Photo Friday: Buheira Corniche

Samar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:45:35 +0000

Picture Source: Pebbelzz

The above picture is of Buheira Corniche in Sharjah – which is the emirate I live in.

Before I tell you more about it, here’s a definition of the word corniche according to Wikipedia:

The word corniche typically refers to a road on the side of a cliff or mountain, with the ground rising on one side of the road and falling away on the other.

The word also, in the Arabic language, refers, in general, to a headland formed at land’s end, which describes a most remote geographical border of a mainland by a water line, with a natural corner, usually, or a cliff.

In Lebanon and Egypt, the word typically describes a waterfront promenade usually paralleled by a main road. In the Gulf States, the corniche often runs along the coast.

The last sentence two sentences sum it up beautifully. UAE has developed their corniche into beautiful picnic spots with parking and bar-b-q area and recycling bins for trash. On a cool evening, you’ll see countless families enjoying, children will be running around having the time of their life and occasional joggers who’re taking advantage of the weather and are hitting the pavement instead of running on their treadmill.

The Corniche isn’t just along a small stretch of road. It goes around in a circle. Further up, in a less crowded spot, you’ll find boats moored and jet skiing hubs. There are also abras (wooden boats) that take you for a ride around the corniche for small price.

Across the road from it, you’ll find high rise residential and office buildings. The area overlooking the corniche is the most expensive rent wise. You really can’t beat the view from the top floors after all.

Share and Enjoy:

Technorati Tags: Buheira Corniche, Corniche, Sharjah, UAE

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Introducing: Photo Friday

Samar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:45:00 +0000

Dubai at Night. View from Dubai Marina.

Photo Credit : Faceymcface1

I was wondering the other day how many of you know that I’m based in United Arab Emirates. Then I got wondering if you guys know what a great place it is? Sure, it’s a middle of a desert and the temperature hits 50 degree celsius in peak summer but it’s also a beautiful and extremely picturesque country.

It’s extremely ‘green’ for a country, is home to beautiful mosques and amazing architecture – especially the older buildings. Their corniche is beautiful and easily accessible. On any given day, you’ll see yatchs out and people jet skiing. The people are friendly and UAE is a nation of picnic lovers. The minute the weather turns slightly cool, you’ll see hoards of picnicers at the corniche. So much so that finding a parking space is going to be a problem!

Of course, it has some serious issues, but what country doesn’t?

I’m not much of a photographer, (actually, I’m a pretty lousy one) but I never tire of taking pictures whenever I’m out.

Beginning today, I’ll be posting a picture every Friday that I either took myself (Yes I’ll put you through the torture of mediocre pictures) or came across online. I’ll be adding a little info whenever I can about it and generally give you a glimpse of my life in UAE.

If you’d like to take a deeper look into my life in UAE, you can follow Cuppa Life where I blog about life as an expat.