Journey to Al Rams


The confluence of the UAE National Day and the Eid al Adha holidays prompted a gesture of generosity from Sheikh Nahyan, the Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and the Minister of Education for the UAE. We were granted a 10 day holiday starting a few days ago, which allowed us time to go exploring our new neighbourhood.

Just a few kilometers along the coast from us is the small fishing village of Al Rams. Emiratis are very patriotic and like to make giant flags such as the one below, which was the first thing we noticed as it was visible from the highway.

UAE flag over Al Rams Village

More flags

This picturesque area brings the mountains just to the water leaving only a narrow strip of land between. These harbours or creeks are surrounded by mangroves which provide breeding grounds for birds and for small fish, which in turn become food for larger fish, which these fishermen then put on our tables.

Al Rams Harbour or “Creek”

The local fishing net is more like a lobster or crab trap than a traditional net. There was a move to ban this type of net because it tends to catch anything that goes in causing a lot of secondary catch which is most likely thrown overboard.

Fishing nets

Eid, as with many holidays, is celebrated with family and food. Getting out ot the truck is family, in the back of the truck is the food. When the banquet arrives still standing on four feet, there is little doubt as to the freshness of the meat. There have been notices in the paper reminding people that animals may only be slaughtered in approved abbatoirs and slaughterhouses. People are not to slaughter any animals in their front yards or in the street in front of their house.

Sacrificial goat for Eid

A minaret is a familiar site in any village or city. The more the better!

Mosque

To increase our exploration capacity, we purchased a vehicle that we thought could handle the local terrain.

Our new car on the coast

Our new Nissan Pathfinder (well, almost new – 2008) should take us through any wadi in the mountains and well out into the desert to the best camping sites.

Nissan Pathfinder

She needs no introduction.

Annette in Al Rams
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