Anyone for Bird Watching on a Budget at a Nature Reserve

Part of this review and a picture got printed in Khaleej Times

If you are looking for something different to do with your family and that too with in the budget then Wasit Wetland Center is perfect for you. I found about the facility on trip advisor and the idea of nature reserve converted to an aviary / learning center grabbed my attention.

Wasit Wetand center is a facility built around wasit nature reserve, which is home to almost 60 species of coastal resident and migratory birds.I am really glad that Sharjah government took the initiative to not only develop and preserve the area but also use this as an opportunity for the public to experience and learn about local fauna as well.

Getting to the place is very easy as its situated  almost on E311 located somewhat at the border of Ajman and Sharjah. It is available on google maps as well so finding it is not an issue. It took only  19 minutes from Ajman but even if you come from Dubai, I dont think it would be a hassle provided you are not coming during rush hours.

 At the entrance there was drive thru ticket counter, from there you enter into a small parking area. We reached there around 3:30 , Weather was perfect and at the ticket section we were informed that closing time is 5:15 pm.

Based on my experience my expectation were different. I was expecting one or two observation decks in the area for bird watching. But to my surprise this facility is divided into 2 sections. One is a small golf carts safari through the reserve and other being the Aviaries just incase you don’t see much through safari ( which is usually the case with me )

From drive thru ticket counter you get to parking lot. Parking area was small but considering the frequency of visitor I believe was ok as we got parking easily on a weekend. At parking area golf carts were available to take us around the wetlands. Throughout the wetlands there were nicely hidden observation decks where you could stop for bird watching. Our guide was a friendly person from Attock Pakistan, who patiently answered all my Moms questions and requests to stop at different points for pictures. He told us that there are Deers in the area as well but this was the first trip since morning where he hasn’t spotted any Deers. May be it had to do with the timings we went there or my luck as I usually never find animals on safaris. It was a very pleasant 20 mins drive through the area. we made only 1 stop on the main observation deck at the lake.

To our disappointed apart from couple of flamingoes going through mud and at the lake we did not spot much of the birds. Someone rightly said, 'Birding is a lottery, some days you see nothing but others are magic’.

Overall a very pleasant ride through relatively greener patches of wetlands.

After Safari we moved to the Aviaries. Again the facility exceeded my expectation. These Aviaries were designed to perfection. The complex was partially underground and that made the bird watching experience easy as most of the birds were roaming at your sight level.

There were four covered aviaries and an open lagoon. Each section had couple of different birds group together to give a more natural feel . It was a small facility but very informative. I enjoyed going through the information given throughout the facility in form of charts /pictures on the wall and also in form of fun interactive kids games . I especially loved the big UAE Map with all bird and animal sanctuaries/nature reserves highlighted. Never knew this Middle East desert has such a rich mix of Fauna throughout. The look and feel was very modern and  temperature inside was perfectly controlled, something I personally struggle with closed facilities like this. The design of the center made bird watching fun and a treat for aspiring photographers like me. One cannot tell through the photographs that these birds are enclosed in Aviaries, thanks to the unusual approach of using tent and net rather than cages for the enclosures and creative landscaping to create a more natural environment with in the enclosures.

There was also a small cafeteria with the view of lagoon . Trust me watching pelicans go around the lagoon while having coffee at the cafeteria works like therapy.

I would also like to mention that I haven’t seen such a rich mix of interesting birds in my life in one place.

It took us around 1 and half hour through the whole center.

There were couple of interesting elements that I believe will be available soon like

Aviary walk: There were gate with sign saying Aviary Walk opening into the enclosures making it possible to actually see the birds through partially underground walk ways.

On foot safari: I believe one can roam through the main reserve area of approx. 4 km on foot as well but this was not allowed at the moment.

There was a gift shop with opening soon sign as well.

Overall a very interesting and fun trip considering that my 1 and half year old son and my 55+ mom both enjoyed it equally and for the price of just 15 dirhams it felt almost free. Highly recommended if you like the look of excitement on  your family and have a passion to see or in my case photograph rare birds.

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Sharjah Aquarium - Review

Last weekend we wanted to do something different, with in budget, in doors and with less driving involved. Usually one can only think of movies or bowling when it comes to above mentioned conditions but with not having any interesting films and too much of bowling, my search on trip advisor landed me on Sharjah Aquarium.

Been to Dubai Mall and Aquarium in Atlantis Palm Jumeirah we were reluctant at first, thinking what new can this place offer?

With only 30 minutes drive from Ajman and affordable ticket price of 25 dirham coupled with additional access to maritime museum we agreed to visit. I must say we were surprised.

Considering Sharjah traffic I wasn’t sure when to leave but as facility only opens from 4 to 9 so we left from home at around 6. To our relief we did not find any traffic. Parking area was small but I guess considering the visitors frequency is enough as we easily found parking close to the entrance.

The complex was modern and had maritime museum and aquarium both on the location. Due to hot weather we couldn’t explore the open area of the complex which had some interesting wooden boats/dhows at display and we head straight to the Aquarium entrance.

Considering Friday evening I was surprised to find no line at the ticket counter. Entrance to Aquarium was nicely designed with life size models of ocean life suspended from the roof, including a whale shark model, such attention-grabbing elements are really important for such facilities as they set the mood of the tour and also ensure that visitors have enough to discuss while touring and talk about later.

Flow of the facility was unique in a way that it lets you view the same fish display setup in two different ways, one from the surface of the water and second through tunnels. Over all interior decoration and ambience were designed using local elements like watch towers, wooden boats etc. giving it a very Emirati feel. Lighting was dim and appropriate through out the tunnels and then very well lit with walls adorned with beautiful painting on the surface area of the water. Smaller displays were also named after famous dive sights making one wonder if they actually tried to create the actual sight or it’s just a smart way to educate guests. Another effort to engage guests was “did you know” notes on the walls and touch screen information panels randomly placed through out.

Tour starts with the water surface view of sharks display from there one descent down towards the tunnel, passing by smaller displays of sea stars, sea horses and smaller fish. First stop is again the glass view of the sharks and then from there you get to tunnel that goes through the main aquarium section which house all the main species apart from sharks. Main section has all the usual fish species along with rays, groupers etc. From here you walk through smaller displays having species like eels, lobsters etc. and get to first floor again. Here you get to the surface view area of the main aquarium display section which is also the last attraction of the tour. Whole tour takes up to 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Unfortunately Maritime museum was closed for renovation so we couldn’t visit that but I guess once its open the tour time will go up by another 1 hours.



Ocean Pollution awareness display

I never realized that watching sea life through surface of the water could be this interesting as well; best moment was to see a big sea turtle surfacing to breath and then disappearing back in to the water (I wish I had my Nikon with me). One tends to miss out on these details as surface viewing is not available in aquariums usually.



I also liked the education aspect of the facility, for example at the end of the tour there was a display depicting sea pollutions caused by humans. The display was a regular fish aquarium but instead of fish it had pollutants such as empty soda bottles, ropes etc.



Gift Shop- My son liked couple of things

Apart from above there was a smaller glass walk way over the surface of main display, standard group photo facility at the entrance which can be bought at the exit (priced at 50 Dirham), a decent café and very well priced gift shop, making it a complete experience.

Considering price, species diversity, accessibility and facility flow this Aquarium has taken top rank in our list of Aquariums with in UAE and is highly recommended especially for photographers and families.

:-) Sorry for bad quality of pictures, next time will take my equipment with me.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Review

Today I am going to review Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , one of my favorite place in Abu Dhabi.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in first look seems like a modern fusion of Taj Mahal Agra with Badshahi Mosque Lahore, both built by Mughal rulers.

 

I have been to the Grand Mosque couple of times, both in the day time and in the evening. Drive from Dubai is decent not very long, but if you are planning to visit from northern emirates then I will suggest to plan a stopover in between, still the drive is not bad.

As soon as Abu Dhabi starts one can’t help but notice increased frequency of mosques on both sides of the road and all of them seemed to be inspired in one way or the other from the Grand mosque. This seems like visitors are being prepared for the Grand Mosque visit as some sort of grand finale.

Getting to the Grand Mosque complex is easy and the pin is available on Google maps. The drive in fact can be enjoyable (if fun for you consists of picking up dates while parked on hard shoulder or having tea from a gas station)

Grand Mosque complex consists of mosque in the center surrounded by very geometrical gardens, Domes layout and floor plan is inspired by Badshahi mosque with three main prominent domes on top of prayer hall, four classic Arab design oriented minarets on each corner of the mosque, Moorish style arcades on three sides of the mosque connected to prayer hall on the fourth side. There are pools along the arcades which reflect mosque spectacular columns. There is also a library, underground car parking and ablution facility.  The white exterior of Mosque gives the impression of Taj Mahal Agra.

At the Grand Mosque complex there is ample parking. If you are visiting in winter then visiting in day time is fine otherwise I will suggest you to visit in the evenings, as walk from the parking to the mosque gate and then to the prayer hall is pretty much with out any shade. Well that’s the only drawback in design from tourist perspective because if they put temporary shades then it will affect the esthetics of the place and there is no space in design kept for trees etc. but its not a major issue if you really have to visit in summer day time then simply get a cap or an umbrella and a small bottle of water should be ok.

There is a strict dress code so no shorts or sleeveless tops even for men but don’t worry , the temp veils or Arabic long attires are available on the spot. Posing for pictures in the mosque is strictly monitored and required to be decent inline with the respect a mosque deserves. This reminds me you should check out why Rihanna was politely asked to leave the mosque.

There are timing for visit and guided tours are also available, for which it is suggested to check website for schedule as it changes frequently.

Personally I will prefer night time as the mosque displays another side with lighting and pool reflections.

Now coming back to the Mosque, columns in the arcade are quite unique with top comprising of golden date leaf top with lower part of white with floral patterns made with colorful stones. Domes in the arcade and main gate at night are beautifully lit from inside with blue color further glorifying the patterns/calligraphy inside; don’t miss to check those out.

From main gate you step right in to big courtyard in the center of the mosque where whole floor has also been design with the same floral patterns made of stone.

There are three prayer halls, two reserved at all times for prayer(1 for male and other for female) and are simple compared to the main hall. Main hall is in the center and is main attraction/reserved for tours.

Basically the whole tour is designed in a way that from main gate you get to the main prayer while walking through the court yard and you leave your shoes on the shoe stands outside the main prayer hall. From there you enter through  classic arched electric glass doors(first ever I have seen in a Mosque) in to a small hall which is without carpet and is all white with walls fully covered with same stone floral designs. There is a very fancy crystal chandelier here, you walk through here following a path defined by temporary airport type fence and enter the main prayer hall.

Main Prayer hall is a work of art, it feels like some one has doodle floral pattern throughout. You are welcomed by a grand crystal chandelier which seems and later on I found out is one of the biggest in the world , It is right under the center big Dome . Wall behind chandelier has Imams wooden sermon seat with 99 names of Allah written all over the wall, where addition of light among the pattern adds to beauty.  The Carpet is set be the largest in the world. Each of the three main domes is supported by eight columns which are formed by four pillars each. Look for surprise design between each set of four pillars. Then you walk through the Main prayer hall to another smaller exhibition sort of hall which is similar in design with entrance room. During my last visit there was some vintage Islamic coin exhibition was going on (again please check website for such schedules).

You follow a similar pathway for exit as well. The whole tour will take 30 to 40 mins only provided you are not a photographer. This place is a photographer’s heaven, I spent almost 3 to 4 hours and was still not done.

If you are visiting from outside Abu Dhabi then I would suggest you club your tour with some other attraction like emirates zoo park to make most of the day and your drive.

For me it is a must visit if you are looking for some cultural experience which is absolutely free and comes with a road trip.

I am still editing the pictures and will do a separate post but here are few pictures:

 

Family Shoots

Your family is the most important thing in your life. Spoil them with a family photoshoot and receive beautiful images that you can put up in your house or send to relatives on special occasions.

Here are few pictures of Rohaan Yusuf's shoot with his Mom and Aunts.
For bookings please email on hamza.mirza21@gmail.com.

Dubai Butterfly Garden Review

This weekend I wanted to do something easy with less drive and hastle, so we decided to visit Dubai butterfly Garden. We have been to Miracle garden and Houston Cockrell Butterfly center before, so I assumed it to be mix of both. I was also hoping to see some amazing indoor landscaping and very colorful butterflies to do some macro photography there.

 

Facility:

The whole facility is much smaller to what I expected. It consists of a museum( I will not call it a museum though more like artistic display) in the entrance where there multiple species of butterflies are framed beautifully.

From the entrance museum one get to one of the three domes which house the butterflies. I liked the flow of facility. Also I really liked the idea of small domes or gazebo inside the bigger domes to get even closer to the butterflies.

Temperature inside was not managed well as I was sweating heavily. Indoor landscaping was also Okish, I was expecting a lot more flowers and greenery.

 

 

It took us approx 2 hours to go through the area. I think the whole area is good enough for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. It took me 2 hours as I was trying to do macro photography.

 

 

Butterfly Species:

Butterflies were in abundance and literally every where but I was sort of disappointed to see very few species of butterflies, The whole facility was full of mainly 3 to 4 species which were every where. Out of 10 butterflies , 8 were from 1 moth like Butterfly kind which was rather scary.

I still enjoyed the over all experience with whatever species were there as no matter what, butterflies are still pretty and fun to photograph.

 

Entry Ticket:

Entry ticket is priced at 50 dirhams per person.

 

Conclusion:

I enjoyed the overall experiemce, good fun for family specially with

kids. But with the entry price of 50 dirhams I will not recomend. With entry ticket between 20 to 30 this place would be ideal hangout for family fun but if entry ticket is not an issue for you then do visit and let me know if you agree to my review or not.