On our last morning in Dubai, students had some extra time to watch the sunrise, play golf, make
one last trip to Dubai’s malls, and catch up on sleep. Following a 10 o’clock departure from the hotel,
we visited the famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel and headed to Abu Dhabi for the second part of our
trip here in the UAE.
one last trip to Dubai’s malls, and catch up on sleep. Following a 10 o’clock departure from the hotel,
we visited the famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel and headed to Abu Dhabi for the second part of our
trip here in the UAE.
The first stop in Abu Dhabi was the Yas mall for lunch that was located adjacent to Ferrari World, an
amusement park with the world’s fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa). After this we headed to
Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities. We had the opportunity to learn
about the real-world applications that the city uses for energy and the many projects that Masdar
supports around the world. We took a ride in lithium-battery powered driver-less cars categorized as
“Personal Rapid Transit” vehicles and viewed models of the city’s plans for expansion. Masdar City's
purpose aligns with many of the future plans and goals of the UAE that we have learned about during
business visits and while speaking with locals. Being able to witness these plans being embedded in
UAE culture and environment has been one of the best parts of our experience in the country.
amusement park with the world’s fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa). After this we headed to
Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities. We had the opportunity to learn
about the real-world applications that the city uses for energy and the many projects that Masdar
supports around the world. We took a ride in lithium-battery powered driver-less cars categorized as
“Personal Rapid Transit” vehicles and viewed models of the city’s plans for expansion. Masdar City's
purpose aligns with many of the future plans and goals of the UAE that we have learned about during
business visits and while speaking with locals. Being able to witness these plans being embedded in
UAE culture and environment has been one of the best parts of our experience in the country.
After Masdar City, our class headed to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is the largest mosque
in the country. It was important that students were dressed appropriately in long sleeves and pants with
proper hair coverage for girls. For many of us it was the first time we dressed according to traditional
Muslim attire in the UAE and allowed us to experience another aspect of the culture. The mosque is
famous for its extravagantly detailed columns, carpets, and architecture as well as the crystal blue
pools and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It was incredible to walk through the mosque’s columns
surrounding its inner courtyard while listening to the Quran that is read aloud in Arabic twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week.
in the country. It was important that students were dressed appropriately in long sleeves and pants with
proper hair coverage for girls. For many of us it was the first time we dressed according to traditional
Muslim attire in the UAE and allowed us to experience another aspect of the culture. The mosque is
famous for its extravagantly detailed columns, carpets, and architecture as well as the crystal blue
pools and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It was incredible to walk through the mosque’s columns
surrounding its inner courtyard while listening to the Quran that is read aloud in Arabic twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week.
One of my favorite days in the UAE! I'll never forget this day.
ReplyDeleteThis was by far one of my favorite days in the UAE and the visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was one of the key reasons. I am not someone who is usually too into architecture and might only issue a glance at a pretty building but this edifice was one of the most attractive and perplexing I had ever seen. I was dumbfounded at this great structure and was in awe as I walked around its many parts. As I moved around I got this sense of relaxation and newfound peace that you only feel on the rarest of occasions.
ReplyDeleteThe Grand Mosque was definitely one of my favorite stops! It was absolutely breathtaking with the intricacy and beauty of it. I am often exposed to extravagant Catholic Churches and it was nice to see a different style of architecture and viewing the world from a different lense (Islam). This will always be an unforgettable stop for me.
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