Abu Dhabi, March 2005

These are some of my old photos of Abu Dhabi 8 years ago.

The view from the 9th floor

Khaldiya Area

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The drive to Abu Dhabi was so pleasant that you don't feel the length of the journey. I only spent a day in Abu Dhabi and didn't get to see much as it has changed quite a lot since the last time I've been there. I was born in Abu Dhabi so I have this emotional connection with the city regardless of how it is and had been. The best part for me to visit and see is the Corniche as it is one of the most beautiful places you can imagine being in. Abu Dhabi isn't like Dubai, it's not as lively nor as hectic and vast, it is more of a condensed city where everything is everywhere and traffic is absolutely crazy.

Getting to the UAE

Getting to the UAE is very easy when you live in Sohar. You can take the bus (which will take forever to get to Dubai) or you can drive, the journey is about 3 hours if you're driving through Hatta which is the easiest way to get to Dubai. There are 2 roads leading to the UAE, Hatta is one and the other is Al Braimy which will take you through Al Ain then you will get to Dubai. Al Braimy is much longer than Hatta road just because of the time you'll stop at the check point, as there is only one officer there compared to 5 or 6 officers working in Hatta border. There is a lot of scenery on your way and you can stop at many petrol stations for refreshments and obviously petrol.

Random.. Nail Care Routine

Out of complete bredom, I thought of sharing the products I use to keep my nails healthy and strong. My first must do is to give your nails a 2-day-break from polish so they breath. Another thing is not to use metal nail files if you have weak nails, it's a lot better to use glass files as they are extremely gentle on your nails.

Starting on my routine, I wash my hands and nails thoroughly then I apply my Nutranail growth aqua-base formula.  Then I use Golden Rose cuticle softener and straight after I apply my Kiss rejuvenate nail and cuticle oil (which is simply amazing).

I finally moisturise my hands with a thick hand and body cream and I'll leave it for a while. I normally do this twice a day every single day. The products are amazing and I'm pleasantly happy and satisfied with all of them :)

What's in their Houses..

One of the fascinating things I found in their seaside houses is the presence of a well and an indoor or outdoor swings.
The wells were used to bring up ground water for various uses, this happened in the past and it rarely continues to this day. You can still find the odd household which finds it more convenient to use ground water. Very traditional

The well which is almost always under a shed

The well is also covered with a heavy piece of round wood to protect family  members from falling 

must have swing

Fishing

As I keep mentioning the locals in Sohar are mostly fishermen, these are some of the equipment they use to catch fish. I also had to put the photos of the two girls who were sea-gazing, they were simply beautiful. 

sea watching

"Gargoor" is the name of this fish catching hard net

fishing season

heading to the sea

Walking the Pets.. in Suhar

It is extremely interesting to see locals walking their pets. I find it very cute, I love the bull the most.

Horse

The bull

Fun in the Sun.. Omani Style

1 to 2 hours before sunset, you will find everyone in the sea-side neighouhoods out at the beach. They swim, play, sit and even work out in the form of running for men and walking for women :)

So much fun to watch.

The city of boats

One of the first things you'll notice when you go to Sohar beach is the amount of boats. You will find boats parked on the beach in front of each house, some houses would have a couple or more boats ranging from traditional wooden boats to modern (ish) ones.

Boats Licence Plate

More traditional boat

This is where you leave you boat, right on the beach and straight in front of your house.

Training bulls in lovely Sohar

One of the things I found very interesting here in Oman is the bull fights that happens randomly at different designated areas. I haven't been to one yet but what is common is to see locals walking their bulls (which are normally of the indian bull breeds) down the road and taking them to the sea. Fascinating collidiscope of cultures.

Worth Knowing.. in Oman

Unfortunately, there are no IKEA stores here in Oman, people normally shop at Centre Point which is rather expensive compared to IKEA, or you can order IKEA furniture from a specific company in Muscat. That company in Muscat charges more than the IKEA stores itself because they get the furniture from the UAE then they get it delivered to your homes.


P.S. you can also buy furniture from the local furniture stores which are also a bit pricey.

How friendly Omani Locals are..

If you are planning to come down to Oman but wondering how friendly the locals are, then there is no need to stress out. The locals are extremely friendly, approachable, hospitable and would try so hard to help out on anything possible.

My gift 

Once I approached a complete stranger (Local Omani) at the mall in Muscat to ask where she got her S3 cover from, so she told me and shared the prices with me. After the 2 second chat, I headed my way and she did the same. Out of the blue, the same young lady came up to me and gave me her S3 cover that I liked (without asking for any money and just because I liked it). I felt so strange as I have never experienced such friendliness. Now I follow her on twitter and she is such an amazing friend here. Thank you young lady :)

Rain.. Rain.. Rain.. in Sohar

I never thought that a place like Sohar would have rain which is almost similar to the rain in any other equatorial country. February through April is the rainy season here in Oman (and the weather is incredibly pleasant and enjoyable), and about this time all the valleys would fill up with water and locals decide to go on  picnics all around the mountain areas. I haven't been to these places but I have taken photos of the rain and how heavy it was. The photos were taken in Saham city.