DAY 3: ABU DHABI

July 5, 2017

Hi World,

Abu Dhabi used to be named Budhabi until Sheikh Zayed exemplified the catch and release method toward a deer inspiring its present name. Sheikh Zayed was named “father of the deer.” The king of Abu Dhabi from 1971 to 2004 was Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who currently has 88 children, 37 which are male, and one which has currently taken over the kingship of the royal lineage. Sheikh Khalifa is as rich as Bill Gates and has helped many poor countries such as Nigeria, The Philippines, and Ghana. Originally, Abu Dhabi gained its wealth from Milh or salt and it holds the culture of the United Arab Emirates through the current Bedouin people still living in Abu Dhabi and displaying the original customs of Arabs. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the UAE and the king of Abu Dhabi is also the president of the entirety of the United Arab Emirates. Fun fact: While many kingdoms using the hierarchy method of rule declare the first boy child as the rightful ruler, in Abu Dhabi, it is the brother of the king who rules directly after, and the ruler of the kingdom must be examined for the proper qualities for lead figure by a parliamentary system.

Yesterday was another eventful day. My family and I woke up in the morning to eat a quick breakfast and start the trek to Abu Dhabi. It was an hour and half away from our hotel in Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque we visited, named after Sheikh Khalifa, one of the kings of Abu Dhabi. This mosque can accommodate more than 50,000 people especially during Ramadan when it is needed for prayer time. Elizabeth II was the first visitor at this mosque and since them it has been a wonder that cannot be missed when visiting Abu Dhabi. Within the mosque there are 7 chandeliers made from real gold and crystals, and this mosque and all mosques are all white to exemplify the origins of Islam, peace. Next, we visited a museum exemplifying the existence of Abu Dhabi before during the 20th century, made up of Bedouin tribes and little innovation. Finally, we drove back to Dubai where Spencer and I experienced the indoor skiing complex in the Dubai Mall where I met a new friend named Jash from Tanzania. IT WAS AMAZING. Who knew that there could actually be a skiing complex in the middle of a desert. I didn’t.

Be Brave Today

XOXO

lyricallivi