LIFESTYLE
BREAKING BARRIERS: JUMEIRAH MOSQUE
By WAYNE SING and HANISAH BTE RASHID
Facade of Jumeirah Mosque. Photo by: Wayne Sing
Amidst the rapid globalisation of Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque retains the city’s culture and remains as the only mosque that provides guided tours to non-muslims. Built from white sandstone, this intricately detailed cultural site is widely popular among tourists - the perfect way to gain a deeper understanding of the Islam religion.
Launched in 1979, Jumeirah Mosque is one of the sole infrastructures preserved to this day. A stark contrast from its early days as a residential neighbourhood, commercialisation of the area has now lined the streets with multiple shopping malls and restaurants.
It is also one of the few mosques in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which non-muslims can visit, with others including the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.
Located along Jumeirah Beach Road, a stand out feature of the mosque is its Fatimid architectural style. The roof of the mosque is dome-shaped to amplify sound; covered with intricate geometric designs that hold carvings of Arabic verses present in the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the holy book for Muslims, believed to hold the sacred word of God.
The design of the carpet serves a unique purpose. Since prayers require fellow worshipers to stand in a straight line, the carpets are designed in stripes to help organise the people during mass prayers.
The culture of Dubai is preserved in the country’s currency. The United Arab Emirates Dirham, commonly abbreviated as “AED”, features the Jumeirah Mosque on the 500 Dirham note.
Not to be mistaken for displaying numbers on a stock exchange, the Islamic prayer time clock acts as a point of reference for fellow worshippers in the mosque to know the exact time of prayer. One of the five pillars of Islam is ‘Solat’, where a follower has to perform a prayer five times a day.
The Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai open to the public through its programme “Open doors. Open minds.” It is hosted by The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
A tour of Jumeirah Mosque costs 20 AED (S$7.50) per person, including complimentary Arabic coffee, dates and traditional pastries. The tour allows participants to learn more about the mosque and Islam as a religion through explanations from a seasoned guide on the topic.
(Camel milk ice cream. Photo by: Wayne Sing)
Ms Najat Al-Shejni, a senior presenter at the mosque, has been giving guides to visitors for the past four years. She says: “It’s important to have this kind of programme not only in Dubai but all parts of the world. Learning more about each other; that is how we build the ‘bridges’ of communication.”
The tour also provides an opportunity for an open dialogue to be established through honest queries and misconceptions raised that will be addressed by the guide. This results in a healthy discussion that helps to increase understanding of the religion and the mosque itself.
Mr John Ireland, 60, a tourist who visited Jumeirah Mosque, says that he was surprised that he could get a good understanding of the mosque in such a short time. He also adds that if given a chance, he would come back with his family again.
The tours are conducted six days a week, from Saturday to Monday, at 10 am. The entirety of the tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Interested applicants do not need to book a reservation to partake in the visit but should arrive slightly earlier to ensure a spot.
During the tour, visitors are advised to dress modestly. Preferable clothing includes long pants, skirts or dresses, and headscarves for women. Additionally, traditional wear and headscarves are provided as well.
(Students dressed in appropriate attire. Photo by: Idris)
“The Emirati and Westerners may [differ], but in the mosque, everyone is able to openly discuss topics that [might] otherwise be considered as taboo in normal conversations,” says Ms Domonique Burnett, 22, a tourist visiting the mosque.
For more information about the tour mentioned above, visit: http://www.cultures.ae/index.php/ouractivities/jumeirah-mosque-visit
ATTRACTION
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE REVIEW
By MELISSA YOW
IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai is the world’s largest indoor theme park that features 5 different adventure zones and a wide variety of rides that will please both thrill seekers and those who are not the biggest fans of roller coasters.
The 5 different adventure zones include Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and NOVO Cinemas. Here’s a breakdown and ranking of the different adventure zones and the rides from these different zones.
Marvel
The marvel adventure zone is an action-packed zone featuring jaw-dropping and heart stopping rollercoasters like Thor’s Thunder Spin and Spider-Man Doc Ock’s revenge. Be prepared for loads of fun and adrenaline.
1. Thor’s Thunder Spin
This ride literally tosses you upside down and it makes gravity pretty much irrelevant. To be honest, I was so scared I forgot half of the ride. But, nonetheless, it was a great and the thrill I got was indescribable. It was definitely fun trying a ride like this and if you’re a daredevil, this is a ride that is not to be missed.
Rating: 5/5
2. Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge
Okay so this rollercoaster was a little more unexpected because it spins you around while you’re on the ride itself and it’s definitely a new experience. However, this ride was only fun for me when I sat right in the front, cause somehow the first seat spun a lot more than the rest. So, my tip is to get yourself a seat right at the front.
Rating: 4/5
3. Avengers Flight of the Quinjets
So, this one is just a fun ride, it’s a more laidback and more casual ride, great for those who are not the biggest fans of adrenaline.
Rating: 3.5/5
Lost Valley
The lost valley adventure zone was full of hair-raising rides and it takes you back to pre-historic times, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth.
1. Predator
This ride was truly exciting. There was a vertical drop and it definitely made my heart just jump right out of my chest. It’s a short ride but definitely full of adventure and thrill.
Rating: 4.5/5
2. The Velociraptor
I was honestly the most excited for this ride, seeing that it was the only ride that led to the outside of the park and into open air. However, the only fun part was the acceleration at the start of the ride, and the rest of the ride seemed pretty flat to me. Don’t get me wrong though, it was still very thrilling.
*be prepared to walk a long way before you reach the ride itself.
Rating: 3.5/5
Cartoon Network
The Cartoon Network adventure zone was just pure joy. This is also the most kid friendly part of the park in my opinion. It’s also really cute!
1. The Powerpuff Girls – Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage!
I have so much to say about this ride, in the best way possible. But fair warning, this is not for the faint of heart as well. This ride spins you upside down and you can get real giddy real quick, but it definitely provided lots of laughs for my friends and I. To be honest, it might be one of my favourites in the theme park!
Rating: 5/5
2. The Amazing Ride of Gumball
This ride is more like a game, where you’re taken around and you’re tasked to shoot at some objects with laser guns. Also, you have a friendly competition going on where you’re given scores based on your accuracy and the number of objects you manage to hit. The storyline behind this ride is also pretty cute too if you ask me and it definitely was a very fun game with tons of laughs and trying to beat your friend’s score.
Rating: 4/5
3. Lazytown
The Lazy Town attraction was really great and one thing you should do is pre-book a slot at the Lazy Town Pirates Adventure. It is a high elements course and for someone like me who’s somewhat proficient at rock climbing (keyword: somewhat), it was still a challenge for me and it was definitely super enjoyable, so this is an attraction that is not to be missed.
Rating: 4/5
IMG Boulevard
IMG Boulevard has more shops and dining options rather than attractions, so here’s a look at that.
1. The Haunted Hotel
I have the biggest fear of haunted houses or anything that can possibly give my already terrified heart a possible heart attack. Overall it was fun though. But, half the time I was just closing my eyes and trying to run through the haunted house as fast as I possibly could. Also, if you’re as scared as me, use your friends as a shield. It’s a tried and tested method (tried and tested by me that is)
Overall, IMG Worlds of Adventure was great fun and is definitely something that you should add to your itinerary if you do visit Dubai.
DUBAI OPERA "THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO"
By PATRICIA LEE
Dubai Opera offers a variety of opera shows to people of all ages. Our team was lucky to
catch the opera “The Marriage of Figaro”, which tells a convoluted tale of romance and surprises between the main characters.
Before we dive into the opera itself, do take note that reactions to opera differs from person to person. It’s not for everyone, but you should at least try watching an opera once in your lifetime, because it’s different in the way the actors sing the lines instead of saying them, with a live symphony guiding their voice in the rhythm, volume and tone.
Why the “The Marriage of Figaro”?
“It's actually one of the GREATEST operas ever written in history and the plot is more convoluted and scandalous than your modern K dramas! There's even crossdressing and catfish baiting involved! If anything, enjoy the score because it was written by Mozart who's a total prodigy”
– Ms Chong, 2017 on her reason for choosing the Marriage of Figaro for our visit to the Opera
The facilities at Dubai Opera were great. In the opera hall, the rows were significantly tiered apart, such that people sitting in the back rows were able to see the opera singers and the symphony clearly. A wide variety of drinks such as champagne and wine were available for guests to purchase and have a refreshing drink before heading back into the hall after intermission.
Fun Fact: According to advice from Ms Chong you don't actually need to dress up to the nines for the opera. After all, you’re paying the same price as the people who actually dress up so it doesn't really matter. All that does is being comfortable as you watch the opera.
“The Marriage of Figaro” is the second in three collaborations between composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. The three collaborations are: The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte, and based on Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais’s 1784 play Le Mariage de Figaro.
Set in the late 18th century, the story tells the tale of Figaro, Susanna, Count Almaviva and his wife, the Countess. It explores love, betrayal and a few other quirky surprises within the opera itself that you have to experience for yourself.
If you’re in Dubai, you definitely don't want to miss a night at the Dubai Opera!
Fun Fact: Cherubino (the godson of the Countess) is normally played by a girl in the play, although the character is a boy who can't control his hormones. However, Mozart apparently wrote the music score with such high musical notes that it can only be sung by a female, due to the high pitch.
SHOPPING
4 TIPS TO MAXIMISE YOUR TIME AND MAKE YOUR TRIP TO DEIRA SOUKS IN DUBAI WORTHWHILE
By HANISAH RASHID
Prep yourself before heading to Deira Souk!
Deira Souk is a traditional marketplace in Dubai that hosts an abundance of shops selling items that range from gold to spices. Items are sold at prices that are negotiable, so be sure to bargain! A unique feature of Dubai is that it had found wealth through trading rather than oil, a rarity in the UAE. Therefore, the Souks provides an unforgettable look into the vibrant past of Dubai that still lives on today.
So how do you properly enjoy and maximise your time spent there? Through multiple visits to the area, we have learned of 3 essential things to note before embarking on your trip to Deira Souks.
1. Be weather ready – Avoid melting into nothingness under the hot sun
Unfortunately, we travelled to Dubai when there was an apparent heat wave underway. In an attempt to escape the sweltering heat, we realised hand or electronic fans went a long way. So consider investing in bringing them along on the trip!
Packing light would also help to relieve ache in your shoulders and minimise sweating as you’ll definitely be doing a lot of walking when trying to find the best deals.
But no worries, there are also plenty of air-conditioned shops to take refuge in and cool down!
2. Familiarise with the area through Google Maps – Saves time and avoids confusion!
The area lacks signs and directions that are in English so be sure to familiarise with the area beforehand with Google Maps. This helps to save time from just milling around aimlessly and maximises opportunities for more shopping time!
Planning out your routes also help to make sure that you are able to check out all the stores offered instead of sticking to one single area. There are a range of items available at Deira Souks - gold, perfume, spices, electronics and textiles. Don’t miss out an opportunity to check them out by pinning down the places to head to!
3. Be prepared to BARGAIN – prices are flexible so ensure you get your money’s worth!
The prices are flexible so be sure to bargain reasonably. Prices can go down as much as half its original price, so if you’re not a good bargainer, travel with someone who can help you out! It would be best to get a quick feel of the area first before making your purchases to ensure you get the best deals.
These are a few shops we would recommend that provided the best deals:
4. ‘Interesting’ methods of approach by shop owners – But they don’t mean any harm!
Shop owners may get a little excited when attempting to lure you into their shops, but most of the time, they don’t mean any harm. We’ve had a few funny run-ins where they tried talking in a language they assume we understand and also spouting hilarious pick-up lines that relate to what they are selling, cracking us up at times.
They tend to use more aggressive approach tactics with men as they are more comfortable establishing physical contact with them so we have had to rescue our male counterparts a few times from their overly-friendly clutches.
However, in the end, we managed to forge new friendships with a couple of shop owners whose hospitality were truly top notch! No doubt, the visit to Souk was a truly enriching experience that all of us enjoyed thoroughly.
CULTURE
A CITY WITHOUT BONES
By MELISSA YOW and HANISAH RASHID
Before being discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum back in 2002 after flying across the Rub Al-Khali desert, Saruq Al-Hadid was a well kept secret. Hidden under sand in the vast dunes, it was only thanks to the Sheikh’s sharp eye that Saruq Al-Hadid was discovered and unearthed.
He noticed a change in colour in one particular area of the dunes which ended up being the slag (stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore) created from smelting iron during the Iron Age had risen and settled at the surface. Not to mention, the Sheikh noted that the dunes were unusually shaped, raising suspicion that there was a well kept secret hidden beneath the surface.
The mysteries of Saruq Al-Hadid can be perfectly summed up by Dr Derek Kennet, a senior lecturer in Durham University’s department of archaeology who said that “we are beginning to realise there was much more going on across this region than had been realised,” in an interview with The National.
Saruq Al-Hadid was most likely a centre for skilled metal working and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of over five thousand years of activity at this site, with new discoveries being made every day.
To date, only 15% of the historical site has been explored, and despite the progress made on the site, human bones have yet to be found. This makes the people of Saruq Al-Hadid a mystery.
Who were they? What were they like? How did they live their lives?
From the various artefacts that were excavated people have come to certain inferences and assumptions about the people of Saruq Al-Hadid. Though these assumptions may not be completely true, they definitely give perspective and insight as to what they were like.
At the site, archaeologists have unearthed shells with fine details carved into them, with no knowledge of any of the tools they used to carve the delicate details into the shells.
(One of the shells on display with fine carvings and details, Photo Credit: Melissa Yow)
Not only that, several objects made out of pure 24 karat gold have been discovered, including a 2cm coin featuring a gazelle possibly modelled after what the people have seen in the desert.
(24k gold coin featuring a gazelle that is 2cm in diameter, excavated at Saruq Al-Hadid, Photo Credit: Melissa Yow)
The people of Saruq-Al Hadid also appeared to have a fascination with snakes as many snake motifs were found on pots and they also casted some individual snakes out of metal. At the site, many bronze snakes and even a gold snake has been found.
(Snake figurines made of various metals dug up at Saruq Al-Hadid, Photo Credit: Melissa Yow)
Several weapons were also discovered at the site. Archaeologists have uncovered 6000 arrowheads, 100 daggers and 40 swords thus far.
(Arrowheads of different shapes and sizes dug up at Saruq Al Hadid, Photo Credit: Melissa Yow)
Why was there a need for so many weapons? This peaked curiosity in several people and they started questioning the possibility of threats or even a war the people of Saruq Al-Hadid may have been preparing for.
From all this, many people have come to infer that the people of Saruq Al-Hadid were excellent craftsmen and paid attention to detail. They were also resourceful, clever and artistic. Hopefully, over time, we will one day get to know and understand the people of Saruq Al-Hadid.
While excavating the site, several objects of mysterious origins and purposes were also found. Archaeologists are unsure of the purposes and uses of the objects found, but over the years, a few plausible theories have emerged and here is a more detailed look at some of the out-of-the-ordinary objects.
One of the objects unearthed is this object in the photo below.
(Unidentified metal object dug up at Saruq Al-Hadid, Photo Credit: Hanisah Rashid)
Archaeologists theorised that one possible use of this object was as an anklet for camels owned by the people of Saruq Al-Hadid or it could have also been used as heavy human adornment. However, our guide disagreed with this theory, and instead believes that the object was part of a protective armour used by the people during that time. The belief that humans were much bigger in size during that time also adds to this theory.
Another one of the mysterious objects that have raised questions would be this object here.
(Metal figurines dug up at Saruq Al-Hadid, Photo Credit: Melissa Yow)
Many theories have surfaced, but two are particularly popular. One of the theories suggest that this object was a toy for children to play with. However, our guide was quick to rebut this theory as he believed that children would not have been given toys made out of metal as it was an expensive material. Another speculation states that these tiny figurines actually represent Gods or even representations of Gods as historians are unsure whether the people of Saruq Al-Hadid followed any faiths or religions and may have used these figurines to carry out worship and prayer. This theory is also attributed to the way the figurines are crafted as their arms are outstretched and it seems as though they are reaching out to those who owned the figurines.
The objects uncovered at the site suggest influences from other regions such as Babylon, Syria, Assyria and Dilmun. This was possible because Saruq Al-Hadid was located at an ideal location that allowed for easy access to the major trade routes of the Middle East during that time. During the early iron age of c. 1100 BC, the fluctuating nature of empires and civilisations during that particular time period had allowed Saruq Al- Hadid to reach its peak. This shows how trade had allowed for an exchange of goods and adoption of practices that had enabled Saruq Al-Hadid to prosper through evolution and advancement of their systems. These discoveries have provided further insight into the civilization and cleared misconceptions of the current assumptions made based on the information found initially.
For Saruq Al-Hadid, the story does not end here. As archaeologists continue to uncover more relics and items from the site, we may end up learning more about the people of Saruq Al-Hadid. For now, Saruq Al-Hadid and the purpose of its relics will continue to be a mystery, leaving archaeologists and historians pondering over possible theories.
