Telegraph Island

At one point during the late 19th century, the telegraph was one of the most tangible strategic interests of the British in the Gulf, here exemplified by the one-time actually inhabited (at least by a lone signalist) Telegraph Island, in one of the khors of Musandam, relaying signals onwards to India.

See the stairs on the top photo?

Interest in the Gulf

Now, while focussing literally on the Gulf waters of the Hormuz, I can also draw attention to a book which neatly tied together many of the threads I have pieced out on intra-British rivalling interests between Delhi and London in the period up until the First World War. Interests in Persia determined the scope and shape of a Gulf presence, not otherwise called for. A basic knowledge of Anglo-Indian colonial history and the Great Game has certainly helped me to lay the puzzle.

Rising from the sea

I keep coming back to the drama and barren appearance of the landscape - all cliffs and water.

Birds

Masses of birds flying and diving in the straits.

Cliffs

From a boat, gliding through the amazing landscape of stone and water.

Fishing in the Straits

Musandam has enormous tourism potential but due to the strategic position, it has been very closed and undeveloped until recently. Small fishing villages still prevail along the coast, without modern amenities or services.

Omani fjords

Musandam offers a dramatic landscape of fjords (khors) and mountains, bordering the straits of Hormuz.

Oman

We spent Easter perched on a cliffside over the Straits of Hormuz, mostly relaxing completely.

Dubai logistics

Transport and logistics is at the heart of Dubais development, for the last 150 years and probably also for the future. Only the first picture is maybe revolutionary from that aspect?

Europe Day

Today, May 9th, is the national day of Europe. Here in Abu Dhabi, the EU embassies organize a lecture on GCC and EU relations, to mark the occasion. The lecture is given at 7 pm in the auditorium of Zayed University, by Dr Christian Koch from the Gulf Research Centre.

Around the Burj

Beautifully landscaped surroundsing to the Burj, too.

Tallest in the world

Burj Khalifa from up close.

Dubai aquarium

I don't really understand the Dubai Mall "largest in-mall aquarium in the world"-concept (like, who are they competing with?), but I have to say it's impressive. It's massive, the fish are enormous and numerous.

Frangipani blossoms

My family's favourite flower was in bloom when they visited just before Easter.