The other Emirates

Morning in Omr

When we wake up, it's very humid outside, the car is covered in dew, and you can hear it just by opening the window. At 7:45, we leave the hotel on our way to the fish market of Ras Al Kaimah, another spectacle for the eyes that I would gladly visit too. Heading south, we will see Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a ghost town in every sense of the word; it was inhabited by a community of pearl divers when it was the main activity in the area. It went into crisis after the world learned to cultivate pearls, and the inhabitants were forced to emigrate, leaving behind the houses that have since become ruins. A exhibition has helped revive it (the Fine Arts Festival) which will last several months: paintings on metal are displayed near the walls or windows, in effect, sometimes in stark contrast, other times perfectly aligned, although from different eras, but always with a meaning that enhances each other. It would have been impossible to imagine or organize a better stage for authors from all over the world: the themes are topical and encourage reflection, as well as four carefree girls – the only ones visiting this outdoor museum in the morning – two of whom come from Syria, clearly showing that even war has not extinguished the thirst for culture among young people. We were at Umm al QuwainThe hotel is located on a peninsula that, from afar, seems promising, but in the outskirts, you can see concrete blocks with a clear Chinese influence. In the older part (though it would be better to say "old"), there are houses made of raw bricks, mosques, and some glass buildings, but no skyscrapers. The coastline is also not very impressive, which suggests that this city is not known for its tourist attractions. RAK and UAQ (perhaps with Fujairah, the only Emirate we haven't seen) are the poorest, a completely different world compared to the opulent Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but even compared to the other two cities where we will visit later. As mentioned, life flows in a way that is more consistent with Arab culture, and here you find what you expect, although there are some peculiarities from neighboring cities. Unlike the two large cities, in the other Emirates, you can see several hotels built or with Chinese signs, as China Mall shopping centers, managed by Chinese people and selling goods from their own country, are also common. We arrive at UAQ the day after the Union Fortress event, an event aimed at showing what the armed forces of the country are like; it must have been a truly impressive event, since the clearing work and the occupied spaces are really impressive.
Ajman, which we quickly pass through, seems more like a wealthy suburb, home to some prominent figures from Dubai, with a beautiful waterfront and clear signs of affluence.

Arrival at Omr

While Sharjah enjoyed nobility and its own light. It should be noted that there is no seamless connection from Dubai, which can reasonably be called a conurbation, and it seamlessly connects with the following. luxury hotel, the beautifully maintained green gardens, flower beds in the roundabouts and along the walkways, as well as the inevitable skyscrapers, which are a true measure of opulence. Here too, the waterfront offers the best with hotels, port, and flowers, but upon closer inspection, Sharjah has more to offer. We visit the market, renovated according to ancient styles, the strong and the old part. Where we will spend most of our stay is the Museum of Islamic Civilization, the museum that aims to explain Islam, its concepts, traditions, and everything surrounding it. So, after learning about the principles of the religion, we read and see in more detail the pilgrimage to Mecca, its organization, including logistics, given the enormous problems related to the crowds of pilgrims visiting the most sacred place in Islam, one of the commandments that a good Muslim must follow. From there, we move on to an interesting – although self-celebratory – exhibition on the geographical and scientific discoveries made in Islamic lands. All this is within a huge and elegant building, built without aiming for savings. Spacious, glass-enclosed corridors The hotel, with its two floors and central dome, blends mysticism with art in a truly valuable form. On the top floor, the interior of the dome is beautifully decorated with zodiac signs. It's finally time to also take care of our stomachs, as tonight's flight won't allow us time for dinner. In a peripheral area of Dubai, at the recommendation of a gas station attendant where we filled up before returning the car, we identify a local restaurant that offers fish according to your choice, meaning you choose which dish to have cooked by the chef. We take Sherry fish (whose translation we couldn't find) and mixed grilled meat, all served with a nice glass of mint and lime juice...a refreshing drink that served as our guide throughout the journey and, at times, perfectly compensated for the inability to drink beer or wine. At this point, we can easily go to the airport, without a final minor issue: our flight departs from terminal 3, but here we don't find rental cars, so we go to terminal 2 (at least ten kilometers away), where we finally return the car and ask how to get back to terminal 3: we need to take a taxi because there are no shuttle buses. Before boarding, we ask the Indian taxi driver if he accepts credit cards or OMR, and he tells us that we will somehow manage. Unfortunately, on the way this gentleman takes a detour, which is true, although we don't have prepaid minutes, it would be nice to conclude the experience. We arrive with plenty of time thanks to having left early, and we pay our driver what remains, leaving him somewhat dissatisfied because he expected a different exchange rate than what we converted online during the available time. From here on, everything will go smoothly, and we will easily board the Salam Air flight.

DXB – MCT 20:05 – 21:15

Once we arrived at Muscat It feels like we're back home. Thanks to the visa obtained online upon our arrival in Abu Dhabi, we don't have to waste any time and can immediately proceed with the checks. Unlike 10 days ago, we are now required to fill out a form declaring that we haven't been to high-risk areas for Coronavirus. We go to pick up the car (another Yaris) and then head to the city center to enjoy it at night. Muhammad al-Amin Mosque, the wonderful Blue Mosque, with its distinctive color. lighting. Impressed by the beautiful view, we continue further to capture it. Sultan Qaboos Grand MosqueMore understated in its colors but definitely majestic in its presence, it is truly breathtaking to stand before such beauty that has been so well. brightly lit At this point, we believe it's sufficient and we conclude the day here.