Next Stop.. Arabia!

We felt as though we'd been slightly Buddha'd and templed out by the end of our time in south-east Asia, so it was a nice change to see something completely different in the next country we visited.. The United Arab Emirates, a predominantly Islamic country made up of 7 emirates (states) and situated in the desert of the Arabian Peninsula, is a very intriguing place. Not only are the mosques absolutely stunning, the call for prayer 5 times a day haunting, the desert formidable (the dual meaning of the word, as threatening but at the same time inspiring awe, is particularly useful here), and the water temperature perfect even if the beach itself is too hot to bear, but the history and way the UAE is being administered by its extremely wealthy Sheikhs (or leaders, the word is pronounced "shakes") is just fascinating. With tax-free incentives for businesses and home owners, free public education for Emirati nationals, unfathomable amount of continuous construction (about $350 billion worth at last count) and the fastest growing GDP on earth, it's no wonder that people are flocking here from every corner of the globe - approximately 85% of residents here are non-citizens, the highest of any country.. The UAE looks to be on its way to becoming the most developed country in the world! (bit of a shame about the approximate 3-to-1 ratio of males to females!)
When most people think of the UAE, they think Dubai; the insane playground for developers where almost anything is possible.. If it can be built, you'll probably see it at some point in the "experiment" that is Dubai! First the Palm Islands, then the World, and now The Universe (a cluster of islands in the shape of the Solar System) are being constructed off the coast, the Burj Dubai (the tallest building in the world), the Hydropolis (the world's first underwater luxury resort), Dubailand (bigger than Disneyland), Dubai Sports City (an entire city comprising of apartment blocks and sports stadium and arenas), Dubai Mall (the world's largest shopping mall), the Falconcity of Wonders (replicas of the 7 wonders of the world plus some more modern wonders such as the Eiffel tower and the Taj Mahal - when viewed from space the city will form the shape of a falcon), and who could forget the Burj al Arab (the world's only "7-star" hotel.)
But this is not all the emirates have to offer. Abu Dhabi, the country's often overlooked capital, is a lovely seaside city filled with glass skyscrapers, wide palm tree-lined streets, mosques, and restaurants serving food from all across the Asian continent and beyond, not to mention the pristine beaches, man-made islands and unbelievably expensive cars. We spent the majority of our time here, couchsurfing with a top Aussie expat named Rob and his Swedish buddy, Kris.
First off, my experience in the Abu Dhabi airport was not particularly carefree.. My bags were searched when I entered the country and then again when I left, the latter because the x-ray scan found 3 bullet-shaped objects? No idea what they could have been? Then, our taxi driver crashed into the curb because he wasn't paying as much attention to the road as he was his finger which basically never left his left nostril during the 30 minute trip.. But with these pleasantries out of the way, we were able to enjoy ourselves immensely, or as much as is possible in 45 degree heat!
We spent the first day wandering around the city and in the Abu Dhabi mall before heading to the beach with the guys. We had planned on going across to one of the islands this day but the Sheikh decided to close the waterways for a boat race.. How convenient :)
The next day was Dubai time! 6 of us piled into Rob's Toyota ute and hit the freeway. Wild Wadi waterpark was the destination, towered over by the huge and imposing Burj al Arab. We had a great time getting upto mischief here.. I haven't been to a waterpark in years! That evening Lee and I stayed in Dubai in the souk (market) area of Deira, but a had a bit of a hard time finding the hotel (stupid incorrect lonely planet maps!). We checked out the gold souk (the largest gold market in the world), but to me it was no more than a bunch of jewellery stores selling extravagant gold jewellery - not the kind of bustling street market I had expected. The rest of our time in Dubai on the following day was spent basically wandering around, visiting Dubai museum, and taking an Abra (small water taxi) across Dubai creek before catching a bus back to Abu Dhabi that afternoon.
When we arrived back, we caught a taxi directly to the gigantic and utterly amazing Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque in the south of the city. It was only opened in December of 2007 but has emerged as one of Islam's top ten mosques! The gigantic white egg-shaped domes, the massive minarets standing guard over the huge courtyard, the stunningly decorated interior complete with the largest carpet in the world, just the sheer size... This mosque can hold 40,000 worshippers! Our taxi driver was kind enough to take us inside and show us around.. Lee even had to wear a hijab!
Alas, we flew out the next day..
I've gained quite an interest in Arabia in my short little visit here.. I would love to go back and visit some more of the UAE now and even some of the other Middle Eastern countries (although I might have to be a little careful when deciding). The area around Liwa in the UAE would definitely be one of my next stops if I ever return!

Photos:

this is Abu Dhabi airport

I was informed after the fact that it really isn't a good idea to take photos of the women here..

enjoying a Starbucks break

a little stereotypical...

the view over Wild Wadi from the huge waterslide

that's the shit right there!

skiing in the desert, anyone?

the red one's mine :)

still under construction: the Burj Dubai

the Great Mosque as viewed through a windshield :P

inside the mosque.. this place is amazing!