: July 2011

Abu Dhabi

capitol of United Arab Emirates is located on the island. It has much longer history than Dubai. The name means 'father of white gazelle' and its associated with the discovery of the island in 1761! Legend tells that nomadic tribe of Bani Yas was gazelle hunting, which led them to the source of fresh water which was lacated on the island. Well surroundings quickly developed into a permanent settlement. Inhabitants of this village were fishing ans catching mollusk / shellfish.

In the 50s and 60s ot the previous century, Abu Dhabi was nothing more but fishermen village. Lives of Abu Dhabi inhabitants changed completely after discovery of oil. Modernization has started - construction of roads, housing, irrigation channels etc. In 1966 Sheikh Zayed become the ruler of Abu Dhabi, he united all emirates and led to the creation of the UAE.

End with history facts. Now is time for photos :) Sandstorm again so visibility was poor.

Al Hosn Fort (Qasr Al Hosn)

We wanted to see Al Hosn Fort (Qasr Al Hosn) but it is under renovation now :( on the picture below you can see a photo of the fort. I place some pictures of the fort - which I was able to take above the fence :)
Al Hosn Fort was build in 1795. White Fort history is connected with the history of the city. It was build in order to protect the precious treasure, which was a source of fresh water. First they built a guard tower, which few decades later become part of mentioned fort. Qasr Al Hosn was a seat of sheikhs for over a half of a cantury and administrative center of the region. In 1966 when Sheikh Zayed was a ruler, it become the seat of government and was it till the 90s.

below fishing boats :)

Corniche Road - promenade.

Sheikh Zayed :)

View of the city from Breakwater headland. There is a Heritage Village, theater, approximately 230 meter high mast with a huge flag and ... of course shopping mall - Marina Mall

Emirates Palace Hotel

web site www.emiratespalace.com - the most expensive hotel on the world. It has been entered to the Guinness Record Book, its construction consumed 3 trillion US Dolars!!! Can you imagine how many hospitals, schools you can biuld for it?
Finished with gold, marble, huge and with pomp...

Aaaaa the first one vending machine selling gold on the world!!! Coke, cookies etc. it's normal, but gold?!?!?!?
And here in Emirates everything is possible, you can choose weight and shape. The most expensive one (don't remember the weight) costs more than 18.000 AED, one oz bar about 6.000 AED. This machine is conected to the internet and the price is the same like on the market.
Yeah almost forgot, all thinks are from 24 carat gold :)