Crossing UAE-Oman Border by Bus

Crossing the UAE – Oman border by land is pretty simple and hassle-free and many expats and foreigners in the UAE often self-drive to Oman for a quick getaway. There is a regular bus service between Dubai and Oman provided by Omani operators and this time I've decided to travel to Oman's capital, Muscat by bus.

I took the bus operated by the Oman National Transport Co (ONTC) on Wednesday morning at 07.00 from Deira. The fare cost AED55 (approx US$15) single trip. I had crossed the border by bus or train in other countries in other parts of the world, so it was sort of my objective out of curiosity to give it a shot. Even though petrol is pretty cheap in the oil-rich Gulf countries, I figure bus was cheaper than self-drive as I was travelling solo.

I had just recently moved and hadn't had adequate sleep for days. I slept only for 2 hours the previous night (actually I almost missed the bus! lol), so I just kept sleeping on the bus.

An Oman visa costs OR6＝AED60 (as of 2009). I'd heard it takes 4-5 hours to Muscat (to the border is a little over an hour). The entire trip took more than 6 hours (!) and I felt totally exhausted by the time I'd arrived.

Initially I was thinking of renting a car once I got to Muscat. However, near the bus terminal was nothing much open during the early hours of afternoon. I couldn't even spot a car-hire office. I gave up. I took a taxi and went to the hotel. I was so tired and still sleepy, I decided to take a rest and go to the local souq later.

Muttrah Corniche, Muscat

In any case, most of the shops in this part of the Gulf countries are customarily shut from midday to 3 or 4 in the afternoon. I was excited to visit the Souq Muttrah that is said to be one of the oldest bazaars in Oman or the Gulf and filled with exotic Arabian charm.

In the evening I met up with a local Omani friend of mine, who works for Oman's central bank. He took me to the Intercontinental for dinner. It was an international buffet and we sat at a table outside. There were hardly any customers even though it was weekend. I suspect the restaurant must be running at a loss.

I came back to the hotel a little past midnight and took a shower right away. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. It had been a long day.

I started the day a little late the following morning. I returned to the Muttrah area, strolled along the corniche, sat in a café and took my first cup of chai overlooking Port Qaboos. It was such a lovely beautiful Friday afternoon and I enjoyed the relaxing moment watching people and observing street activity in the market.

The bus to Dubai was to depart at 16.30. I went to the Souq Muttrah, but it was all shut until 16.00, so I thought of going to a shopping mall, but in Oman unlike other Gulf nations, most shopping malls seem to take an afternoon break. Customarily on Fridays they open late afternoon.

The post office is shut on Fridays, so I couldn't even send a postcard. I found it all a bit too inconvenient. After all I had no chance of doing shopping. I took a taxi and went straight to the bus terminal.

Souq Muttrah

As far as I know, most long-distance buses provide passengers with enough time to eat, stretch out, etc whenever they stop at motorway services. However, our bus made only a very brief stop of just 10-15 minutes, so anyone who wanted to eat had to grab a takeaway and eat on the bus.

Muscat seemed to be a fairly big city with a couple of interesting areas scattered across the town. If I'd had more time, I might have driven to another city or two. But this was a spontaneous getaway, so I went back to Dubai as scheduled. The return trip took even longer – 7 hours! I was still feeling exhausted and sleepy as I got back home.

Oman may not be quite as well-off as other neighbouring countries. Some of my Emirati friends had warned me that I might find it shocking to see that in Oman, Omanis along with foreign workers can be found working in service stations or fast-food outlets or kiosks. Not only that, bus or cab drivers were all Omanis.

This was indeed a bit shocking since here in the UAE or Qatar or Kuwait, these are the types of jobs that are almost 'reserved' for foreign workers and certainly not for the local citizens. I've noticed some people from the neighbouring countries sort of look down on the Omanis and this may explain why...

Even on the bus I don't think there were any Emiratis whilst there were several Omanis. I can’t picture an Emirati passenger travelling by coach. If they are to go to Oman, they will definitely drive their cars, or fly, I'd say.

In any case, my objective of 'crossing the border by bus' has been achieved. Hurrah! lol


Conclusion：

The bus is way too slow – I will never use it again! lol

UAE's 38th National Day

The 2nd of December is the UAE's National Day. A variety of historical and cultural events is currently being held across the Emirates to mark the 38th anniversary. On top of it, it so happens that this year's Eid al Adha (Islamic festival of sacrifice) falls right after the National Day, so the country's filled with such a special, fun, happy, festive atmosphere!

Women preparing local sweets, often offered during the Eid, in a traditional setting

Rice Dish for Guests and Visitors

I visited a heritage site in Jumeira Beach Walk that was specially arranged for this occasion. I must say I cannot thank God enough for the very fact that the the formation of the UAE or the uniting of the 7 emirates happened to take place in the 'winter'! Hence unlike the 2 Eids, the National Day is always guaranteed to come in the loveliest season when everyone can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest extent given the pleasant mild and dry climate.

Stick Dance

Imagine had it been in the summer, I fear if the festival in the open would've been only half as much fun because of the burning heat of the sun coupled with the steam bath humidity of the Gulf..!

Dubai Prince is Guest of Honour: Ramadan Charity Dinner

HH Sheikh Maktoum (centre) is a Deputy Ruler of Dubai

This past Friday I was invited to a charity dinner. During Ramadan many such charity events are being held across the Muslim world since it is an obligation for Muslims to care for the poor and needy, and they are more encouraged to do so during the holy month.

I had been told this particular function was specially arranged for orphans, so the hall was filled with lots of young children. Other attendees included organising and support staff, accompanying adults, media and guests. The Emir of Dubai's third son, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was guest of honour at this charity dinner.

Dinner started at sunset as every healthy Muslim is required to observe fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset. Children are often encouraged to get used to this practice little by little from a fairly young age.

I had no idea if or to what extent those children were fasting, but as soon as the dinner started, every one of them rushed to the buffet counters and piled up their plates. Arab families are huge, almost everyone has several siblings on average. It's very unlikely that any of those children actually live in an orphanage; there must be other family members to raise and take care of them on behalf of their deceased parents.

On top of that, local people in the UAE are leading a very high standard of living, so hardly any children must be starving! I guess they just got a bit carried away. Given the very meaning of Ramadan and charity, the pity was that most of the children took way too much food to finish and ended up wasting much of it as a result. Oh well...

Children on the Stage

After the dinner, children stepped up to the stage one by one to shake hands and for a photo shoot with guest of honour, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. I left for home right before midnight but lots of children's games and programmes were still running one after another!

Eid al Fitr in NY عيد الفطر

Look at This!!

Eid al Fitr is a Muslim festival / holiday to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan (رمضان) which is a fasting month. Ramadan this year is likely to begin on or around 21st of August and lasts for approx 30 days, then comes the Eid.

A Moroccan friend of mine was in charge of a 2006 Eid celebration at a Muslim organisation in NY that she belonged to. So I joined her and another friend to help out.

It's the Islamic custom for men to start first, then followed by women and children

Tons of Food and Sweets - What a Feast!

معكرونة, Arabic Rice, Salad, Chicken, Lamb, Roast Potatoes, etc...

My friend's Lamb Casserole à la marocaine was superb!

Muslim Weddings in Singapore

I have been to quite a few Muslim weddings in Singapore. People come and go as they like throughout the wedding banquet which is usually open for several hours from around midday.

Unlike in the Middle East there are no separate halls for men and women. Guests are free to help themselves to a buffet upon arrival.

Mouth-watering Malaysian Food!

I was scared of this groom as he kept staring at me whilst I was shooting!!

'Biryani' is almost always served at the wedding, along with local Malay dishes (all yummy!), lots of sweets and cakes, etc, etc.

Qurban قربان

Sheep to be 'sacrificed'

Qurban is an Islamic ceremony of the sacrifice of livestock for Eid ul Adha, which is one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims.

In Singapore, the actual act of qurban slaughter is only permitted in specifically designated areas like certain mosque premises.

In Egypt, carcases hang down for sale at the butcher's and qurban slaughtering can be seen performed in the street.

The market is a vibrant centre of life; people can be having tea and shisha in an open café right by the butcher's!

Belly Dance in Singapore

So it's New Year's Eve and a friend of mine invited me to a belly dance show which was specially held for tonight by one of the Middle Eastern restaurants in the Arab district of Singapore.

I didn't have any expectations whatsoever for the show itself as all the belly dance I had ever seen before in Luxor was utterly uninteresting, totally bizarre or simply ridiculous. However, I was a little taken aback this time. The dancers (Chinese Singaporeans) weren't bad at all! It was surprisingly entertaining and I did enjoy the music and the ambience.

She's a belly dance teacher