Dubai in 2013, a timelapse

One of the most recent timelapse pieces of Dubai, from earlier this year

Baku is the new Dubai

There have always been pretenders, but when they have money, anything can happen. And Baku is only 3 hours from Dubai. Hello Azerbaijan:

Ibrahimov went straight to his architects and said, “Draw this exactly the way I did.” Avesta Concern, the company that governs his various business interests, subsequently commissioned the blueprints for Ibrahimov’s vision. The result will be a sprawling, lobster-shaped development called Khazar Islands — an archipelago of 55 artificial islands in the Caspian Sea with thousands of apartments, at least eight hotels, a Formula One racetrack, a yacht club, an airport and the tallest building on earth, Azerbaijan Tower, which will rise 3,445 feet.


Azerbaijan Is Rich. Now It Wants to Be Famous.

Knowing Aviation as a career

The airline industry is one that many of our readers come to search for on our site. I think we have been mentioned by some aviation sites as recommendations for Dubai. And it becomes important for people considering their career as the pattern of one's life is the result of the career path chosen and career decisions taken. A vision of the career in mind is indeed needed to set the goals for today and tomorrow. In today's scenario of cut throat competition, just the factor of intelligence is often seen as incapable of providing the adequate heights, instead one should set a definite career path and walk on the road of success with it.

There is no dearth of distinct careers, which provide the opportunities to make  it big. If you have the skill and the right career vision, you can certainly build a great career. One career which is on each and every individual's mind these days is a career in aviation. The prime reason for a large number of individuals focusing on this industry is that, apart from the positions which require an extensive amount of education and experience as the eligibility criterion, there are several job positions which just require a high school diploma to step in.

Let's delve further into a career in the aviation industry. What different sorts of jobs are present in the industry of aviation? There is a plethora of jobs present in the industry. Aviation is one industry which offers lucrative jobs for each and everyone. It depends upon the individual how he or she reaps in the opportunity to generate an attractive career. The jobs available are airline jobs, air traffic controller, ground support careers, airport jobs and the most sought after pilot careers. The above mentioned career paths require a significantly different level of eligibility in terms of education and experience. For instance, to become a commercial pilot, there is a need of great experience in terms of flying hours.

What are airport jobs? If you visit any airport, the most common sight is people bustling here and there to buy tickets, board the flights and lastly exiting from the different terminals. A high level of management is required in such a scenario, to ensure efficiency and safety of both the passengers as well as their baggage. The airport staff undertake the responsibility to manage the show.

What are the basic duties performed under the airport jobs? The basic duties which come under the scope of the airport staff includes conducting security checks, loading as well as unloading of the baggage of the passengers, monitoring the arrivals as well departures of the flights. The duties of the staff vary in accordance with the particular norms of the airport, for instance the Dubai airport jobs, include distinct personnel to handle the administrative and mechanics to ensure that the behind the scenes endeavors are completed hassle free.

What personal traits make one tailor made for jobs at airport? The job requirement for this job position, apart from the formal training and education is the ability to connect with different genre of people. The candidate must possess a great level of confidence and a command over the language. The candidate should have the inner appeal to display a calm, pleasant and patient attitude in certain heated situations both with the customers and colleagues. 

Arabs in Paris

Son's of Yusuf - from 2 of Arabia's Most Wanted. If you like Jay-Z and the rap game. If you like the original, you'll love some of the adaptation of the lyrics. "She said Ya’koob “Can we get married at the Mosque?” I told her look you need to put on a Hijab...Anyway - parental advisory and all that - it's a rap song y'know: 



Here's a full analysis of the lyrics and the video from the Kuwait crew.

Fresh Prince of Dubai

Actually it's the Fresh Prince of Emirates Hills, but very amusing. Some weekend fun. Enjoy! (HT AD Living)

Another Abu Dhabi Blog

It's the new year - and everyone has resolutions. And we all have intentions. Intentions are wonderful. You intend to do things, and there is commitment, but there is no guarantee. There is a new blog on the scene. It has intentions. Yes, Abu Dhabi has a new blog. It's called Another Abu Dhabi Blog. There's not much on it (it began on the first of January). Just so you know and so we are clear - the blog will be about Abu Dhabi, no taxi musings, no detail on family holidays, instagramming food. The blog will just be about Abu Dhabi. The intention is that there will be one post per day. One post per day for one year. 

The blog has potential, we like the first couple of posts. And we look forward to the commitment - and another view of the capital city. We hope there are no excuses for missing a day! Enjoy!

Another Abu Dhabi Blog: anotherabudhabiblog.blogspot.com 

Happy New Year.

Secret beaches in Malaysia

In our final Malaysia update of the year, we give you the inside track on where to stay in Malaysia which gives you a little more of paradise away from the crowds. It is definitely worth staying in a place like this if twinning with a dual city break to KL, for example. And beaches in Malaysia have a different kind of Far Eastern elegance to those in the Gulf. We're not saying either are better but they are different and a tropical  holiday is not complete without sandy beaches, the deep blue sea and palm trees. Yes, sun, sea and sand – these are some of the simple components of a great holiday.

Malaysia is famous for its beaches and most of them are known all over the world: Pulau Tioman, (Pahang), Pulau Langkawi, Turtle Beach and Golden Beach in Similajau National Park … These places are visited by thousands of tourists every year. However, for those who want to get off the beaten track there are some excellent lesser-known beaches in Malaysia – most of which are to be  found on the Malay Peninsula and the islands nearby. These destinations have a number of advantages: lower prices, less people, untouched nature and countless small beaches that you can almost call your own.

Terengganu is a magic place for sunbathing. Pic: HooLengSiong, Flickr.

In Terengganu state the Perhentian Islands invite visitors to a real beach paradise. The islands are called Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian).  This is a protected area so fishing and collecting coral are prohibited. However, the snorkelling and diving is amazing. There are many great spots for diving and canoeing, and banana boat riding is also available. Also, the beaches have all the facilities: sun shelters, bar and cafes with fresh juice, fish and meat barbeques and very friendly staff.  

Pangkor island has beaches with nice white sand, coral reefs, and many amazing places for diving and snorkeling. The island is within an easy drive from Kuala Lumpur and has great accommodation options. Here you can find big hotels and kelongs; the choice is up to you. If you feel bored of the beach, then you can go sightseeing to the Dutch fort, visit some fishing villages, Fu Lin Kong Temple, Kali Amman Temple, Pangkor Town or even the neighboring island of Redang, which is famous among divers for its coral reef. Getting here is easy by ferry, which is RM5 per person and departs hourly.

Diving is a very popular and well developed beach activity in Malaysia. Pic: No Dust, Flickr.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Pantai Bisikan Bayu, Pantai Tok in Kelantan provides great opportunities to discover the local Malaysian culture. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach) stretches about 1.2km and is very popular with locals on weekends. Tok Bali is surrounded by azure waters where you can see illuminated fishermen’s boats at night, while Bisikan Bayu has giant trees which look like they are something out of a fairytale. The coastline of the country is undeveloped and the visitors can find a number of wild idyllic beaches here. In the national park of Taman Negara one can see the oldest rainforest on the Earth. Kelantan is famous for its handicrafts, such as kite making, batik, silverware, songket (silk cloth woven with gold or silver threads) and woodcarving. It’s a good spot for shopping and relaxation.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park also offers some amazing beaches. The park is home to islands like Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. Getting here from the city Kota Kinabalu takes just 15-20 minutes by boat. All five islands have shallow waters, amazing white sandy beaches and coral gardens with a great variety of marine life. The biggest island Pulau Gaya is covered by dense jungle forest where the locals live in houses built along the coastline. Visitors of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park have a chance to imagine how the first Europeans felt in the rainforests of Malaysia while hiking on 20km long tracks. At the same time the island has modern facilities and good accommodation. The beach located in Police Bay is the best on the island. It’s a 400m long line of fine white sand with shallow crystal sea that is perfect for swimming.

Manukan island is one of five ones composing Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Pic: amrufm, Flickr.

The best time to visit Malaysia is April to September, as there are monsoon rains from November to March on the east coast and from September to December on the west coast. So  it is time to plan now. Sometimes you get lucky during New Years Eve and tickets from Dubai or Abu Dhabi are always good value. Enjoy!

Malaysia's Best Dive Sites

An update for those looking for a new year's break (yes, we know we are obsessed with Malaysia, but it is a great place to visit from the Gulf) Diving is not something you can really do in the UAE, although other parts of the Gulf like Oman offer some options.  Malaysia's waters, however, are a gateway into the unknown, where those who are moved enough to embark on its adventures can descend to explore biodiversity’s most intimate secrets.

From beginners to regular weekend enthusiasts, Malaysia has endless diving locations to choose from. The best diving site really just depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.

For those who’ve never dived before, don’t worry, Malaysia is non discriminatory and welcomes all to her scuba heart.

A diver descends. Pic: Waltermera182/Wikimedia Commons

Redang Island

On just about any beach in Malaysia you can learn how to dive, but Redang Island is a particularly good choice for beginners who just want to try it without getting certified.

Most resorts have dive centers offering ‘discovery dives’ for non-experienced divers. Here you can get a ‘crash course’ in diving basics and embark on an up to 1- hour shallow dive for around RM150 (US $49).

If you have more time and cash most will argue the Open Water Certification is the way to go. During this 3-5 day period you learn diving basics including safety, breathing techniques and equipment familiarization.

First, you’ll practice in shallow waters and progress as your confidence increases. By your last day you’ll be diving up to 18 meters deep.

Because of the thorough training, Open Water certifications are typically more expensive, costing between RM800 – RM950 (US$258 – $306), but people who’ve done it will argue it’s worth every penny.

The Perhentian Islands

When Stephanie Pizzo, an English teacher living and working in Seoul, South Korea, talks about the time she recently spent diving and calling the sands of the Perhentian Islands home, it sounds like a scene from the movie The Beach.

She said the islands have a relaxed atmosphere with easy-going travelers and families who want to make paradise home for a while.

Pizzo originally planned to be there to dive and then travel to Tioman for a yoga retreat, but she gladly gave up her yoga deposit to finish her three-week vacation on Long Beach.

“Between the beauty of the island, the people there and the diving I just couldn’t pull myself away,” she said.

And who would blame her?

These two islands of paradise, Kecil (the smaller one) and Besar, located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, are known for their shallow turquoise blue waters, abundant marine life – including tiny psychedelic organisms called nudibranchs – and wreck diving; a spectrum ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Pizzo recommends two dive shops – Matahari Divers and Turtle Bay Divers.

Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. Pic: Stephanie Pizzo/Facebook

Kota Kinabalu

About 31 miles off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah, Borneo, sits the final resting place of three WWII Japanese merchant tankers torpedoed and sunk by USS Dace on October 14, 1944.

These sites, collectively called the ‘The Usukan Bay Wrecks,’ present divers with a unique mix of exploring mysteries of the past, while also observing vividly colored and complex marine inhabitants that call these decaying artifacts home.

Among the abundance of soft and hard coral reefs on the ships are a variety of marine life including giant grouper, yellowtails, barracudas, snappers, nurse sharks, tunas, and rays.

Because depth sites are around 26m – 40m (85ft – 131ft), one must have at least an Advanced Open Water Certification to dive. Companies that can assist in diving packages include Discover Borneo and Borneo Dream.

Mabul Island

This small, white-sanded fishing village off the southeastern coast of Borneo is known throughout the world as one of the best ‘Muck Diving’ diving sites.

Muck Diving gets its name from the muddy or ‘mucky’ environment found in that area. You might ask why anyone would want to dive in subpar visibility, but the muck creates a haven for unusual and exotic looking organisms, such as the vibrant extra-terrestrial looking nudibranches, flamboyant cuttlefish, anglerfish, shrimp, blue-ringed octopus, pygmy seahorses, garden eels, frogfish and more.

The shallow depth ranges make this an ideal location for beginners but many advanced, particularly underwater photographers, can be found due to its curious marine life.

Nudibranch Pic: Jens Peterson/Wikimedia Commons

Sipadan Island

Out of all the locations in the world one could dive, The Guardian ranks Sipadan Island #8 while for CNNGo it is #1.

The tiny (approximately 200 meters in width) oceanic island in the Indo-Pacific basin is the epitome of evolutionary design, exemplifying an array of rich marine habitats.

With crystal clear waters, sea turtles, colorful fish and unique coral formations there’s a diverse platter of experiences, plus those who are experienced and on the explorative side will love the Wall Diving – vertical walls that extend deep into the ocean, created from rocks and reefs.

While there are shallower wall dives, the more seasoned divers can descend deep into the abyss.

Low taxes in Abu Dhabi - Funny

Jobs in Abu Dhabi have become topical that they are now being referred to in every day conversation. This skit - a parody of Gotye - Somebody I used to Know is called - "Some recruiter I used to know." For those of you looking for a new job in 2013, good luck! In the mean time, enjoy this hilarious video. You'll know this kind of recruiter! Listen out at 1:39

1,000,000 Dirhams of Dubai Happiness

It may be that time when the UAE will be wishing each other Happy UAE Day - but a recent survey states that Dubai is the most expensive place in the world to be happy. Not so happy for many. That means that most people are living an unhappy existence.

The survey says:

The research, conducted with 5000 people across 13 territories, found that the highest levels of aspired income were quoted by individuals living in Dubai who would need more than a quarter of a million US$ to feel happy - or US$276,150 to be precise. The next highest financial aspirations were recorded in Singapore and Hong Kong, where the levels of desired annual income are as high as US$227,563 and US$197,702 respectively. Generally, respondents from Europe feel that much less is required to keep them satisfied, with people in Germany reporting the most modest needs of all countries surveyed (US$85,781). The UK has the second highest price of happiness in Europe at US$133,010, behind Italy at US$175,825.

and the worst thing about this is that $276,150 which is essentially a million dirhams does not even make you wealthy. You are only perceived to be wealthy when you reach a level of $2.5m or 9.2 million Dirhams:

'There are many more things in life that can make people happy but there is no doubt that money can help. It is fascinating to see the regional differences in levels of income and capital that people think they need to feel happy and wealthy. These figures are, of course, aspirational and for most of us the important thing is to have a financial plan and make sure that we are saving as much as we can to give us financial security.'

Dubai is only second to Singapore in that table. Either way expensive places to be happy. Oh and by the way, if you do want to be happy in Dubai, apparently Umm Suqeim is the place where people are most happiest. Next on the happy barometer were residents in Dubai Marina, who count on cool shops, restaurants and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Suburban Springs was also high on the happy scale thanks to tree-lined streets and a chilled-out, family-friendly ambience. Downtown Dubai, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah made up the rest of the top seven. Notice that these are the expensive and new places in Dubai. That means that those in old Dubai (bur Dubai/ Deira) are neither happy or wealthy. Or perhaps they perceive themselves to be - and maybe that's all you need.

Happiness Index
Happiness Survey
happy neighbourhoods