The seafaring heritage of Delma Island extends back to its days as the pearl diving capital of the world. Now, the dhows of Delma set out each night in search of fish. They use traditional fish traps woven from metal wire as well as modern nets to sustain the livelihoods of the tiny island population.
South of the coastal town of Dibba, a stretch of beach know locally as “Family Beach” is one of the country’s most popular holiday spots. During the Eid and National Day holidays, hundreds of families flock to the area to set up tents, ride quad bikes, swim and picnic.
In the waters off Abu Dhabi is a small empty island where Ibrahim Ali Shams spends his days in a blind just large enough for him to sit up in. Peering through small holes cut in the canvas, he waits for falcons to swoop down on the pigeon he uses as bait and traps them [...]
Once the only way to cross the creek, the abras in Dubai still serve as a practical form of transportation as well as a popular tourist activity. Early morning rush hour can see as many as 20 passengers on one boat making the crossing between Deira and Bur Dubai for only one dirham. For 50 [...]
What makes the small farming village of Nahwa unique is that it is a rare double-enclave. Nahwa, which is part of the emirate of Sharjah, is entirely surrounded by the Omani enclave of Madha. Life in Nahwa used to revolve around the wells and natural springs that feed its agricultural industry. Today, better roads allow [...]
A wadi hidden in the mountains near Hatta is a popular weekend swimming and picnic area for locals and visitors. A slot canyon with smooth stone walls and deep clear water offers a respite from the sweltering desert heat.
