Author Archives: Samar

Friday Prayers

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Samar

Friday prayers in UAE are a phenomenon. I don’t know about Dubai, but in Sharjah, the roads empty out and mosques fill up. So much so that men have to pray outside in the parking lot. While most mosques provide … Continue reading →

Posted in UAE in Pictures | 1 Comment

Sleepless in Sharjah

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Samar

Photo Credit: Pjvandi When I moved here, my biggest issue was not having anything to do. Literally. I had no family and absolutely no friends. In short, I knew no one apart from my husband and his family. Combine that … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 4 Comments

Reflections of a 6 Week Old Driver in Dubai

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Samar

Getting a driving license in Dubai is tougher than getting your MBA. – Emirates Driving Intitute Instructor. After getting my license 6 weeks ago, I’ve been, tentatively, let loose by my family on the roads of Dubai. My first drive … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in UAE | 11 Comments

Literature Festival in Dubai

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Samar

A man is known by the books he reads. – Ralph Waldo Emerson If there’s one thing in this world that should be free, it’s books. Moving here, one of my biggest complains was that books are so expensive here! … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Drawbacks of Being a Freelancer in UAE

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Samar

A freelancer is not bound by geographical locations. You can live underwater and you’re good to go as long as you have an internet connection and a computer. While finding work online has been fairly easy, I haven’t yet broken … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Driverless Taxis to Debut in UAE

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Samar

If you don’t know to drive, taking a cab is the next best option in UAE. Anyone who’s driven in cabs here (or anywhere else for that matter) knows that cab drivers aren’t the best drivers around. Sadly, most cab … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in UAE | 4 Comments

The Two Most Expensive Things in Dubai

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Samar

After moving here early last year, one thing became very clear. For all of Dubai’s branded glory – it wasn’t the excessive spending that was causing the holes in people’s pockets  but the real culprits were rent and education. Gulf … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in UAE | 4 Comments

Ras-al-Khaimah’s Winter Surprise

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Samar

Ras al Khaimah woke up to see its Jebel Jais (mountain cluster situated 25km from Ras al Khaimah city at the height of 5700 feet) covered in snow. AnnGun’s song ‘Snow in the Sahara’ came to mind when I saw … Continue reading →

Posted in UAE in Pictures | 5 Comments

The View From My House.

Posted on January 17, 2009 by Samar

The view from my house in Sharjah. Mosques here are beautiful and even more beautifully lit. This is one of the countless mosques in Sharjah. The picture was taken at sunset.

Posted in UAE in Pictures | 4 Comments

In Sharjah? Spend an Evening at Al Qasba

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Samar

One of the first places I discovered after moving  to UAE was Al Qasba. It’s built around a canal and is known for holding various exhibitions, festivals and theatrical performances throughout the year. The place is a hub of activity … Continue reading →

Posted in Sharjah | Leave a comment