Welcome to Cairo Airport!

Fast Trip To Oman

The country of Oman lies to the east of Dubai, a mere 3 hour drive. I couldn't resist, so Shahir drove me there my last night in Dubai. Unfortunately this is what the scenery looked like on the entire drive. Can you say "boring"?

Shahir's Son, Shifon

Final Flight to Dubai

In the mists you can see the outline of the World's Tallest Building, the Burj Kalifa. The name was changed to Burj Kalifa a few minutes into the opening ceremony and not long after Sheikh Kalifa of Dubai loaned Dubai $10 billion to help with their debts.

Michael Jackson's Island

This is where Michael Jackson lived when he left the US. The Prime Minister, Sheikh Kalifa, loaned him an island near the Bahrain Airport in Manama.

Wall of Rice

Bahrain Spice Market

Wind Catcher

This new building actually has propellers that supposedly converts the wind power.

Twin Towers in Bahrain

When Pres Bush was visiting he told the King that these towers could not be named the "Twin Towers" because there is only one set of Twin Towers - those of New York. Despite his concern, everyone continues to call them the Twin Towers.

Bahrain Fort

This is the newest of the 5 layers of the 4000 year old fort. The flag of the Kingdom Of Bahrain flies and the outline of the modern city is in the background.

Bahrain Fort Museum

The fort near this museum is 4000 years old.

Bahrain ala Key West

We stumbled onto a small neighborhood of houses painted in this whimsical style. Unfortunately it was all scheduled to be demolished. If your house is getting "too old" you can petition the King. He will pay for you to move into an apartment while he tears down your house and replaces it with a new one.

My Bahrain Guide's Nephew and His Friends

Saudi Arabia/Bahrain Border

The Bridge to Saudi Arabia

Bahrain is a tiny island of a country that is connected to Saudi Arabia by a 20 mile bridge. The middle of the bridge has a look out tower and restaurants as well as the border check for people entering the countries. I was within 10 feet of the border, probably the closest I will ever be allowed to get to Saudi Arabia.

The Happy Camels of Bahrain

Qatar Mosque

Qatar Museum Sunset

Turkish Armour - 1300s

Museum Interior

Interior-Qatar's Museum of Islamic Art

Qatar's Museum of Islamic Art

Side trips from the UAE included the countries of Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. What an unexpected treat to find this museum, designed by I.m. Pei, the same terrific architect who designed the pyramid over the Louvre in Paris. In the background you can see the outline of downtown Doha, the capital of Qatar.