tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47167292189897743912024-03-05T08:57:40.832+04:00Neil's time in Abu DhabiLife as an expat in the UAENeil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.comBlogger582125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-85405351615070049482014-01-01T14:29:00.001+04:002016-08-16T12:39:27.772+04:00Ma'Sallama Abu DhabiAfter five and a half years in Abu Dhabi and 5 years writing this blog, it is time to say goodbye. I have decided it is time to move back to the UK and get back to some normality and my family (they are not normal :-) ). I quit my job in the early part of December, so I have had a nice few weeks de-stressing. Next week I fly back to the UK and start a new job for the company I worked for here in the UAE for 5 years, with the same boss who moved back home last year. <br />
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As I reflect on my time here in the UAE I will leave with some very happy memories, with some great new friends and some experiences I will never forget. Working in the UAE is no cake walk. The stress and exhaustion I have experienced has been unparallelled and was the main reason for going home. I have reached a burn-out point and feel I need to regain some balance and normalcy again. Abu Dhabi is a great place to live (well, except for the summer!), but for westerners it is in many ways alien, strange and frustrating. I have tried to embrace the culture and always accept that I am a guest in their country, so I respect their way of doing things, their laws, their norms. But the feeling that you are only one finger gesture away, or one wrong word to the wrong person away from jail, when you think about it, is a stress you don't need.<br />
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So I return to the UK looking forward to seeing family (especially my grandson Alfie) and my friends again. If only for a short while, I will enjoy the cold, wind and rain and snow - and also the greeness, trees and wildlife. <br />
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Whilst I will not be writing any more entries on the blog, I will leave it up for viewing. Although my up to date knowledge will soon diminish, I am happy to field enquiries about anything you have seen on the blog or anything in general about living or working in the UAE. Many things will change in Abu Dhabi in the coming years, but some things I'm sure will never change.<br />
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To those of you that have regularly read the blog, I thank you for your interest. I have been pleased that so many people have been able to enjoy the entries. Below is a screenshot I just took of the stats from when I started the blog...<br />
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Above all else though, this blog will be a lasting account of an amazing time of my life here in Abu Dhabi, for me to look back at. The first 3 years or so, has already been printed into a hardback book for keeping, so now I need to print volume two!<br />
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So it just remains for me to say farewell, Ma'Sallama ...<br />
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Neil<br />
neilroberts01@yahoo.co.uk<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-29134796895910460932014-01-01T13:52:00.000+04:002016-08-16T12:40:41.623+04:00New Year's Eve - Gangsta's Paradise !Last night I saw in the new year at a party held in a huge villa here in Abu Dhabi. It was an awesome venue , which included a bar (with a barman), a pool room, outside space with a swimming pool area - with music provided by a DJ. The guys who share the villa play in a band, which also performed at stages through the night (a rogue trumpet player was seen towards the end of the night too! ;-) ). We had good company, good food and enjoyed a great night welcoming in 2014.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The venue</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">American occupants as you may guess</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The awesome bar!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pool area</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other pool area! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ...and the band played on...</span></div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-23515214725352231172013-12-12T19:54:00.002+04:002013-12-12T19:54:25.095+04:00Lost in translation...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another classic from the Al Reef sales site...<br />
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...I think you'd be better off with a doctor honey...<br />
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(Sorry the pic is so small, something to do with the screenshot)<br />
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Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-17755384592477590032013-11-29T08:58:00.001+04:002013-11-29T08:58:21.909+04:00What's in a (street) name?Further to my last post on the <a href="http://neilandcaz.blogspot.ae/2013/07/new-street-signage-in-abu-dhabi.html" target="_blank">new street signage in Abu Dhabi </a>, it has been announced that a number of major roads will be renamed in Abu Dhabi. It looks like they are doing away with the road numbering system too, which I think is a shame because it really is the easiest way to find your way around (even numbers East to West and odd numbers North to South). The numbers make a grid system similar to New York or Milton Keynes (H & V roads), so places can be easily referenced as e.g. on the corner of 4th and 19th (Muroor Rd and Saada St - aaghh, see below, now Sultant bin Zayed First Street and Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street....doesn't quite trip off the tongue quite the same does it!?)<br />
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Anyway, below are the changes and a short explanation courtesy of The National (<a href="http://www.thenational.ae/uae/abu-dhabi/the-stories-behind-abu-dhabis-new-street-names" target="_blank">full article here</a>).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (6th Street, popularly known as Al Najda Street)</span><br />
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“The
Mother of the Nation” and the wife of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikha Fatima is
the chairman of the Family Development Foundation, head of the General
Women’s Union and a sponsor of numerous organisations in the UAE and
overseas<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (Al Salam Street, Street 9)</span><br />
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Ruler
of Abu Dhabi from 1966 until 2004 and the first President of the UAE.
The street named in his honour is the main highway into the capital and
crosses the Sheikh Zayed Bridge<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Khalifa Bin Zayed First Street (Khalifa Street, Street 3)</span><br />
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The
eldest son of Zayed the First, often known as Zayed the Great, who died
in 1909. Sheikh Khalifa refused to become Ruler of Abu Dhabi twice, in
1909 and 1912, but later assisted in the succession of Sheikh Shakhbut
bin Sultan Al Nahyan<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sultan bin Zayed First Street (4th Street or Muroor Road)</span><br />
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Father of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Shakhbut and the fourth son of Sheikh Zayed the First. Ruler from 1922-1926<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street (Al Saada Street, Street 19)</span><br />
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Became
Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1928, stepping down in favour of his younger
brother, Sheikh Zayed in 1966. Under his rule, oil was discovered in Abu
Dhabi in 1958, ensuring the country’s prosperity after the economic
hardships of the previous three decades<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mubarak bin Mohammad Street (26th Street)</span><br />
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Father
of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture Youth
and Social Development. Sheikh Mubarak was the former Minister of the
Interior and the grandson of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed the First. He died
in 2010<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Salama bint Butti Street (23rd Street)</span><br />
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The mother
of Sheikh Zayed, of Al Hamed family and Al Qubaisi tribe. A major
influence on her sons, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Shakhbut<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Al Bateen Street (32nd Street)</span><br />
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Now
perhaps best known for the Intercontinental Hotel, Al Bateen was once a
fishing village and boat building community distinct from Abu Dhabi. It
was eventually swallowed by the city in the 1970s<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Al Dhafra Street (25th Street)</span><br />
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The
desert interior of Abu Dhabi, with Madinat Zayed, the home of Al Dhafra
football club, as the main population centre. Each year, Al Dhafra
Festival sees thousands of camels from the region compete for around
Dh46 million in prizes. Al Dhafra is also home to an airbase and the
Shams solar power station, the largest of its kind in the world<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dhafeer Street (31st Street)</span><br />
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Now
on the outskirts of Liwa, Dhafeer Fort is one of a chain of
fortifications in the Western Region and was built by the Bani Yas, one
of the Emirate’s main tribes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dihan Street (21st Street)</span><br />
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Another old name for Abu Dhabi. The name may also be descriptive, with another Dihan found in Ras Al Khaimah<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mawgab Street (27th Street)</span><br />
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Mawgab
is a fort built on the orders of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, the father of
Sheikh Zayed and located in one of the villages in the Liwa known as
Mahather. The area is low lying, circular in shape and had only one
entrance, making it easier to defend<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rabdan Street (29th Street)</span><br />
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The
celebrated mount of Sheikh Zayed the First, Rabdan was gift from the
Sharif of Mecca, Abdullah bin Hashem, and said to be descended from the
horse of the Prophet Muhammed. Rabdan was the subject of several poems,
with his bloodline is still present in horses ridden by the Nahyan
family.<br />
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Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-30279663257086019322013-11-24T21:53:00.003+04:002013-11-24T21:53:53.850+04:00Spot the difference...My letter in The National today...<br />
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My email to the letters editor....</div>
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Neil Roberts <br />To: letters@thenational.ae<br />Rainfall causing school closures</div>
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Sirs,<br /><br />I have to say I am a bit bemused by the decision to close schools due to heavy rainfall. Why are children at risk at school just because it is raining? Surely it is more risky asking their parents to collect them and drive them home at the height of the storm. If in fact they went home at their normal time, the weather was actually a bit calmer and would have been safer. On another note, your reporting (UAE weather: Traffic chaos as strong winds and rain lash the Emirates, November 21, 2013) suggested that "Heavy downpours caused several accidents…" . No. People driving like idiots in heavy downpours cause accidents. <br /><br /><br /><br />Yours,<br /><br />Neil Roberts<br />Abu Dhabi</div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-81057108048932617022013-11-16T22:37:00.003+04:002016-08-16T12:44:29.528+04:00Random pics...Just a few random pics from our recent visit to Thailand and Cambodia...<br />
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First of all this delicious sounding delicacy...<br />
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The banana fritters I ordered which for some reason came served with a side salad...</div>
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And, well.... what more could you ask for on a night out??</div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-42387986804053330812013-11-15T16:35:00.000+04:002013-11-16T22:38:27.434+04:00Sandstorm...blueghWell we went to the beach club today and this is what we found when we got there - its was sunny in Al Reef!<br />
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For those of you in the rainy/cold UK - I know your heart bleeds for me :-)<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-51872450719232868672013-10-16T10:15:00.002+04:002013-10-16T10:15:46.194+04:00Soggy Pillow?Mmmmm...Soggy Pillow nom nom nom<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-72622511252252718872013-10-11T18:11:00.002+04:002013-10-11T18:11:48.138+04:00Eid Al AdhaThe Eid Al Adha celebrations are just about here. Many public sector workers are now off until Oct 20th. Sadly, as a mere private sector worker, I only get three days, so I'll be off Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Having said that, I'm not too bothered as we leave for Thailand and Cambodia on Friday the 18th - yippee! It will be a much needed break from what has been a very stressful period at work.<br />
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During Eid many things go a bit mad - especially airports and shopping malls! Many of Dubai's malls will be opening for 24 hour shopping for a couple of days next week, just in case you need to buy that must have Gucci handbag at 3:45 in the morning.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eidindubai.ae/en/pressrelease/media-center/press-release/malls-gear-up-for-dubai-24-hours-shopping-initiative.html" target="_blank">Here's the press release announcing this essential initiative... </a>Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-29038809827752502292013-10-11T18:02:00.000+04:002013-10-11T18:02:01.236+04:00Winter is on the way!Well there has been a definite dip in the temperatures. It's actually bearable now..so looking forward to days on the beach, BBQs and generally being able to go outside!....well for the next 5-6 months anyway til it all changes again...<br />
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A sure sign that the temperature is lower, is that the mosquitos are arriving back...I tried to photo them, not terribly successfully, but you get the idea...<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-40067274580262582332013-10-08T18:20:00.001+04:002013-10-08T18:20:52.117+04:00Forgive me all..it's been so long!Well, so much water under the bridge! Unfortunately my blog has taken a back seat lately, especially as my new job is proving to be very demanding. But, I will try and pick up the pace :-)<br />
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Here is something you don't see very often on the Abu Dhabi highways!<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-65740676689621771152013-08-21T20:22:00.003+04:002013-08-21T20:22:41.146+04:00News story of the dayGotta love this one!<br />
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Full story <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts/three-deny-selling-prostitutes-to-undercover-abu-dhabi-police-court-hears" target="_blank">here</a>...<br />
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ABU DHABI // Four men convicted of selling three prostitutes to undercover policemen for Dh135,000 could not have done so because the women "are not that attractive", a defence lawyer claimed today.<br />
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The men were arrested in a sting operation shortly after one of them met the undercover officers in a hotel room and received the payment, heard the Appeals Court. Prosecutors say the men sold each woman for Dh45,000 each and intended to give each of the prostitutes Dh5,000 from the proceeds.<br />
But yesterday the lawyer for EF, the man accused of meeting the officers, said that he appeared to have been framed.<br />
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"Seems like CID tricked the men into the deal by tempting them with a lot of cash," said Fayza Moussa, adding: "Why would anyone pay Dh45,000 for each of these women, they are not even that attractive?"<br />
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Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-9512509557455486902013-08-16T18:51:00.004+04:002013-08-16T18:51:37.725+04:00Time Out Abu DhabiThanks to <a href="http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/" target="_blank">Time Out Abu Dhabi</a> for another mention in their <a href="http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/knowledge/features/43000-interesting-abu-dhabi-blogs-to-read#.Ug45qhauE74" target="_blank">Top Abu Dhabi Blogs</a> listing this week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/knowledge/features/43000-interesting-abu-dhabi-blogs-to-read#.Ug45qhauE74" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCzVrhy52OIxAfdwpxFwAfgvvTSdsL6jklEYUHjen0QT4W9Cexc-NOH0gPeEgsb9_Rmv94AmkUwmpVH-JR565pldbTABYJcCmNRwEX_lNglo-BOnt1pspXmK6dP3o3bPSWOAfvfd15pQ/s640/TO.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-15996799646052549612013-08-09T18:58:00.000+04:002013-08-09T18:58:57.742+04:00Maqta FortThere is an interesting little place next to Maqta Bridge known as Maqta Fort. Before the bridges were built this was the crossing point for those arriving by camel to cross to Abu Dhabi Island. They built a small lookout tower so that they could see who was coming from afar and to check the water depth for suitability for crossing. I believe it has been standing for some 200 years. On the mainland shore there is a small building which used to serve as a check point for people wishing to cross onto Abu Dhabi Island. It later became a police station and now it is a Tourist Information office.<br />
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It's not exactly worth a day trip, but if you are passing sometime, it's worth a little look. I took some pictures. The old look out contrasts nicely with the new Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Be aware that to the left side of Maqta bridge (facing the Island) there are some sensitive military areas, so don't photograph in that direction.<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-9836156640496016122013-08-05T21:50:00.000+04:002013-08-05T21:50:35.714+04:00Puttin' on the Ritz ...The other night we went for an Iftar buffet at the <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AbuDhabi/Default.htm" target="_blank">Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi</a> . It was our first visit to the hotel and I have to say it is a very impressive property. The hotel looks stunning and is in a great spot, with views to the Zayed Grand Mosque on one side.<br />
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However. The Iftar? Meh... The choice of food was ok, not outstanding and the service was actually quite poor. We had to chase every time for forgotten drinks orders and the service was generally just slow.<br />
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We won't be rushing back.<br />
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Here's a few pictures though, showing the nice views...<br />
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Grand entrance</div>
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The welcome mat</div>
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The lobby</div>
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Shisha galore</div>
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The Ramadan "Tent" </div>
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The coffee man</div>
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Impressive date selection!</div>
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"Baby lamb"</div>
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"Baby camel" (which tasted great by the way)</div>
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Hotel views </div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-85429764468300291482013-08-04T20:26:00.003+04:002013-08-04T20:27:19.702+04:00Jet skiing days over in Abu Dhabi?The Abu Dhabi Government has now banned jet skis from being ridden in many areas of the Abu Dhabi coastline. It pretty much puts paid to the trade in jet ski hire. Jets skis are now banned in all the areas where you can hire them (e.g. Mina Port, Al Raha Beach, Al Bateen). Only if you own your own jet ski and can launch it yourself from an area not banned, will you now really be able to ride one.<br />
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As you can see from the the link below, I have enjoyed hiring jet skis from time to time and will miss the opportunity to do so again. There are clearly marked swimming areas along the Corniche beach, but still some jet ski riders (typically local I have to say) , do seem to enjoy annoying everyone else who is trying to enjoy the beach. So, I guess it is the actions of a few that has meant there is now one less thing to do in Abu Dhabi.<br />
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<a href="http://neilandcaz.blogspot.ae/search/label/jetski">http://neilandcaz.blogspot.ae/search/label/jetski</a><br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-70938800820067473432013-07-26T15:17:00.001+04:002013-07-26T15:17:12.029+04:00New street signage in Abu Dhabi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dNtjorBKmXBmErTwvCZpcu1x_d2WGQXbIqblYbyBqcJ6pt-HvpVazIlpCFXv3CFaDLr85ks3dRTzpBa1hVt06LpRtATUU0QhK2Kf4P5VYTjfmqS8ATZaZQklBteLNP2KqdXdVw1msTc/s1600/IMG_00000179_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dNtjorBKmXBmErTwvCZpcu1x_d2WGQXbIqblYbyBqcJ6pt-HvpVazIlpCFXv3CFaDLr85ks3dRTzpBa1hVt06LpRtATUU0QhK2Kf4P5VYTjfmqS8ATZaZQklBteLNP2KqdXdVw1msTc/s640/IMG_00000179_edit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New street signage is beginning to appear in Abu Dhabi, which I am guessing is inline with the <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/every-home-in-abu-dhabi-to-have-its-own-address" target="_blank">announcement of a new addressing system</a> for properties in the Emirate earlier this year. Each property will have an number and street address with a post code, much like the UK. At the moment, finding a property can be very difficult and landmarks are usually the main pointers. It would not be unusual to be told for example 'we are behind Najda Street (no street signs will ever show this name), next to Nissan showroom, Starbucks down, same building' . This way of giving directions and the fact that only main roads are referred to by a name (even then, not always the name on the sign - examples below), I think it's going to take some time for people to get used to a new system. But it will be a complete bonus for postal and courier services. </div>
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There is a current zone/sector system of mapping out the city, but it is confusing and complex. If you are interested I have a pdf that explains it in full detail! <a href="mailto:neilroberts01@yahoo.co.uk" target="_blank">Mail me</a> and I'll send it to you</div>
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In Abu Dhabi, there is a confusing system of street names. There are names used commonly, sometimes more than one, and then there are the official map and street sign names. Below is a table to try and help...</div>
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<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><tbody>
<tr><th colspan="5" style="font-size: x-small;"><h4 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
North South Abu Dhabi roads</h4>
</th></tr>
<tr><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Common name</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Number</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Map name</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Area</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Comments</h5>
</th></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Airport Road</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">2nd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Old Airport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">2nd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoom St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Lulu Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">4th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Lulu Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Markaziyah</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Sharqi St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">4th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Sharqi St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Madinat Zayed</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">New Airport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">4th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East Rd / Muroor Rd / New Airport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">South</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">East Road</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">4th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East Rd / Muroor Rd / New Airport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">South</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Muroor Road</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">4th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East Rd / Muroor Rd / New Airport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Dhafra Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Dafra St</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Najda St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">6th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Umm Al Nar St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Najda St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">6th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Bani Yas Rd (Baniyas Rd)</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">East Coast Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">8th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Salam St (now <a href="http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/al-salaam-street-and-tunnel-re-named-after-sheikh-zayed-2012-12-05-1.485977" target="_blank">Sheikh Zayed Street</a>)</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Ring Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">8th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Salam St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">New Corniche Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">8th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Salam St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Madinat Zayed</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">10th St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">10th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Liwa St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">22nd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalid Bin Al Waleed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">24th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Karamah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">26th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Saeed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">North</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">26th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Nahyan / Nahayan St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">South</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">28th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalifa Bin Shakbut / Shakhbout St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Arabian Gulf Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">30th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Khaleej Al Arabi St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Mussafah Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">30th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Khaleej Al Arabi St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Coast Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">30th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Khaleej Al Arabi St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">32nd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalidiyah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">North</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">32nd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Bin Zayed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">South</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">34th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Baynunah St (Baynounah Rd)</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">to Emirates Palace</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="5" style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><th colspan="5" style="font-size: x-small;"><h4 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
East West Abu Dhabi roads</h4>
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<tr><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Common name</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Number</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Map name</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Area</h5>
</th><th scope="col" style="font-size: x-small;"><h5 style="background-color: #e3f0fa; border-bottom-color: rgb(53, 147, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding-left: 5px;">
Comments</h5>
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<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Corniche</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">1st Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalifa St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">3rd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalifa St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">3rd Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Istiqalal St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Hamdan St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">5th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Hamdan St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">5th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Nasr St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">West</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">5th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Khubairah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Khubeirah</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Electra St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">7th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Zayed the First St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Zayed the First St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">7th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Zayed the First St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">West</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalidiyah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">7th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Zayed the First St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Khalidiya only?</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Old Passport Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">9th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Falah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">West</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Passport Road</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">9th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Falah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Jawazat Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">9th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Falah St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">East</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Defense Rd</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">11th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Hazza Bin Zayed St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;">11th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Sudan St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: x-small;">Al Bateen St</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">11th Street</td><td style="font-size: x-small;">Hazza Bin Zayed the First St?</td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td><td style="font-size: x-small;"> </td></tr>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-7793142407818792082013-07-26T14:43:00.000+04:002016-08-16T12:55:13.198+04:00Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza Abu DhabiLately , we have gone to this restaurant. The food is great and the service pretty good too. One of their boasts is that it is the 'home of the one metre pizza'. So, when in Rome (or Hamdan Street)....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx7-VNfU2KrOgiJcJM6DX8grLt-Sw6sMZAVX9KcP54qptefghssJJAvK3-F39dfpM-l77dKM7_8u5DWeEiEYV3igsDFwvzBfYfRqccjEQFKYzlEzh7VQvYK3oQNxbsswqkoaWCscw24k/s1600/IMG_00000191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx7-VNfU2KrOgiJcJM6DX8grLt-Sw6sMZAVX9KcP54qptefghssJJAvK3-F39dfpM-l77dKM7_8u5DWeEiEYV3igsDFwvzBfYfRqccjEQFKYzlEzh7VQvYK3oQNxbsswqkoaWCscw24k/s640/IMG_00000191.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYBvtVICBdqzJ3h4Yd5FouY33bAY_Rp9zmlLDesAtHhEaA23b9Vu3X1aOd8K3T60gTHEKhNwetGTMWlNcgAgA3Z7x9EjvlJvV9DGLzWHvMzwpAmx0eRRniqYmPa7JBQU3MOQ12aKjww/s1600/IMG_00000188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsYBvtVICBdqzJ3h4Yd5FouY33bAY_Rp9zmlLDesAtHhEaA23b9Vu3X1aOd8K3T60gTHEKhNwetGTMWlNcgAgA3Z7x9EjvlJvV9DGLzWHvMzwpAmx0eRRniqYmPa7JBQU3MOQ12aKjww/s640/IMG_00000188.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can order them for take away or home delivery too. The have special long boxes to put them in, although I am a little concerned about how the moped rider manages?! I have to say, it was delicious and well worth a try. </div>
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No, we didn't finish it!</div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-39739394691550258882013-07-26T14:34:00.001+04:002013-07-26T14:34:37.880+04:00A few random pics...<div style="text-align: center;">
I like big butts and I just can't lie.... Toilet for big bottomed girls??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit7OZV9I9qqKUbNP_RD7KgBJWkRipWnBcrlYeqxinNxl_9FAtTlmwEvegQy_lMg3PhtpTdPPdnj-ByRWQybmo5yOaTiY1Ypfj5Ppyss6boBoGbyKKLZU_ecpbrtmQZTR-BY3T158qtQ0/s1600/IMG_00000030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit7OZV9I9qqKUbNP_RD7KgBJWkRipWnBcrlYeqxinNxl_9FAtTlmwEvegQy_lMg3PhtpTdPPdnj-ByRWQybmo5yOaTiY1Ypfj5Ppyss6boBoGbyKKLZU_ecpbrtmQZTR-BY3T158qtQ0/s640/IMG_00000030.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This is the roundabout as you enter our villa compound. Now when he was told "go straight over the roundabout" , he clearly needed a little more explanation....</div>
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Lat time I checked, Abela didn't have a licence to sell alcohol. </div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-74621912341431337222013-07-26T14:23:00.000+04:002016-08-16T12:56:47.666+04:00Ferrari World againWe decided last weekend to pay a visit to Ferrari World as it was something to do inside out of the heat, and we had 2-for-1 vouchers. Sadly, the best thing about FW, the Formula Rossa, was closed for maintenance. Well, at least it gets some maintenance I guess.<br />
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In the middle of Ramadan, on a Saturday morning, the place was deserted which at least meant we could walk right onto the rides we wanted to try.<br />
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There is a display of Ferrari's in one part of the place which was cool. There were some old ones, working up to some of the more recent models. A pretty penny's worth all on loan from the same guy, Mr Tariq Shaikh. Clearly he had driven at least one of them on the UAE's roads as it had the SALIK (toll) Tag still on the windshield. Here's a quick (but poor, sorry) video of the room.<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-67469325124957256892013-07-19T09:52:00.002+04:002013-07-19T09:52:41.065+04:00Progress: UAEThere have been some interesting articles in The National lately outlining the progress that the UAE has made in a number of areas. See the link below for some of them....<br />
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<a href="http://www.thenational.ae/topic/subjects/progress-uae">http://www.thenational.ae/topic/subjects/progress-uae</a>Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-55421420494363711652013-07-19T09:47:00.003+04:002016-08-16T12:57:35.898+04:00Ramadan in full swing<br />
I can't believe this is my 6th Ramadan here! How times flies when you are having fun :-)<br />
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Here's a video from CNN talking about the impact on retailing in Ramadan, featuring my mate Pete Lonsdale at LuLu's !<br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="234" id="ep" width="416"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_embed_2x_container.swf?site=cnn&profile=desktop&context=embedwww&videoId=international/2013/07/12/marketplace-middle-east-ramadan-economy.cnn&contentId=international/2013/07/12/marketplace-middle-east-ramadan-economy.cnn" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_embed_2x_container.swf?site=cnn&profile=desktop&context=embedwww&videoId=international/2013/07/12/marketplace-middle-east-ramadan-economy.cnn&contentId=international/2013/07/12/marketplace-middle-east-ramadan-economy.cnn" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="416" wmode="transparent" height="234"></embed></object>Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-57664031149851898352013-06-24T20:44:00.002+04:002016-08-16T12:59:37.529+04:00Facebook sale failsI am one of the 4 people in the world that is not on Facebook. I am constantly ribbed because I am not part of the facebooksphere. But I do know there is stuff on theref for sale on a facebook page that is for people selling stuff here locally. There are some ridiculous things for sale or people asking ridiculous questions on a regular basis. Below I have just browsed a few days and found these....<br />
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10 Dhs is like £1.80 ... could you be arsed</div>
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Some conversion problems here methinks</div>
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How about just giving it an iron before you take the picture??</div>
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Just. Throw. Them. Away.</div>
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...and my kids had a fear of green vegetables and going to bed !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoF3uhXXWr0bn2NxufG8uyyBMeaupRBZH440gn3lb2ekHb5AlRG-jxAGMx5tdJIOamwyKzIbEPzm9lTqVzTfpm4mDqlS3FIe4ZtNAD6Rx5fq1SdHjADe2Dkfug-El-vUam1sJmE0NhSdo/s1600/Photo+Skitch+Document.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoF3uhXXWr0bn2NxufG8uyyBMeaupRBZH440gn3lb2ekHb5AlRG-jxAGMx5tdJIOamwyKzIbEPzm9lTqVzTfpm4mDqlS3FIe4ZtNAD6Rx5fq1SdHjADe2Dkfug-El-vUam1sJmE0NhSdo/s640/Photo+Skitch+Document.png" width="362" /></a></div>
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..if in doubt read the instructions..</div>
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Not selling the outside with it?</div>
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Look at the state of it! 1800 is over 300 quid! </div>
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Short people?! Really?</div>
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Throw. Them. In. The. Bin.</div>
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You've got to be joking, right?</div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-83395871462238555502013-06-17T20:42:00.004+04:002013-06-17T20:43:01.373+04:00Looking for new shoes?How about these beauties?? (as seen in Marina Mall)<br />
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Jelly shoes for men? mmmmm yes please (not!)<br />
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716729218989774391.post-7422683909032439872013-06-14T13:04:00.000+04:002016-08-16T13:00:32.251+04:00Scott's in Abu DhabiWe had dinner the other night at <a href="http://www.scotts-restaurant.ae/" target="_blank">Scott's</a>, at the <a href="https://www.jumeirah.com/en/destinations/abu-dhabi/about-abu-dhabi/hotels-in-abu-dhabi/" target="_blank">Jumeirah Etihad Towers Hotel</a> in Abu Dhabi. Scott's in London has been about for 140 years or so in Mayfair, although we've never been. Although also in their group is The Ivy (which we did have a lovely night at) and the Rivington (which I've also been to) and Le Caprice.<br />
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The restaurant does look stunning, built out into the beach area of the hotel.<br />
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We were going with a group of friends who had chosen the venue (it's a seafood restaurant - not Caz's first choice). Caz needs to eat a gluten free diet, so we called a few days before to explain and check their options. They said no problem, they would talk to the chef and provide some choices. </div>
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We arrived and the place was empty, which for Friday night was a surprise. For seafood lovers, of course the menu was extensive, with some good English favourites too, like Cod (never seen before in Abu Dhabi). I called the waiter over and explained our previous conversation about the gluten free requirement. He said, "no problem you can have the steak". Clearly no prior effort had been made, which was disappointing. They did however, prepare some fresh gluten free bread and she chose the Herb Roasted Lamb Rack. I started with Lobster Mayonnaise, followed by Seabream baked in seasalt. The food I thought was very well prepared and there was an excellent wine selection. </div>
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As you would expect, the meal was pricey, but all in all we had a good time. Just a little disappointing about the lack of effort made for the gluten free request. </div>
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<br />Neil Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17868202381966585158noreply@blogger.com0