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Oman – discovering Muscat’s surroundings
Oman has been strategically located along trade routes for centuries, which is reflected in the construction of numerous defensive forts designed to ensure protection against invaders. One such structure, Al Hazm Castle, is one of the most impressive buildings in Oman. It was built in the 18th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif II. The castle was not only the residence of the ruler of Oman but also served a defensive function, which is why it is also known as a fort. Al Hazm Castle is unique due to its construction. No wood was used in the building of its ceilings, and it also used an innovative water system known…
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Abu Dhabi – attractions, architecture and local vibe of the UAE
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the largest emirate in the UAE, may not boast a vast array of tourist attractions, but it is undoubtedly worth a visit. At first glance, it’s evident that the city is primarily designed for its residents. While nearby Dubai is dominated by tourists, Abu Dhabi seems to be more overlooked by them. Unlike Dubai, where the economy now heavily relies on new technologies and tourism, Abu Dhabi remains self-sufficient thanks to its oil production, preserving its unique local character. Traditionally, the city center features numerous skyscrapers. Some of them may be a bit overwhelming in their design, but as they say, there’s no accounting for…
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Muscat – A City from the Tales of the Arabian Nights…
Muscat, the capital of Oman, has a unique fairytale charm in my view. It looks like something straight out of the Tales of the Arabian Nights, but with a modern twist. Enchanting palaces, forts perched on rocky cliffs, lush green oases, white architecture, scenic coastlines, and spice-scented bazaars create a distinctive atmosphere of this city. I began my exploration in the eastern part of Muscat, often referred to as the Old City. It’s the most iconic area of the city, home to numerous government buildings and elegant villas. However, the highlight here is Al-Alam Palace, one of the six residences of the Sultan of Oman. Used mainly for ceremonial purposes,…
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – UAE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world. It can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers, and the entire complex covers the area of 22,412 m². The mosque was inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president, who envisioned it as an open space for people of all faiths. In line with the Sheikh’s vision, the mosque symbolizes the Islamic message of peace and tolerance and reflects the Emirates’ culture of dialogue and openness. He also intended the building to unite all religions and connect the past with the present. Construction began in 1996, and Sheikh Zayed’s…
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Fujairah and Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Fujairah is another emirate I visited during my stay in the UAE. I travelled there straight from Al Ain, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. My first stop was Al Hayl Fort. The journey covered about 150 km and initially seemed to be monotonous. However, the last stretch of the trip turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The road to the fort meandered through the picturesque Wadi Al Hayl valley. As the terrain became increasingly mountainous, the amount of asphalt on the road decreased. The area felt completely isolated from civilization. Eventually, I arrived at the fort, which, unfortunately, was securely locked. Disappointed, I started taking pictures when…
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Road trip – United Arab Emirates and Oman
Road trip in the United Arab Emirates and Oman is an interesting experience. Imagine a multi-lane highway stretching to the horizon—perfectly marked, as flat as a tabletop, and practically devoid of other vehicles. It’s tempting to push the car to its limits. However, this illusion is shattered when you notice speed cameras placed every three kilometres. And don’t be fooled; these cameras are fully functional. Both countries boast some of the most advanced radar systems in the world. Fortunately, during my 3,500 km journey, I managed to avoid testing the fines for speeding. Observing the law-abiding behaviour of other drivers, it’s clear the penalties must be severe. Speed Limits…
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Balcony Walk – A Hike on the Edge
Balcony Walk is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Oman. It’s a popular route in the Al-Hajar Mountains, leading along the deepest canyon in the Middle East. The canyon is said to be over 2,000 meters deep and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East. Moreover, the Balcony Walk is located on Jabal Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, standing at over 3,000 meters. Another, more challenging trail called W4 leads to its summit, although the peak itself is inaccessible due to a military base. Jabal Shams translates to “Mountain of the Sun” and is known as the place in Oman where you…
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Dubai – MegaStructures
Dubai had been on my mind for quite some time. I still remember watching an episode of “Mega Structures” about 10 years ago, fascinated by the extreme project of building this city. Today, when observing this ultra-modern metropolis, it’s hard to believe that not so long ago, Dubai’s land was a desert inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The city’s rapid development followed the discovery of oil deposits in the 1960s. Dubai’s futuristic vision slowly started to materialise. The skyscrapers reaching the clouds like Burj Khalifa leave an incredible impression. However, the scale of this project becomes even more astonishing when you consider the challenging conditions in which the city was…
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Freefall, skydiving in Dubai – How I Went Bananas
Freefall in Dubai had long been on my bucket list. I’ve always felt most comfortable in wide, open space where I could take in vast landscapes from above. Perhaps this stems from my childhood which I spent on hiking in the mountains. Being a tiny dot in a vast area gives me a deep sense of inner peace. That’s why, at some point, it occurred to me, why not remove one more element from this equation—completely detach myself from the ground under my feet, and jump out of a plane with a parachute? For a long time, I was pushing this idea to the back of my mind. The thought…
