Formula 1 Grand Prix - Abu Dhabi

What a splendid end to the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The sheer superlative performance of Sebastian Vettel this year was further stamped by a huge 30 second margin from the second placed Mark Webber. After having sealed his championship in the previous race in India, there was no letting go by the world champion. Vettel raced as though this was the deciding one.  

Although a big fan of the Mercedes team, I was happy to see the Red Bull team finish 1 - 2 in the end. They truly deserved the honor. In the end my favorite Lewis Hamilton had a few spots of bother today and was lucky to finish seventh. He could have well finished at the head of the pack today if not for the unfortunate incident in the last lap of the qualifiers yesterday. 

The organizers lived up to most of the promises having put up an extraordinary show for the day. The village was buzzing with excited all through the day with lots of stuff to do. As for me I thoroughly enjoyed the big race experience changing tyres at the NBAD stall.  

One area that needs attention is the maps and directions around the place. While I consider myself a bit challenged when it comes to finding my way around, I was surprised to see the number of confused people struggling to reach their seats. And a few of the attendants seemed as confused as the fans.

In the end what a splendid finale to the 3 days of fun. Well done to the guys in Abu Dhabi. 

Time Stood Still

It was almost as if time stood still for a few minutes. As I walked out of Karama Centre in Karama, I noticed Asatullah. A cobbler by profession, he plys his trade right outside the rear entrance of Karama Centre. Amidst all the glitz and glamour of Dubai, here is the other side of Dubai. The old world charm still survives.

Asatullah is originally from Afghanistan but has moved his family to Pakistan. He claims to be in Dubai for about 15 years although he also mentions that this could be completely wrong and that he may be a resident of Dubai for much longer. There is something amazing about the way he goes on with his work with very little change in his tools over the years. He uses the most basic of tools and may have never seen the kind of tools which cobblers use today.

If one were to observe the spot where he sits, you couldn’t help notice the businesses everywhere. Everybody seems to be in a tearing hurry to get things done. And yet when you sit with Asatullah, it’s almost as if time stands still. It is the old world charm of Dubai that we seem to have lost completely.

Dubai scores another first - Blackberry Q5

Dubai scored yet another first and continues to take a leadership position in the global mobile devices business. Blackberry laucnhed its latest introduction to its portfolio, the Blackberry Q5, at a global launch in Dubai today. Customers in Dubai will be able to buy the model 2 weeks before the rest of the world where the model is expected to launch in the first week of July. This is the first of Blackberry's BB10 offerings in the mid segment with the new model expected to retail at AED 1,499/-. Based on a dual core 1.5 GHz processor and Blackberry's popular keypad, a whole new segment of customers will now be able to experience the new BB10 operating system.

The Blackberry Q5 is available exclusively at the new Blackberry store being opened at Dubai Mall. The launch of Blackberry Q5 also coincides with the opening of the first Blackberry store in the Middle East. As per media reports the store is being operated locally by Axiom Telecom. The store was opened by Blackberry's COO Christian Tear today. Huge queues were seen at the store in Dubai Mall, with customers all waiting to pick up the new Blackberry Q5 while it lasts. 

The largest Cheesecake Factory now in Dubai

It is probably a given that what hits you the most from a visit to The Cheesecake Factory is the food. My experience was a bit different.

It is the sheer size and enormity of the restaurant that shocks you when you visit the recently opened The Cheesecake Factory at The Mall of the Emirates. The exterior of the restaurant could easily fool you. But as you step inside you realize that the restaurant is bigger than most you've seen before. The restaurant can apparently host over 525 guests at any time and includes private dining rooms for that exclusive experience. 

The Mall of the Emirates has certainly scored a winner with The Cheesecake Factory. Without doubt the mall has one of the best collection of restaurants include the first IHOP outside USA. 

Please note its not just the size of the restaurant that surprises you. The portions are very generous too. The herb crusted salmon and shrimp scampi is definitely recommended. The crispy tempura prawns are a winner. The Caeser salad comes in XXL and probably enough for 3. 

A place for friends to meet

I spotted this seating arrangement at a place in Satwa. Located behind the DNRD office, this is symbolic of the local culture of meeting with friends and neighbors in the majlis

Sikh Gurudwara in Dubai

A gurudawara, meaning The Gateway to the Guru, is a place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. This Gurudwa is located off Ibn Batuta Mall near Jebel Ali