Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets:

About this book

Dubai is a city and an emirate in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is
comprised in total of seven separate
emirates. It is situated on the Persian
Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Only
17% of the population is comprised of
Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets: Emiratis whilst the balance are expats
mostly from Indian sub-continent and
a sojourn in Dubai other Arab nationals. It is oil rich and is
John Walker msc governed within the framework of a
constitutional monarchy. Dubai’s
revenue is largely earned from tourism,
and in 2007 was the 8th most visited city
in the world.

Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets:

a sojourn in Dubai
 Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets:
Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets:
a sojourn in Dubai
John Walker msc

Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets:

a sojourn in Dubai
Sand Dunes, Skyscrapers & Sunsets

I arrived in the early hours of 25 September, 2011 after a seven hour flight from Madrid. It was
32 degrees, a minimum for this time of year at the end of summer. In the morning I woke to a
summer haze rising from the desert, not particularly helpful for photography, but then you can
do almost anything in Photoshop.

On the first morning I arranged a 45 minute seaplane flight over the city passing over the iconic
architecture of the Burj al Arab (hotel) and the Burj al Khalifa (world’s tallest building). These
buildings are to Dubai what the Sydney Opera House is to Sydney. Later that day I joined the
sundowner dune dinner, a bit touristy but capturing the sunset over the desert sand dunes was
worth the effort. And, how could I forget the roller coaster ride in the 4WD lurching at what
seemed like 60 degrees sideways across the sand dunes.

For the next two days I headed east across the desert toward the mineral laden Hajar
Mountains which transverse both the UAE and Oman; border guards with guns checking
passports. Passing through spectacularly dramatic canyons, deep gorges and rocky valleys I
arrived at the quaint coastal fishing village of Dibba on the Indian Ocean. There were also
photo opportunities at Fujairah and various oases along the way.

John Walker msc

Emirates business class Dubai to Sydney on the A380 ... well, somebody has to do it!
Sundowner Dune dinner with Preeti, Rajif and family from New Delhi ... yes, even a suck on an apple flavoured
sheesha! When in Rome ....
Sunset from the top of my hotel ... the Park Regis Kris Kin
Dubai metro
Sunset from Dubai marina (left) and over Dubai Creek from Dieba (right)
The Burj al Khalifa ... currently the world’s tallest building
Bird’s eye view of Dubai and its iconic architecture
Leaving Dubai and heading out to the Hajars
Grand Canyon tour into the Al Hajar Mountains traversing Oman and the UAE
Hajar mountains, at the border between Oman (Al Buraymi) and UAE (Hatta)
Rul Dadnah oasis, Fujairah
Al Baraymi village
Fujairah Fort
Al Bidiyah mosque (1446) ... oldest mosque in the region
Its not hard to capture a Dubai sunset through summer haze and dust
En route to coastal Dibba
Dhows on Dubai Creek
Camel farming and contemporary Dubai Metro art
Burj al Arab hotel, Jumerirah Beach
Sunset from Jumeirah Beach
Sojourn over, time to head home.