A journey through history - Ibn Battuta Mall

Over the last decade, one of the landmarks that has always held a special place for me is Ibn Battuta Mall. While malls in Dubai are normally flashy and glitzy, each one attempting to out do the other on the glamour quotient, here is a mall that brings history and culture to the fore. 

Ibn Battuta Mall is probably an intriguing journey of the region's culture and the journey of a young man and adventurer Ibn Battuta. His travel over 24 years spanning various lands is an extraordinary story depicted in the 6 courts that make up the mall. The walls and ceilings of the mall are adorned in intricate designs and architecture to depict each leg of his journey. 

While the mall provides an excellent shopping experience with round the year offers and deals, it is highly recommended that you set some extra time to explore the story of Ibn Battuta as you walk across the mall. 

@Faz3 sets Instagram on fire

A photo shared by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Instagram is taking the internet by storm. With out 110,000 likes within a couple of hours, the picture shows the Crown Prince of Dubai seated in the London Underground. In the picture he is in the company of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The picture speaks a thousand words about the leadership of Dubai. At a time when UK struggles with the results of the recent Brexit referendum, the timing couldn't have been better. The picture sends out a strong message to the world. The evolution of Dubai over the last 2 decades into one of the greatest cities in the world has been phenomenal. This evolution points the world to the vision, courage and ambition of Dubai's leadership in shaping the destiny of the city while also shaping the destiny of millions of citizens of the world. The timing couldn't be better and I hope this photo inspires the leadership of UK over the next few weeks and months.

To connect with  His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Instagram click here.

If you can't travel to Dubai Mall

If you are stuck in London, can't afford the flight tickets to Dubai and still want to visit Dubai Mall! 

But if you are keen to look around the real Dubai Mall in Dubai click here

Musabah Bin Rashid Al Fattan Mosque

For directions to this mosque click here

Arabian Ranches

Located off Sh. Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Arabian Ranches is a premium villa community and one of the oldest in the freehold areas of Dubai. Developed by Emaar Properties, Arabian Ranches is set against a desert background and combining Arabic and European architecture, it is one of the most prestigious residential communities. Particularly popular with the expat community, it comprises of 23 neighborhoods each supported with its own recreation facilities including swimming pools and tennis courts. 

For directions to Arabian Ranches click here. 

Al Rustmani Masjid

A recent addition to Dubai's landscape, Al Rustmani Masjid was build in 2015 and is located near Jebel Ali Village. 

For directions to the mosque click here

Dubai Motor Village

Event : Dubai Motor Village / Grand Parade
Date: 21st Nov 2015
Location: Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba

You may think that this event is for the motorheads. It is! But you'd be surprised to see how much fun the entire family can have at the Motor Village and Grand Parade!!

Located at the Meydan Racecourse, the Motor Village is a treat for the young and old. With a live band belting off your favourites, there were tons of activities for everybody. An exhibition of the world's best cars, face painting for kids, car simulators for youngsters and car companies demonstrating their best, the Motor Village is where the entire family can have loads of fun. 

The finale of course is the Grand Parade that starts at the Motor Village and winds it's way through the city. The parade was flagged off by Dr. Mohammed Bin Sulayem, by far UAE's biggest ambassador of motor sport. 

Here are a few pictures from the fun event. Click on the individual pictures to see larger sizes. 

The lively band

The fun drummers

The colorful artists

Dubai Motor Show 2015

Event  : Dubai Motor Show

Dates : 10th Nov to 14th Nov 2015

Location : Dubai World Trade Centre

Link : http://www.dubaimotorshow.com

Dubai Air Show

Dates:8th Nov to 12th Nov 2015
Location: Dubai World Central, Dubai
Link: http://www.dubaiairshow.aero

Old World Dubai

In a country where a mobile handset is changed almost every 6 months, it's a refreshing relief to find someone using a Nokia 6301. Being an avid mobile handset enthusiast, I was almost thrilled to spot someone using the Nokia 6310. How important this story is can be gauged from the fact that this device was introduced in the year 2001!


At a time when mobile handsets and our super connected world seem to be intruding into every space of our lives, I was pleasantly surprised to see the user of the device soak in the morning sun with almost no cares. He sat there sipping his Americano for almost 2 hours, reading the newspaper. He seemed to not miss any of the super data connectivity we have all come to accept as a non negotiable requirement of our daily life. 

And then again, with all the super connectivity and constant interactions on Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp, have our lives really been enhanced? Or would you want to be that gentleman using the Nokia 6310? He hadn't received a single message or notification for almost 2 hours of the day and seemed to have done well!.

So if given a choice, who would you rather be? The super connected persons we are turning out to be be? Or this man who seemed very content with his Nokia 6310?

Please leave your comments below.