Tag: uae

Dubai Miracle Gardens

Dubai, U.A.E.

One of the many reasons I love social media is the power to explore and learn more about any given place or thing. I was directed towards the Dubai Miracle Gardens via a recommendation from a fellow Instagrammer and vowed to visit before I left. With one free day remaining, we didn’t let a tiny dust storm hinder us from checking it out.

This colorful trail of umbrellas is what initially caught my eye and also happened to make the perfect place to take an interlude from the sun. The temperature over the past few weeks had actually been quite temperate but as luck might have it, it was dusty and muggy the day we were destined to go. Luckily my years spent living in south Florida prepared me well for days like these.

Just to get an idea of the size of the Dubai Miracle Gardens, the grounds feature over 45 million blooming flowers at any given time. As of 2013, it has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the tallest vertical garden in the world.

Each bend of the path offers something more wild and creative. 45 different species of flowers coat large structures shaped as peacocks and windmills, they billow off faux homes lining a path that mimics the streets in a neighborhood of houses and create a mesmerizing field of patterns. There is literally something incredible to gawk at in every direction you look.

I loved the imagination that went into creating this exhibit. I thought the concentric hearts had won me over until I saw this beautiful display of artistic landscaping.

Should you ever get the opportunity to play tourist in Dubai one day, the magical gardens are certainly a spectacular sight to see.

Dress by Endless Rose | Heels by Steve Madden | Jet Set Purse by Michael Kors | Sunnies by Coach

Special Thanks to CLD Style House

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“A flower does not think of competing with the flowers next to it, it just blooms”

April 7, 2015
10 Fascinating Facts About the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

If you’re in the UAE, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should absolutely be added to your bucket list! It’s an easy day trip from Dubai and well worth the hour drive. There’s plenty of culture, design and record-setting feats to uncover that make this mosque an magnificent place to explore. Added bonus: entry is completely free! Keep reading to discover 10 fascinating facts about the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Check for updates, pricing, hours and directions here before your visit.

Circumstances throughout the day prevented me from the mid-afternoon stroll I had originally planned on. Instead, I ended up exploring the grounds at dusk. I’ve come to learn that the best time to visit happens to be in the early morning or evening, as it can be quite hot throughout the day.

As I arrived, a stealthy crescent moon peeked out above the bulbous Moroccan inspired architecture like a beautiful lunar accent and glowed softly against a pale purple sky. The call to prayer suddenly came on and as the hypnotic cry drifted through the air and the wind gently twirled around my head scarf. I felt a great sense of peace come over me. The Grand Mosque is an incredible sight to see, meticulously handcrafted and breathtaking in every direction. Regardless of religion, there’s a level of artistry and respect unquestionably due to Sheikh Zayed and his team for constructing such a magnificent piece of cultural history. I learned a little something along my journey through the Grand Mosque and now, so can you. Here are 10 fascinating facts I learned about the Grand Mosque.

10 facts about the Grand Mosque

10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world. Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia being the two largest.

9. This was an AED 2.5 billion (more than half a billion USD) project beginning in 1996 and finishing in December 2007.

8. There are 82 marble domes, designed with Moroccan influence.

7. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also the last resting place of the man himself, who passed away in 2004.

6. Grand Mosque can accommodate up to 41,000 worshipers at once. The main hall alone can house up to 10,000 people!

5. There are more than 1,000 columns made of inlaid marble panels donning floral designs with semi-precious stones and another 96 columns in the main prayer hall.

4. Building materials were sourced from all around the world and include marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics.

3. Inside you will find the world’s largest chandelier, made of thousands of Swarovski crystals, stainless steel, 24 karat gold and brass, with the glasswork from Italy. It weighs an astonishing 12 tons!

2. Once inside you’ll notice the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi and hand crafted by 1,300 artisans. The carpet was designed in 8 months, took a year to knot and 2 months to transport and assemble amongst 1,200 workers.

1. A unique lighting system gradually changes with the phases of the moon to become lighter as the moon becomes full, making for a breathtaking backdrop.

Discover more unique experiences in the UAE! Explore the magical Dubai Gardens or go Dune Bashing in the Al Hatta desert!

PIN THIS FOR YOUR TRIP!

March 31, 2015
Blue Marlin Ibiza vs. Blue Marlin U.A.E.

Chances are, if you’ve been to Ibiza or Dubai, you’ve heard of Blue Marlin Ibiza/U.A.E. These notorious beach clubs are synonymous with laid-back daytime dining, tanning or dancing reserved for the more sophisticated partiers. Both locations chose secluded locations, nestled comfortably on a sandy beach situated next to a beautiful body of water and boast a modern splash of all white furnishings. It’s safe to say you’d thoroughly enjoy your time at Blue Marlin Ibiza and, most importantly, they have a consistent lineup of world class DJ’s and musicians preforming live throughout each week during season.

During the 3 weeks I spent in Dubai, Blue Marlin was on my radar. I’ve frequented the sister property in Ibiza on multiple occasions throughout my travels and was eager to experience the Abu Dhabi version. As luck would have it, Luciano, one of my favorite DJ’s in the tech-house scene, was the headliner the day I ventured in. Each location is beautifully designed with a posh, lounge-like feel but are also unique from one another. It’s hard to ask for much more than sun, fun and good vibrations but if you happen to be torn between destinations for one of the world’s best day parties, here’s my ‘Top 9’ of who did it better.

A.B.U. D.H.A.B.I.

I.B.I.Z.A.

March 17, 2015

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