Glimpses of the UAE

08/06/2025

Madha, Oman

06/06/2025

Wishing everyone a blessed Eid

24/05/2025

Al Shindagha Museum might just be my favourite place to explore Dubai’s past. When it comes to creekside neighbourhoods, Al Shindagha is much quieter than Al Fahidi or Deira Old Souq area across the creek.

Very few paid tours or tourists exploring independently seem to come here compared to the other locations which means you get plenty of space to wander, reflect, try out interactive exhibits, talk to guides and learn something new.

My personal top pick is The Perfume House. It’s well-curated, with lots of exhibits of raw materials and perfume-making instruments, information about the role of perfume in Emirati hospitality and some sensory surprises too.

Afterwards, grab lunch overlooking the water at Arabian Fish House or Bayt Jayran.

For more info, see the latest blog post on the website. There's also an earlier post on the wider Shindagha Historic District as a whole if you want explore other museums and places of interest.

24/05/2025

Al Shindagha Museum might just be my favourite place to explore Dubai’s past. When it comes to creekside neighbourhoods, Al Shindagha is much quieter than Al Fahidi or Deira Old Souq area across the creek.

Very few paid tours or tourists exploring independently seem to come here compared to the other locations which means you get plenty of space to wander, reflect, try out interactive exhibits, talk to guides and learn something new.

My personal top pick is The Perfume House. It’s well-curated, with lots of exhibits of raw materials and perfume-making instruments, information about the role of perfume in Emirati hospitality and some sensory surprises too.

Afterwards, grab lunch overlooking the water at Arabian Fish House or Bayt Jayran.

For more info, see the latest blog post on the website. There's also an earlier post on the wider Shindagha Historic District as a whole if you want explore other museums and places of interest.

https://glimpsesofuae.com/al-shindagha-museum/

11/05/2025

From abandoned stone houses to a boutique adults-only retreat, Najd Al Miqsar has been carefully reimagined as part of Sharjah’s efforts to preserve and repurpose heritage sites.

Set high above Wadi Shie and just a short walk from Al Rafisah Dam, it’s one of the most unique places to stay in the UAE. You can also just stop by for coffee at the Wishi Cafe and Restaurant with views over the valley to Khorfakkan.

I first posted about Najd Al Miqsar in 2019, when it was still an abandoned village. I've completely updated the original post but still photos taken before the work started so you can see before and after. Link in the comments.

19/04/2025

Dhaid Oasis

18/04/2025

Lovely walk by farms and mountains today and the weather was perfect. We started at Masfoot Lake and walked towards Masfoot Square. You can keep going all the way along Masfoot Walk and then even up and over Jebel Abyad. Or near Masfut Lake, go up the hillside to Boma Tower and back down the other side. There are lots of options for walking and hiking in Masfoot for different levels. This one was nice and gentle. You can see more on Masfoot on my post on the website. #

13/04/2025

Sharjah is perfect for nature lovers — think mangroves, mountains, white-sand beaches, and wildlife reserves. 🐢🌊🦅 Whether you’re into birdwatching at Wasit Wetlands, hiking mountain trails in Shees and Wadi Al Helo, or meeting giraffes and rhinos at Sharjah Safari, this emirate has it all.

📍 Save this post for your next nature-inspired adventure in the UAE or share with a friend!

05/04/2025

A question often asked these days is can I take a rental car from the UAE to Oman. The answer is yes but the next question is - is it worth it?

Find out the companies that allow it, the ones that don’t and details of charges, time required, roadside assistance, etc.

Share or tag a friend who you know wants to know the answer to this question!

Planning to drive across the border? Learn how to take a Rental Car from UAE to Oman in 2025, which companies allow it, and what rules to follow.

30/03/2025

Wishing you all a blessed Eid. For those who observed Ramadan, may your fasting, prayers and deeds be accepted.

09/03/2025

Have you visited Etihad Museum? If you’d like to know more about the creation of the United Arab Emirates, this is the place to go.

If you’re an architecture-lover, that’s worth going for too.

At the weekend, there are free creative workshops included. See more in the link in the comments.

05/03/2025

The latest newsletter is out with ideas of things to do during Ramadan. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do that here at http://subscribepage.io/GoHZWj