See the FIRST of the Electrical Storms

Electrical storms over the skies in Al Ain last night. And apparently, there will be more! (See video, via EAA)

To Supplement the Lightning in Dubai

I got the full recording of the lightning/rain/thunder "sound effects" -- 26 minutes MP3 of the rain/thunder/lightning for relaxing and other psychogeographic purposes (e.g. listening to it with headphones while walking in a desert area on a sunny day.)


If anyone is interested in aquiring a copy (for free, of course) of this 26-minute "Rain in Al Ain relaxation tape [MP3]", please email me and I'll send it to you.


existentialalain[at]yahoo[dot]com

Rain in Al Ain

Maybe you would like to hear some of the thunder and rain we had in Al Ain early this morning. (via existential al ain) [Yes, this link is to my blog, sorry, but you may not have been able to hear otherwise.]

Calling Al Ain Bloggers

I have just set up a Blog List site for Al Ain bloggers. It (of course) includes a link to the UAE Community blog. As well as a link to recent stuff on Al Ain Expats Yahoo group.

You can access the list here

alainblogs.blogspot.com

If you're a blogger in Al Ain and would like to have your blog listed, please post a comment there.

Thanks!


PS - Can it be added to the blogrolls here, please?

Ski Jebel Hafeet?

Has anyone heard anything about this?

Controversial plans to build an indoor ski slope on the highest peak in Abu Dhabi are being considered by local developer Tamouh Investments, as part of a major mixed-used development...

The project is controversial as it will radically alter the appearance of Jebel Hafeet...

Although the scheme will use the natural slope of the mountain, it will still require substantial work to alter the profile of the mountainside.

The developer hopes that the ski slope will meet criteria for Olympic events, creating a year-round training facility for top-class skiing.

The whole article is subscription only, but a copy of it can be found elsewhere.

I'm already on record at my blog that Jebel Hafeet should be left alone, but this seems beyond belief.

Sanaiyia Fire in Al Ain

There's a large fire burning over in Sanaiya in Al Ain. Anyone have any more info or pictures?

UPDATE: More details here

End of an Al Ain Landmark

This week has seen the beginning of the destruction of the Sheikha Salama Mosque. This mosque was built in honor of Sheikh Zayed's mother. I have some pre-destruction photos here if you are interested. Apparently a new mosque will being built in its place.

New Series - Mosques of Al Ain

After a couple of false starts, today I have actually begun my Mosques of Al Ain series. For the next few weeks, I will post a series of photos of some of the beautiful mosques here in Al Ain. It should be very similar to last year's Roundabouts of Al Ain series that many people liked. Today I am starting with the Islamic Institute (UAE University) Mosque.