Jebel Ali, in Al Ain, is a large commercial port town located 35 km south of Dubai. Al Maktoum International Airport has been constructed just outside the port area. Sandy Jebel Ali Beach is near the busy harbor. “Jebel” means mountain or hill in Arabic. Ali perhaps refers to the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
Jebel Ali Recreations
The area is home to a golf resort and dive centers. The waters of the gulf are rich in marine life and submerged wrecks. Nearby, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi has tournaments and events open to the public.
From here you can walk up to the absolute top of the Jebel Hafeet, the second highest summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are museums, forts and tombs present in the surrounding area. Legoland and Bollywood Parks are close by.
Jebel Ali Desalination plant
Among the infrastructure projects built to support the port and town is the world’s largest desalination plant, the Jebel Ali Desalination Plant, provides an ample supply of fresh water. The power plant complex, consisting of nine individual plants, extends over a length of more than three kilometers along the coast of the Persian Gulf between the port of Jebel Ali and the Jumeirah district. The facility, provides most of Dubai’s energy and water needs. With an installed capacity of 8.6 gigawatts, it is the world’s largest gas-fired power plant. Also the world’s largest seawater desalination plant, it can desalinate 2.135 million m³ of seawater per day, which corresponds to 470 million imperial gallons per day.
Jebel Ali desalination plant
Jebel Ali Port
Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Due to the depth of the harbour and size of the port facilities, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated in the pier. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent shore-leave facilities (referred to by US Navy service personnel as “The Sandbox”) have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.
US Navy Vessel at Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali Free Zone
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) was created in 1985 and houses an industrial area surrounding the port. International companies that relocate there enjoy the special privileges of the free zone. The privileges include exemption from corporate tax for 50 years, no personal income tax, no import or re-export duties, no restriction on currency, and easy labour recruitment. The free zone has evolved into a trade catalyst and a smart business community that offers unprecedented growth opportunities and market access. JAFZA is a dynamic base for over 8,700 businesses from some100 countries. JAFZA offers pre-built warehouses for high-quality storage and light manufacturing activities with leasing rates starting as low as AED 400 per sq m.
Jebel Ali Industrial Area
Jebel Ali Industrial Area (aka Jebel Ali Industrial) is one of Dubai’s oldest industrial districts. It is located west of the Port of Jebel Ali, south of Jebel Ali Village, east of Dubai Investments Park, and north of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Extension. Jebel Ali Industrial Area is home to several factories, manufacturing companies, warehouses and apartment buildings. It is well-connected to the central city via the emirate’s major roads, providing a hassle-free commute to neighbouring areas.
Offices in the neighbourhood spread over 580 sq. ft. to 984 sq. ft. are available for rent in flexible payment options. The facilities in the area include shared parking space, 24-hour security and free maintenance. The area also features warehouses suitable for cold storage, building material storage and other storing goods. These warehouses are equipped with modern fire fighting systems, smoke detectors and loading and unloading equipment. Other commercial properties in the area include shops, labour camps and commercial plots. There are bus and metro service connecting to the city.
A range of residential properties in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1 is available for rent and sale. As for accommodation spaces, prospective tenants can choose from studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with an area ranging between 435 sq. ft. to 1,253 sq. ft. These apartments have a living area, fitted kitchen and a bedroom with an attached bathroom and built-in wardrobe.
As a truly international city, Dubai is home to many religions, beliefs and houses of worship. And for the 50,000 Sikh residents of Dubai, the Guru Nanak Darbar temple has been their spiritual and cultural temple since 2012.
This beautiful piece of architecture, built at a cost of $20,000, incorporates both modern and traditional elements. It symbolises the unity of peace, solace and hope. The construction was funded by people from different religions and nationalities as the year of the construction, 2008, had seen a severe economic crisis.[ The beige-coloured Guru Nanak Darbar is a multi-story facility surrounded by a 54m Parikarma (a pathway for circling the temple while engaged in prayer).
The temple has a built up area of 120,000 square feet, spread over a 25,400 square feet plot of land. The land was a gift from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
The temple is covered with traditional grill work and built next to a pond – inspired by India’s famed Golden Temple. Located at Jebel Ali Village, Guru Nanak Darbar is open to the public. Visitors can admire the temple’s unique architecture while being respectful towards worshipers and mindful about the dress code.
Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
Gurunanak Darbar Facilities
The Gurunanak Darbar community kitchen, or langar, which fed almost 1,500 people on a usual day and up to 50,000 on special days, has been stopped since the lock down in April 2020. The ground floor (21,000 square feet) includes the reception desk, the iemple’s office, a dining hall, a kitchen, a pantry, and store rooms. There are also convenience rooms, a headscarf stand, shoe storage areas, Jora Ghar facilities in several parts of the building. The staircase inside the temple can carry a huge traffic of people in both directions, and there are also elevators.
Gurunanak Darbar Prayer Hall
The Prayer Hall on the first floor has Italian marble on the walls and floor, chandeliers from Murano, Italy, and a purple carpet. It also features 24-carat gold canopies for the Guru Granth Sahib, and in the centre, there is a raised platform with carved gold-plated pillars and above it is a gold-plated lotus-shaped dome. The dome is lined with a piece of cloth that has gold lace at its edge.
Gurunanak Darbar Services
The Guru Nanak Darbar holds three-hour classes for children on Saturdays to teach them Punjabi, Kirtan, and Gurdara protocol. Services offered at the temple include Akhand Path sahib, Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, Kirtan, Langar, child-naming Ceremonies, child amrit ceremonies, engagements, Anand Karaj (wedding ceremonies), matrimonial services, house-warming prayers, birthday or anniversary prayers, and condolence or memorial prayers. The temple houses several facilities including a meditation room, a library, kirtan classes, and Gurbani Santhiya classes.[
Every year, the temple attracts more than a million visitors.
Nation Galleria Mall Nation Galleria Mall sits at the foot of the stunning twin Nation Towers, which also house the luxurious The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel. Nation Galleria is known for world’s most high-end brands spread over three floors.The mall offers some of the best fashion, fitness, jewellery and treats in an elegant and easy to navigate layout.
There is direct access from Nation Residences, Nation Offices and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which also boasts a string of entertainment avenues, family-friendly events, elegant cafés and restaurants, serving delectable cuisines from around the world. Nation Galleria Mall showcases breathtaking views from its terraces, and is one of the most sought-after dining and social venues on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Designed to inspire a relaxing shopping, dining and lifestyle experience, Nation Galleria’s interiors and ambience will take your breath away.
Well-known brand names at the mall include Wafi Gourmet, Café Bateel, Godiva, Leopold’s of London, Organic Foods and Café, Lamborghini, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor and Villeroy & Boch.
Nation Galleria Mall
VILLEROY AND BOCH This stylish, lifestyle brand is one of the best Nation Tower Abu Dhabi shops, for beautiful crystal or ceramic collections for your kitchen, dining room, bathroom or garden.
ORGANIC FOODS & CAFE While Nation Towers Galleria does not have a supermarket, shoppers can pick up organic food items, including fresh produce, dairy items and more at the Organic Foods & Cafe.
THE LIBRARY FRAGRANCE BOUTIQUE This unique perfume boutique is inspired by a book library, but instead offers a ‘scent library’, where visitors can explore and discover their favourite scents.
AL FARDAN JEWELLERY Another one of the shops at Nation Galleria in Abu Dhabi to visit is Al Fardan Jewellery, which offers a diverse collection of intricately designed, handmade jewellery and watches for all occasions.
MAUZAN Mauzan is also one of the popular stores at Nation Tower Mall, which offers dresses and perfumes for women.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS AT NATION TOWERS Nation Towers Mall in Abu Dhabi is also home to an interesting collection of cafes and restaurants. Diners can choose between eclectic options such as the popular bistro, Leopold’s of London, the elegant dessert spot, Godiva, and the Middle Eastern-inspired gourmet spot, Cafe Bateel. You can also shop at the fantastic roastery in Nation Towers Mall, Al Rifai.
Some restaurants may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi.
Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Nation Galleria Abu Dhabi:
LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON One of the most popular restaurants at this mall is Leopold’s of London, which is known for its massive tea library! Tuck into delicious breakfast items, salads, pasta, pizza and more.
CAFE BATEEL This gourmet cafe is known for its organic ingredients and natural flavours which you can enjoy in an elegant setting. Sample delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and main courses that are inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines at Cafe Bateel in Nation Towers.
TEUSCHER CHOCOLATES Satisfy your sweet cravings with Teuscher’s wide variety of fine chocolates, cheesecakes, croissants and desserts, which you can also pair with their range of salads and breakfast dishes.
CATCH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE The Catch Restaurant and Lounge is located at the beach club across from the mall, but is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts! From sushi platters to grilled sea bass and king crab, Catch Nation Riviera Beach Club will wow diners with its great food and relaxing ambience.
ENTERTAINMENT AT NATION TOWERS There’s plenty of entertainment and things to do at Nation Towers Mall, aside from shopping. This mall in Abu Dhabi boasts a cinema and discovery centre for kids, and also hosts regular events, activities and experiences for visitors!
VOX CINEMAS Catch the latest blockbusters at Vox Cinemas in Nation Towers Mall Abu Dhabi! For those who want to go all out, this Nation Towers Mall cinema offers four THEATRE screens. Movie-goers can also enjoy upscale experiences including access to a private lift to the cinema, waiter service, a gourmet menu and comfortable leather, reclining seats!
LITTLE WORLD Kids will have a whale of a time at Little World Discovery Centre, which combines fun and learning! Little World in Nation Towers is an experimental learning centre, where kids can develop their physical, mental and emotional skills in the different ‘Discovery Zones’, which encourages role-playing, building, designing, creating and more!
Motiongate is theme park like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. It is based on four world-famous motion picture studios: Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, And Smurfs. Motiongate Dubai is operated by Dubai Parks and Resorts. There are 40 world-class attractions spread around 5 unique zones. These shows are suitable for children over 3 years of age as well as adults. The theme park occupies 1.9 million square feet in an area where it will be able to expand up to 4 million square feet.
There are 3D simulators and 4D theater, roller coasters, and a launch/drop tower, as well as rides for children. There are also actions from gravity-defying rides like The Hunger Games’ Capitol Bullet Train, to immersive attractions such as and Kung Fu Panda. Studio Central The park’s main entrance is shaped like a movie reel. Studio Central area provides shopping and dining facilities, themed like a 1950 New York street. This hub is with an impressive fountain and leads to other four zones in the theme park complex.
Motiongate Dubai
Columbia Pictures
Themes here are based on Sony Pictures’ films and franchises such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, Zombieland, The Green Hornet, and Screen Gems’ Underworld. In the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs there is River Expedition Swallow Falls hich is a world where food and animals combine to create fascinating new species with their own ecosystem! Set sail on a fun and adventurous river expedition before heading deep into the heart of the lush jungle. Riders will get up close and personal with this phenomenal foodimal world. Zombieland Blast-off is a drop off in a 58 meter lift.
DreamWorks
The DreamWorks area consists of four sub-area all based on DreamWorks Animation franchises such as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Trolls. Shrek is a themed area with a flat ride for children. A “flat ride” refers to attractions at amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, and theme parks that typically spin around and usually include a circular platform.
Madagascar is themed after a Circus.
Kung Fu Panda is a Chinese themed area featuring a 3D simulator and a flat ride.
How to Train Your Dragon is a Viking area with a highly themed coaster adventure featuring fully-immersive rides and attractions that include the Swinging Viking, a thrilling ship-based adventure; Camp Viking, an interactive, adventure play area with crawl netting, dragon training tools and duelling Viking ships; and action-packed roller-coaster Dragon Gliders.
The Smurfs’ Village
The Smurfs’ Village is themed after a Belgian comic franchise centered on a fictional colony of small, blue, humanoid creatures who live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest. The village of the internationally beloved Smurfs offers 5 attractions including interactive play zones, exciting family rides and a charming theatre show for all generations to enjoy.
Lionsgate
The attractions include delectable food offerings, trendy merchandise, and high-energy live entertainment. THE WORLD OF THE HUNGER GAMES brings to life the fast-paced action. STEP UP DUBAI is a live dance favorite show based on the latest installments of the Step Up franchise. This Zone brings to life the fast-paced, action-fueled world of The Hunger Games.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization in the Heritage Area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, opened in 2008, covers Islamic culture, from the first century AH (7 AD) to the fourteenth century AH (20 AD)from the Islamic world. The artifacts are displayed according to their time periods in six distinct galleries.
The museum is located on the Corniche Street in the Al Majarrah area, on the opposite side of the street from Sharjah Creek. Its characteristic golden dome makes it visible from far. It was originally constructed as an indoor market.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The museum comprises more than 5000 artifacts in seven galleries and display areas as follows:
The Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith
This gallery showcases the principles of Islam and the Holy Qur’an. Here, the five pillars of Islam, the foundations of the Islamic faith, are presented and the rituals of Hajj and Umrah are defined. It also depicts anthropomorphic parts of the Ka’aba and original parts of the honorable clothing of the Kaaba, the “Kiswah”, rare historical Quran manuscripts as well as model figures and pictures of mosques and their architecture from different parts of the Islamic world and Europe.
The Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology
The most influential Islamic scientific achievements and contributions by great Muslim scholars are displayed here. Sophisticated three-dimensional models , audiovisuals and extensive information panels chart some of the most outstanding discoveries, inventions and theories developed by Muslim scholars in all fields, including astronomy, medicine, geography, architecture, mathematics, chemistry, military technology, marine navigation and engineering. The artifacts include complex early clocks, navigational aids and weapons.
Islamic Art Gallery 1
The artifacts displayed here include pottery, metalwork, woodcarving, manuscripts and textiles that date back to 1st to 7th centuries AH (7th ــ 13th centuries AD). This early period marked the expansion of Islamic civilization and culture from the Arabian peninsula to the Atlantic in the West and the borders of China in the East. During the early part of this period art taken from the ancient Hellenistic and Persian worlds were adopted and modified to suite the aesthetic, cultural and religious tastes of the new Islamic order. In the latter part a new style emerged, characterized by an emphasis on Arab-Islamic scripts as well as geometric and floral decoration.
Islamic Art Gallery 2
This gallery features important Islamic artworks dating back to 7th – 13th centuries AH (12th – 19th centuries AD). The artifacts include objects of post-Mongol invasion of the eastern Islamic world in the 13th century, as well as a selective collection depicting the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal civilizations, the three main competing empires that dominated the Islamic world at the time. It was also a period of increasing global trade, economic growth and fruitful, creative interaction between artistic, cultural and indeed religious communities.
Inside Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Islamic Art Galleries 3-4
These galleries exhibit mainly Islamic arts, crafts and weapons used between 13th – 14th centuries AH (19th – 20th centuries AD). This period is characterized by the increasing influx of European ideas and products. Traditional markets, artisans and craftsmen now had serious competition from cheap, mass-produced goods brought in from the West. Traditional weapons continued to be popular among local populations and tourists alike. Now, they were used less in battle, but in ceremonial parades, as part of a man’s formal costume, as honorable gifts to dignitaries or indeed as collectible artifacts in their own right.
Islamic Coins Display
The museum’s outstanding early Islamic coin collections are displayed in the atrium outside the Al Majarrah Gallery. Visitors can learn about the history and emergence of these coins through these outstanding displays.
Seven free-standing displays and several computer touch screens provide additional numismatic information about the collection. There are more than 250 coins on display and the text material on the sides of the displays provide information about various coins.
Islamic Coins
The Al Majarrah Temporary Exhibition Gallery
In this gallery, the museum hosts temporary world-class exhibitions twice a year in collaboration with other museums and institutions across the world like the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia and the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin.
Dhayah Fort was built in the 18th-century in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a protection against British invasion and was the site of a battle during the Persian Gulf campaign of 1819, when British troops captured the fort after a brief siege. After the fall of Dhayah, a treaty known as General Maritime Treaty of 1820, was signed between the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain in January 1820, with the nearby island state of Bahrain acceding to the treaty in the following February. This treaty endured until the independence of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971.
The round defensive boundary wall of Al Dhayah Fort
The Dhayah fort offers a stunning 360-degree view of its scenic surroundings as it is on top of a hill. It is accessed only by a zigzag staircase of more than 100 steps. Climbing the staircase is a bit of a challenge but the scenic view from the fort is well worth the effort. You also get the views of the beautiful sea, majestic Hajar Mountains, a splendid oasis and the city around it.
In the summer it can get very hot so make sure to cover up against direct sunlight and apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes.
The watchtower
The watchtower
There is a watchtower located just outside Al Jazirah Al Hamra. This tower was constructed about 100 years ago to protect the water wells in the village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
The Sur
The ‘Sur” fortification was constructed using mud bricks at the foot of the hill. This ‘Sur’ was used as a retreat for local people. The fort, the watchtower and the “sur’ formed the fortification of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
Visit to Dhayah Fort
If you are a first time visitor it would be better to go with a guide for navigation, as the fort is located away from the main road of Al Rams. The area is hot, so carry plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you are visiting in summer you will be exposed to lot of direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes. The visiting hours are 09:00 am to 05:00 (Sunday to Thursday).
While you are in Ras Al Khaimah, you may also want to visit Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah. Some other prominent historic places in the emirate include the haunted Al Qasimi Palace and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
The National Museum is located in one of the oldest forts in the country. The fort also served as the residence of a ruling family before it was converted into the National Museum in the 1980s. In fact, amongst the countless artifacts and historical exhibits are original treatises signed by former ruling families. The excavated artifacts show that the Ras Al Khaimah has been home to several trading civilisations since 5000 BC and has a rich history and continuous settlements for 7,000 years. From traditional weapons to fishing instruments, and ancient pottery, the museum is a great spot for anyone looking to glimpse into the emirate’s past.
Jebel Hafeet (variously transcribed Jabal, Jabel or Jebal and Hafit or Hafeet) literally means “empty mountain”. This is the only mountain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and one of the highest mountains in the UAE. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jabal Hafeet. The mountain is part of a national desert park, called “Jebel Hafeet National Park”. The park includes the Hafit Graves, Mezyad Fort, and related oases.
Jebel Hafeet offers a breathtaking view of the Rub’ al-Khali, the largest sand desert in the world, and the city of Al Ain, an oasis included in the UNESCO World Heritage lists.
When to visit and where to eat
It is best to visit the Jebel Hafeet in the summer months, that is, from April to September. Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel is located atop the mountain. It offers 3 restaurants and 3 swimming pools with water slides. A blend of French, Moroccan and Italian food is served at Le Belvedere and oriental food can be tasted at the Orient Café.
History from Jebel Hafeet
In UAE history, the period from 3200 to 2600 BCE (Bronze Age), is called Hafit Period, named after this mountain. A cluster of important Bronze Age beehive tombs were discovered at the foothills of this mountain. This mountain region was incorporated into the Sheikh Zayed Network of Protected Areas in 2018. The excavations found evidence for ceramic vessels and copper artifacts in these tombs. Other objects found in the tombs include ceramics from Mesopotamia, and artifacts from ancient Iran and the Indus Valley of present-day India and Pakistan, indicating the trading relationships in antiquity. Most of the archaeological finds from this area can be seen in the museums of Al Ain.
Jebel Hafeet tombs
At the foot of Jebel Hafeet lies a tourist attraction with hot springs and a lake. To the northeast is the mountain’s largest wadi(valley), Wadi Tarabat.
Hafeet Mountain Road
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, built in 1980, is 11.7 km long and leads to the top of the mountain. It has 60 turns and three lanes (two climbing and one descending). Abu Dhabi Tour, an annual road cycling competition is held on this road. You will get the entire view of the Al Ain city sprawling beneath it from the top of the mountain. On top of the mountain there is a vast parking lot. Since 2018, barbecuing in the mountain area has been banned, but there are dedicated spots for barbecuing in Jebel Hafeet Park for campers.
Jebel Hafeet mountain road
Jebel Hafeet Tombs Al Ain
On the eastern side of the mountain there are several ancient burial sites of the people who are believed to have been inhabited the oasis. These tombs were built 5000 years ago at the beginning of the bronze age. The artifacts dug out from here prove the trade links with Mesopotamia and India.
The tombs found here are called ‘beehive tombs’ because of their unique hexagonal shape. A team of danish archeologists first discovered these tombs, thereafter, many more experts came to study the site from different parts of the world. Today, Jebel Hafeet tombs are one of the most visited tourist places in Al Ain.
