An Abra ride

The Dubai experience would be incomplete without a ride on an abra. Abra is a traditional wooden boat and used to be the primary mode of transport across the creek that divides Dubai. Designed to carry between 15 to 20 passengers, the abras continue to ferry passengers even today. In modern times, it is a very important part of the tourist route but is also used by the common folk to get across Bur Dubai and Deira.

The Wind Towers of the old Bastakiya District

As one walks along the Dubai creek, one cannot help but notice the numerous rows of neatly spread wind towers. Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the creekside. While a lot of conservation work has been done to retain the old magic, I dread the day when these beautiful structures will give way to ugly new develpoments.

Wind towers were engineering feats of their time. The wind tower is a four sided structure with vertical opening on all sides and a small roof on top. They were designed to trap air moving in any direction and funnel it down to the room underneath. The tower's inside tunnel is partitioned in a way that allows air to move around in different directions. A very simple concept that kept the houses cool in the hot scorching desert.

Probably still relevant amidst today's modern day energy and environmental woes.