Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque is located in the busy Bur Dubai area close to the textile souq off Ali Bin Abi Taleb street. The mosque was originally built in 1900 and was a school where children learnt to recite the holy Quran. The original school was replaced by a mosque at same location in 1960 and later reconstructed to its current form in 1998.

A unique feature in the design is the 45 small domes and 9 large domes on the roof of the mosque. The Grand Mosque of Dubai is done up in Persian style wíth blue mosaic work and sand colored facades. The mosque contains beautiful handmade stained glass work. 

Heritage Village

Its like time stood still. An old world charm right in the middle of a bustling city. Heritage Village recreates the Dubai of yore, a testimony to the Govt's efforts to show case history. Located near the Shindhaga end of Dubai creek on Bur Dubai side, the village provides views of Dubai's traditional lifestyle and culture. 

Al Shindaga Watch-Tower

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khatab Mosque

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khatab mosque was established in 1986 and expanded in 2003. It was rebuilt in 2001 to its current form. I understand that the current design and architecture was inspired by the Blue Mosque of Istanbul.

It is only one of 3 mosque in UAE which give access to non Muslims and can accommodate over 2000 people at a time. 

The mosque is located in the Safa 1 area of Jumeirah off Al Wasl Road.

Visit other mosques in Dubai by clicking here 

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khatab mosque

The Lime Tree Cafe, Jumeirah

It is kind of difficult to imagine that in these years of being in Dubai, I had never been to The Lime Tree Cafe. Somewhat of an iconic location and a big favorite with the expat population in Jumeirah, I had driven past the cafe many times in the past. 








So when a bunch of friends suggested we meet for brunch at TLTC, I wasn't going to let go of the opportunity. It is a nice quaint place located in an old fashioned villa along Jumeirah Beach Road. 

I guess the place has itself become some sort of a landmark in Jumeirah and has a large group of loyal customers. It has a lovely feel of 'happiness' all through. 

Mosques of Dubai

Satwa Mosque

A mosque in Jumeirah

Jumeirah Mosque

Al Khatab Mosque

Jumeirah Lake Towers - JLT

Ramadan - A spirit of giving

Ramadan is here. 

The holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calender, is a time for for fasting for the Muslim population. Each day of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and smoking from dawn to dusk. The time is also spent in increased spirituality, humility and devotion. During this period, Muslims also refrain from all forms of entertainment or enjoyment.

This is also the time for selflessness and charity towards the needy. It is amazing to see the momentum towards charity across all areas of Dubai. From individual efforts to very organised large scale charity events, charity takes center stage in Dubai during Ramadan. One of the most common form of charity is distribution of food to the needy during Iftar, the meal that signifies breaking of the fast at sunset. Lots of organisations distribute food to need workers in the city.

I had the opportunity to witness one such event organised by Axiom Telecom, a local company based in Dubai. Axiom has plans to distribute over 1500 meals everyday during Ramadan across several points in Dubai. 

Dubai Dhow Wharfage

Dubai Dhow Wharfage is one of the still surviving areas that bring the Dubai of yore to life. Located along the northern banks of Dubai creek, the wharfage is home to hundreds of traditional dhows that transport diverse cargo all across the region. 

Uptown Motor City

Located off Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (Old Emirates Road) and right next to Dubai Autodrome is this beautiful gated community of Uptown Motor City.

Made up of mostly low rise buildings, this gated community is a favourite destination for Dubai's expat population. The community boasts of large parks, several swimming pools and other modern amenities.  While the large gated community is a completely residential complex, it has a nice mix of retail experiences right outside its's main gate. Some of the retail establishments include Spinneys supermarket, Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Lucky Pizza, Chin Chin restaurant, a couple of banks and pharmacies and even a cosy Mother Care outlet.

For more resources on Uptown Motor City, click here and here.

Dubai's street graffiti

Titled ' Connecting Minds, Creating the Future' is this 140 mtrs long wall covered in graffiti. Located along Beach Road, this awesome exhibit is right next to Dubai Ladies Club or Jumeirah Beach Park in Jumeirah.