the F1 coaster

When I saw the picture of "Ferrari World", taken from above, in the newspaper the other day I was blown away. Okay, granted, it's an aerial view of a model, but still very impressive.

[image from Gulf News]

the law...be careful

There have been a couple of stories in the papers over the past few weeks about a proposed new smoking ban to be implemented here in the UAE. Today's article in the 7days newspaper had some very good news in it. Ok well I think it's great news.

Smoking has been banned in restaurants and indoor bars in the UAE, an official from the health ministry confirmed to 7DAYS yesterday.

Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, who heads the National Tobacco Control Committee, said the new tobacco laws announced last week mean that enclosed public spaces such as restaurants and bars will need to apply to have a separate area where people can smoke.

[Smoking is barred] story from the 7days

update: Burj Dubai

So Burj Dubai, or at least, Burj Khalifa as it was renamed at the last minute, is now officially open, and stands 828m high.

Unfortunately we were stuck in traffic on our way to the Creek, where we had reservations for dinner on Bateaux Dubai (again), at the moment of the fireworks so we missed seeing them, but we could see the tower twinkling away like a giant (dare I say) Christmas tree in the distance all evening. Very pretty indeed. Oh and the dinner was wonderful, I recommend it highly.

The picture above I "borrowed" from the UAE Community blog's post on the opening, but B.D. gets all the credit. Thank you, I hope you don't mind.

In case you missed it I found a video on youtube, enjoy.

another mile (high) stone...ok not quite a mile

Burj Dubai (a.k.a the world's tallest skyscraper) officially opens tonight. "Burj" is the Arabic word for tower. Apparently this building was designed by Norman Foster, the same fellow who did the Gherkin in London and the Burj Al Arab Hotel, but I haven't been able to confirm this.

We will be having dinner on the Creek tonight and will hopefully be able to see the fireworks from there. I will take some photos if this is the case, and post them tomorrow.

happy new year!!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

traditional gaelic blessing

or perhaps you prefer a simple

Sana sa'eedah! (Happy New Year)

However you wish to say it MY wish for you remains the same; a happy, prosperous and healthy 2010. May it truly be your best year EVER!

image source: 123RF