This is probably the most distinctive roundabout because it is so tall.
You can't see it from these photos, but the redish panels display weather information.
This blog began as a description of our life in Al Ain, UAE (United Arab Emirates). Brn worked at the UAE University Libraries Deanship for three years and Bss homeschooled our four children, D, B, P, and O. After returning to the the USA for five years, we are living in Abu Dhabi now.
Showing posts with label Roundabouts of Al Ain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roundabouts of Al Ain. Show all posts
2006/09/29
Roundabouts of Al Ain #20
Globe Roundabout
This is probably the most distinctive roundabout because it is so tall.
You can't see it from these photos, but the redish panels display weather information.
This is probably the most distinctive roundabout because it is so tall.
You can't see it from these photos, but the redish panels display weather information.
Roundabouts of Al Ain #19
Pizza Hut Roundabout
OK, this wasn't the official name, and probably didn't even have an official name, but it is what I called it, since one of the Pizza Huts in town is on one of the corner.
It was located right here:
It had an elaborate water fountain and palm trees.
The base of the fountain was rather prettily decorated, I think.
The birds really seemed to enjoy the water too.
Roundabouts of Al Ain #18
Planning Roundabout
I have no idea what planning this roundabout is honoring - I would guess that it is city planning, but that is only a guess. It has a simple water fountain surrounded by flowers.
I have no idea what planning this roundabout is honoring - I would guess that it is city planning, but that is only a guess. It has a simple water fountain surrounded by flowers.
Roundabouts of Al Ain #17
Mandoos Roundabout
A mandoos is a traditional chest that was used to store valuables. This roundabout has a very large replica, with pearls (harking back to the pearl diving industry that was so important in the Emirates).
I had never really noticed the tile replica of the carpet under the mandoos (again, the decay evident in so many of the roundabouts is here too).
Also decaying are the "pearls".
A mandoos is a traditional chest that was used to store valuables. This roundabout has a very large replica, with pearls (harking back to the pearl diving industry that was so important in the Emirates).
I had never really noticed the tile replica of the carpet under the mandoos (again, the decay evident in so many of the roundabouts is here too).
Also decaying are the "pearls".
2006/09/20
Roundabouts of Al Ain #16
My Favorite Roundabout
It certainly isn't as spectacular as some of the others in town. I first saw this roundabout when I was driving around looking for a parking place so that I could take a picture of the Sheikh Mubarak R/A. It is just north of that roundabout (well, due north is probably more accurate, as it is a fair distance from it). It was love at first sight.
Admittedly it needs a new coat of paint very badly, but something about the design of this castle on a rocky mountaintop with water tumbling around it is just very striking to me.
I also think that some of it is the fact that it is so well hidden. The size and proportions also just seems right.
It certainly isn't as spectacular as some of the others in town. I first saw this roundabout when I was driving around looking for a parking place so that I could take a picture of the Sheikh Mubarak R/A. It is just north of that roundabout (well, due north is probably more accurate, as it is a fair distance from it). It was love at first sight.
Admittedly it needs a new coat of paint very badly, but something about the design of this castle on a rocky mountaintop with water tumbling around it is just very striking to me.
I also think that some of it is the fact that it is so well hidden. The size and proportions also just seems right.
Roundabouts of Al Ain #15
The "Other" Coffee Pot Roundabout
This is the first roundabout you encounter if you are coming from Dubai (or any of the northern emirates) or the last one before you hit the highway.
Unlike the Murabbaa Roundabout, It actually has more than just a coffee pot, though being in the middle and the biggest, that is what stands out the most.
There is also an incense burner
and (if I understood correctly when this was explained to me - please, correct any of my misunderstandings) a perfume dispenser. Apparently when these were used, they had a few small holes in the top and then perfume or rose water would be shaken out, especially at weddings and other important events.
While it is pretty much impossible to see while driving around it, the brickwork around the statuary has the familar eight pointed stars.
The landscaping is very beautiful too, with the only cactuses (cacti?) that I have seen outdoors here,
and the more common colorful flowers and lush grass.
This is the first roundabout you encounter if you are coming from Dubai (or any of the northern emirates) or the last one before you hit the highway.
Unlike the Murabbaa Roundabout, It actually has more than just a coffee pot, though being in the middle and the biggest, that is what stands out the most.
There is also an incense burner
and (if I understood correctly when this was explained to me - please, correct any of my misunderstandings) a perfume dispenser. Apparently when these were used, they had a few small holes in the top and then perfume or rose water would be shaken out, especially at weddings and other important events.
While it is pretty much impossible to see while driving around it, the brickwork around the statuary has the familar eight pointed stars.
The landscaping is very beautiful too, with the only cactuses (cacti?) that I have seen outdoors here,
and the more common colorful flowers and lush grass.
2006/09/17
Roundabouts of Al Ain #14
So far as I know, this roundabout doesn't have a name, but it is on Baladiya Street in the southern part of town. I believe that this is one of the more beautiful roundabouts in town. The grass is lush, the landscaping very well done.
There are waterfalls on both the east and west sides. The one on the east side falls into a pool, and there is a walk way that runs right in front of it, complete with a small wooden bridge. I can't imagine that anyone every goes up there except for the maintainence people. This is really a shame, since when I went up there to take these photos, it was amazingly peaceful and quiet.
The waterfall on the west side is if anything even better. The mist that rises from the falls is an especially nice touch.
There are waterfalls on both the east and west sides. The one on the east side falls into a pool, and there is a walk way that runs right in front of it, complete with a small wooden bridge. I can't imagine that anyone every goes up there except for the maintainence people. This is really a shame, since when I went up there to take these photos, it was amazingly peaceful and quiet.
The waterfall on the west side is if anything even better. The mist that rises from the falls is an especially nice touch.
2006/09/12
Roundabouts of Al Ain #13
(Sorry if you thought that the series was over. I still have about 10 more to go.)
Al Qala Roundabout
This is the roundabout that is nearest to my house, the one that inspired me to begin this series. Fortunately, a friend of mine did take a picture of the castle/fortress before its destruction, and said friend has graciously allowed me to use this photo here (thanks!). It was taken from a moving car, but you can get an good idea of how it used to look:
This is what it looks like now:
It is a big disappointment. OK, so the fountain is still there (you can't see it in the picture from before, but the fountain went up to the edge of the wall of the castle), and it is pretty nice.
But in the middle are just some palm trees and these huge A/C units (actually, I'm just guessing that they are A/C units, maybe they do something with the fountain). Maybe when whatever is using the irrigation system here grows it will be nicer.
One other thing about roundabouts here in general: it always amazes me to see people stop in the outside line, as here, and have conversation. It happens day and night, and almost group of people seem to do it.
Al Qala Roundabout
This is the roundabout that is nearest to my house, the one that inspired me to begin this series. Fortunately, a friend of mine did take a picture of the castle/fortress before its destruction, and said friend has graciously allowed me to use this photo here (thanks!). It was taken from a moving car, but you can get an good idea of how it used to look:
This is what it looks like now:
It is a big disappointment. OK, so the fountain is still there (you can't see it in the picture from before, but the fountain went up to the edge of the wall of the castle), and it is pretty nice.
But in the middle are just some palm trees and these huge A/C units (actually, I'm just guessing that they are A/C units, maybe they do something with the fountain). Maybe when whatever is using the irrigation system here grows it will be nicer.
One other thing about roundabouts here in general: it always amazes me to see people stop in the outside line, as here, and have conversation. It happens day and night, and almost group of people seem to do it.
2006/08/29
Roundabouts of Al Ain #12
Sheikh Mubarak Roundabout
This roundabout is one block north of the Baladiya Roundabout.
The center of the roundabout is a statue of an incense burner, with beautiful landscaping and flowers.
This roundabout is one block north of the Baladiya Roundabout.
The center of the roundabout is a statue of an incense burner, with beautiful landscaping and flowers.
Roundabouts of Al Ain #11
Baladiya Roundabout
Baladiya is Arabic for Municipality, and this roundabout is just north of the Al Ain Municipality building.
These flowers that ring the roundabout look very similar to the impatiens that we had back home.
In the middle are these birds (ibises maybe?). When I first got here last year, I saw this and thought baladiya must mean birds.
Baladiya is Arabic for Municipality, and this roundabout is just north of the Al Ain Municipality building.
These flowers that ring the roundabout look very similar to the impatiens that we had back home.
In the middle are these birds (ibises maybe?). When I first got here last year, I saw this and thought baladiya must mean birds.
2006/08/27
Roundabouts of Al Ain #10
Diwan Roundabout
This is another roundabout/overpass combination, like the Jebel Roundabout, and it is actually on the same road, just one block closer to Abu Dhabi.
I can't say that I completely understand exactly what the Diwan is, because I get different answers from everyone that I ask. It seems to combine some aspects of government offices and a majlis.
This brownish round building is the new Diwan (the older one is right next to it, just out of the picture).
The upper level has two fountains:
And just the other side of the rail from the fountain are step fountains down to the road level.
The old Diwan is the square building to the left of the new Diwan
This is another roundabout/overpass combination, like the Jebel Roundabout, and it is actually on the same road, just one block closer to Abu Dhabi.
I can't say that I completely understand exactly what the Diwan is, because I get different answers from everyone that I ask. It seems to combine some aspects of government offices and a majlis.
This brownish round building is the new Diwan (the older one is right next to it, just out of the picture).
The upper level has two fountains:
And just the other side of the rail from the fountain are step fountains down to the road level.
The old Diwan is the square building to the left of the new Diwan
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