Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | Paid | My Orble | Login

Sights of Dubai - by Craig Hill

More





Dubai Autodrome

July 31st 2010 09:25
The Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully integrated motorsports facility. The complex, a part of the Union Properties Motorcity development, not only includes an FIA sanctioned 5.39km circuit, which offers six different configurations, but also incorporates a Race & Driving school and a CIK approved Karting track.

Officially inaugurated in October 2004 when it hosted the final round of the FIA GT Championship, the Dubai Autodrome is designed to accommodate all types of motosports events from world class to local. This multi-purpose complex also serves as an ideal setting for concerts and corporate events, whether conferences, seminars, or motoring exhibitions.

Dubai Autodrome


Built to world-class standards, the Dubai Autodrome offers manufacturers and racing teams a perfect location for testing, prototype development, vehicle demonstrations, product launches, driver training, and hot weather car research for international manufacturers.

Irrespective of how the facilities are used, the Dubai Autodrome offers a full range of five star corporate hospitality services that guarantees a unique and unforgettable outing.

Located 25 minutes from central Dubai with direct access via a network of modern highways, the Dubai Autodrome is a safe and controlled motoring environment that can accommodate large crowds. It is also a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.
112
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


Dubai Beaches

April 22nd 2009 06:04
Dubai has a number of excellent beaches and beach parks.

Dubai BeachDubai's main beaches run along Jumeirah Road. In truth, it is one long beach divided up by hotels and private clubs, interspaced by a few public access beaches. The Jumeirah beaches have soft white sand that slip into the shallow warm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

There is also a public beach at Al Mamzar Park on the Deira side of the Creek. The public facilities include playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families. January temperatures are pleasant so the beaches are full of Europeans.

Summer temperatures can reach 45-50 degrees centigrade with equally high humidity.

Dubai Beach

73
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


Dynamic Tower Dubai

February 19th 2009 02:11
The Dynamic Tower in Dubai is the first Building in Motion to be constructed in the world, and it will herald a new era of architecture and become a symbol of Dubai, the city of the future.

The developer is Rotating Tower Dubai Development Limited of Dynamic Group.

Created by revolutionary architect Dr David Fisher, the mixed use Dynamic Tower offers infinite design possibilities, as each floor rotates independently at different speeds, resulting in a unique and ever evolving structure that introduces a fourth dimension to architecture, Time.

The Dynamic Tower in Dubai will have 80 floors, and will be 420 meters (1,380 feet) tall, Apartments will range in size from 124 square meters (1,330 square feet), to Villas of 1,200 square meters (12,900 square feet) complete with a parking space inside the apartment. the first 20 floors will be an offices, floors 21 to 35 will be a luxury hotel, floor 36 through 70 will be residential apartments, and the top 10 floors will be luxury villas located in a prime location in Dubai, it is destined to become the most prestigious building in the city.

Dynamic Tower Dubai


The Dynamic Tower in Dubai will be the first skyscraper to be entirely constructed in a factory from prefabricated parts, it will require only 600 people in the assembly facility and 80 technicians on the construction site instead of 2,000 workers on a similar size traditional construction site, Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2010.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, is considered by many to be a true visionary of the future, Dr Fisher's dreams for the Dynamic Tower in Dubai were inspired by His Highness who said “Do not wait for the future to come to you…face the future.”

Dynamic Tower Dubai


139
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


Hatta Village (Heritage Village) in Dubai UAE

January 22nd 2009 04:37
The Hatta Village, or Dubai Heritage Village, is constructed around an old settlement and is a recreation of a traditional style mountain village set in an oasis. The Dubai Heritage Village helps you discover the old world charm of barasti or palm leaves and mud houses. There's a large central fort and tower which overlooks the Dubai Heritage Village. Other added attractions of Heritage Village are falaj, an oasis and vegetated seating areas where you can cool your heels.

Signs in Arabic and English will guide visitors to various sections of the Heritage Village which include an old mosque, dating back 200 years, and the Al Husen Majlis, where the governor of the Heritage Village received guests and visitors. Al Husen contains the conference room, the governor's living quarters and weapons room.

Dubai Hatta Village Heritage Village


There are several outdoor meeting places and resting areas in Heritage Village known as Al Hadeera, also known as Al Barza in the local language of Heritage Village, where visitors will be served coffee and dates.

Heritage Village of Dubai mainly focuses on the Emirate's past maritime, pearl diving traditions and architecture, the village guide has a storybook that displays some heritage pictures of Dubai, including a tented Bedouin village, ancient armory, wooden chests and cooking utensils.

History of Heritage Village

Dubai dates back 20 to 30 centuries. Hatta village is considered one of the most ancient village locations in the Emirate of Dubai. It is distinguished by its fortified buildings, and has about 30 houses, which have been fully restored to their old Village style. This Traditional Heritage Village was located near the mouth of the Creek, and was created by potters and weavers. Visitors can look back in time and experience some of Dubai's heritage.

In the Dubai Heritage Village, all houses are in the traditional Hatta style, showing a majlis, store, kitchen, master bedroom and children's room. The village is overlooked by two round towers, the Southern and Northern Towers of the Heritage Village, which were built to protect the city from external attacks. These towers of the Village were built in the 1880s, When Shaikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Butti was the Ruler of the Dubai.

Visiting Places in Dubai Heritage Village

Visitors to Dubai Heritage Village will get a glimpse of the traditional and social life of Dubai's historical villages. In the houses of Heritage Village, there are three rooms inside one house, one of them showing private room used to entertain family and guests, the second room of has scenes of social life of villagers and the third the impact of outdoor life on the Village.

The Palm Tree products house in Dubai Heritage Village contains two rooms, one displaying palm tree products of the Village such as items made a large compound leaf of a palm and the other room of that house shows dates and how to make honey from dates.

Traditional handicrafts house in the vollage shows various types of traditional and regular occupation such as blacksmith, farmer, etc. A photo studio gives opportunities to the peoples and visitors to take pictures of the local people.

Livelihood Of The People of Dubai Heritage Village

The people of Dubai Heritage Village earn money from the visitors. There are traditional works such as dyeing cloths using colours of vegetables, farming, and blacksmiths. Visitors can also rent rooms in the hoses of the village, with the money going to the local house owner. A pearl diving ship carries 10-60 people on board for a tour. The team comprises a captain, some divers, seeb, and other staff of the ship.

Divers often risked their lives to collect pearl from the sea bed. They used to dive deep for more than two minutes to collect a handful of oysters. The season lasted only for six months starting from April because the Gulf waters during this season were warm and safe. A diver displays this skill at the Hatta Village. The Emirate of Dubai was most active in this adventurous occupation and owned about 335 pearl fishing dhows at a time.
98
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


Old Bastakiya District In Dubai UAE

December 24th 2008 04:48
The old Bastakiya district, in Dubai, UAE, is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. It gives a glimpse of the way Dubai used to be.

Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourists to delight in.

The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers.

Old Bastakiya District In Dubai UAE


In the past, the city was famous for a mass of wind towers that lined the Creek on either side. These wind towers were not just decorative. They were the only means of cooling houses in the days before mains electricity.

Bastakiya is a bustling market and cultural center of Dubai. The original, old city of Dubai is just one per cent of the modern city we see today. The district is filled with traditional courtyard houses and classic wind towers, which offer a charming glimpse of how Dubai once looked.

The surrounding historic buildings are home to museums, galleries featuring local artists, restaurants and markets. Dubai government is planning to renovate all the historic buildings of the Bastakiya area to open more museums, galleries, restaurants and traditional markets.

The Bastakiya district has been earmarked for tourist development, with the construction of a museum, cultural Center, and an art gallery that showcases local talent.

These houses are now part of the Heritage Village. Some have been converted into museums displaying the local culture and heritage, while in others the old era has been projected through recreations.

Some of the defensive architecture of of the past includes the watch towers built around the old city of Dubai. There is the Fahidi Fort, which now houses the Dubai Museum, and is the city's oldest fort, dating to 1799. Other old fortifications that have been restored include Nahar Tower built in 1876, the Naif Fort and the 1838-built Umm Royool Tower, a unique structure "built on legs."

Bastakiya is a district you will not want to miss, especially if you are interested in learning what Dubai is all about.
82
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


Camel Racing In UAE

December 15th 2008 14:26
The former president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, endorsed camel racing and provides financial support for citizens who are caretakers of camels. Camel races take place on an annual basis, mostly during the late October to early April racing season and periodically throughout the year.

The races generally take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter season or on 5-day races held in the UAE's larger centres. Two races are the norm, with the morning race beginning at 7:30 AM and the afternoon race at 2:30 PM.

The UAE has 15 racetracks across the country with spacious and well-kept stadiums for viewers. They are located on city outskirts, complete with rest tents, connecting roads, electricity, water, telephone lines, equipment for live television and radio broadcasts, a team of doctors, stand-by ambulances, and print transmission capabilities.

Camel Racing Dubai UAE
Camel Racing Dubai UAE


Race distances vary between 4 to 10 kilometres and may include anywhere from 15 to 70 camels or more. The lifting of the large, multi-strand barrier signifies the beginning of the race. At the racetracks, dress is casual, admission is free, and many serve light beverages. Binoculars are suggested and it is important to note that cameras are not permitted at the racetracks.

Camel racing is supported by the highest levels of UAE society, with former President Zayed owned a personal stable consisting of 14,000 camels and 9,000 workers for their upkeep. Sheikh Mohammed, the former Defence Minister of the UAE, owned 2,000 camels and maintained a reputation of his own for high performance on the racetracks.

At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, the morning races consist primarily of camels owned by sheikhs, whereas the afternoon races are open to all. Sheikhs have been known to buy camels from owners who have won the afternoon races, offering large sums of money to acquire the victorious camel.

Over the past 20 years, camel racing in the UAE gained more structure and prominence through increased interest in the sport and organisation. Just in the 1990's, 12 new tracks were built to meet the rising widespread demand for camel racing.

The sheiks of the UAE have invested large sums of money into the development of camel racing throughout the Emirates, in addition to putting cash into the buying and training of camels in order to participate themselves in the races. Their interest and dedication led to the First International Camel Conference, which drew specialists from all over with the primary goal of increasing racing camel performance.

Currently, there are approximately 14,000 active racing camels in the UAE, which require large numbers of people to maintain them and keep them in top condition. Workers to tend the camels many times come from neighbouring states such as Pakistan and Oman since the sport provides both indirect and direct financial support for thousands of people due to its popularity as a national pastime. Many trainers take their camels and race in other countries, such as Qatar, which have extended racing seasons beyond the UAE season.

Camel jockeys in the past were young boys between the ages of 6 and 7, weighing approximately 20 kilograms so as not to weigh down the camel. This became an international issue in addition to the trafficking of child jockeys from different countries for the race. To fight the problem, the UAE government issued a ban on child jockeys who are less than 15 years of age and weigh less than 45 kilos. Camel jockeys must carry with them government issued identification cards, which can be acquired after passing examinations by specially appointed doctors to ensure that the child is of racing age and has not been taken from a foreign country by owners claiming to be parents.

Betting on the races is illegal in the UAE, but winners receive many different prizes, many times in the form of luxury cars. Very successful racing camels are worth millions of dollars and the most coveted prize is winning the King's Cup in Dubai.

Camel Races in Dubai

Nad Al Sheba Camel Race Information: Camel racing is taken very seriously in this neck of the woods, and Dubai's race track fills to the brim every Thursday and Friday during their winter months.

Camels tend to be owned by sheikhs and jockeys can be very young - sometimes only six years old.

81
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


The World Islands in Dubai

December 2nd 2008 10:33
The World Islands is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands constructed in the shape of a world map, four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, UAE. Like Dubai's Palm Islands, they are built mainly using sand dredged from the sea.

All the artificial island projects are being developed by Nakheel Properties and were originally conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

World Islands Dubai UAE
World Islands in Dubai, UAE


Each island in the archipelago ranges from about 14,000 m˛ (150,000 square feet) to 42,000 m˛. The distance between each island will be an average of 100 metres. The entire development covers an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. Roughly 232 km of shoreline has been created. The overall development cost of The World was estimated as 14 billion USD. The individual islands mostly range in price between 15 and 50 million USD, with one island still for sale at a price of 250 million USD.

The project was unveiled on 6 May 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed. Dredging began four months later in September 2003. By January 2008, 60% of the islands had been sold, 20 of which were bought in the first four months of 2007. In January 2008, the final stone on the breakwater was laid, completing initial development. The next phase of the project is to hand over the individual islands to developers.

Palm Islands World Islands Map Dubai UAE
Map of Palm Islands and World Islands in Dubai, UAE

126
Vote
Comments (2)Comments (2) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


The Palm Islands Dubai

November 30th 2008 22:48
The Palm Islands are the world's three largest man-made islands, built in the shape of palm trees. They add 120 km to Dubai's coastline, and are so large they can be seen from space with the naked eye.

The project is being undertaken by Al Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corporation), which is also the company planning the Nakheel Tower, planned to be the world's tallest building at over one kilometre high. Al Nakheel is also responsible for the man-made islands in the shape of the world.

Palm Jumeirah Island Dubai UAE
Aerial View of Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai UAE


The original two islands were the Palm Jumeirah and the Palm Jebel Ali, announced in 2002. They are in the shape of a date palm tree. The design consists of a trunk, a crown and 17 fronds. There is also a surrounding crescent island, the back of which forms a breakwater for the main island.

The project took four years of methodical planning and exhaustive feasibility studies in Dubai, ensuring that the islands would not disrupt the environment. The first stage of the development of The Palm Islands, included construction of the land foundations, mainly sand transfer and rock placement. The next stage is the building of infrastructure and services, as well as the 300 meter (990 feet) bridges linking the islands to the mainland. The final stage consists of the construction of homes, townhouses, and apartments.

A third island, the Palm Deira, was announced in 2004 by the crown prince of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The third island, the largest of the three, will be built on reclaimed land off the coast of Dubai's Deirah beach.

Palm Islands Jumeirah and Jebel Ali Dubai UAE From Satellite
Palm Islands Jumeirah and Jebel Ali Dubai UAE From Satellite

118
Vote
Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: No Category
   


BURJ AL ARAB

August 23rd 2007 19:50

The World's Tallest 7 Star Hotel.

Guess where it is ..?? Again in Dubai, the City of Wonders..!!

The Burj Al Arab is one of the rarest of jewels that can be found in the world. One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, it has earned the name of being the first 7 star hotel; and so far the tallest Hotel in the world.

The name Burj Al Arab in Arabic, meaning "Tower of the Arabs"; has become an iconic symbol of Dubai. The hotel resembles a dhow (Arabian sea vessel) with a billowed out sail. Construction of this massive hotel, began in 1994 and was opened to the public in 1999; after 5 years. These five years saw the taking shape of the first of its kind, hotel built out into the Arabian sea, which was to become the symbol that the Emirate of Dubai, would be eventually identified with.


Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab - Tower of the Arabs, Dubai. UAE.




More of this wonder to be contd...





375
Vote
Comments (6)Comments (6) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Rinu - Category: No Category
   


Burj Dubai (Interior)

August 20th 2007 18:17

Inside Burj Dubai

The interiors of the Burj Dubai would be lavishly designed by Giorgio Armani. The entire 200 plus floors interiors by Armani would make it one of the most posh and luxurious towers on earth. Another jewel within this tower would be the first of its kind "Armani Hotel."

Corporate offices, private apartments and hotel suites is what the Burj Dubai be entirely made off. To reach the 200 floors, the tower needs super fast elevators. And thus the world's fastest elevator, 56 of them; would be ferrying people up and down this historic tower.



Burj Dubai
The World's Tallest Tower - Burj Dubai
269
Vote
Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Rinu - Category: No Category
   


More Posts
July 2010
1 Posts
April 2009
1 Posts
February 2009
1 Posts
Older Posts
25 Posts dating from January 2007
Email Subscription
Receive e-mail notifications of new posts on this blog:
[ View Blog Summary ] [ Create A New Post ]

Craig Hill's Blogs

5224 Vote(s)
53 Comment(s)
78 Post(s)
740 Vote(s)
8 Comment(s)
9 Post(s)
1757 Vote(s)
5 Comment(s)
30 Post(s)
1017 Vote(s)
1 Comment(s)
22 Post(s)
15945 Vote(s)
576 Comment(s)
157 Post(s)
Moderated by Craig Hill
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]