5 minutes of airtime

In the silence slumber of my days, the beckoning of new knowledge hung over like a dying frustration and while still not fully satisfied, some offerings have eased me over since citing Engadget's 2010 readers choice awards thereby directing my thoughts to how did Apple scoop the majority of the awards - our ramblings over how bad the smart phone is accumalated to it being voted best smart phone with best screen display, moments later!  Its no surprise that IPAD is the best gadget of the year but with HP and RIM hitting the market shortly I wonder how long it will be before IPAD starts losing customer loyalty or market share, if it does considering that it is priced cheaper than its android counterparts. For that, I have my eye on it eagerly checking my trusted TechCrunch daily.

Whether or not Qadhafi is going to step down or Bahrainis get to live their unified need, it is a thought that since the birth of 2011, its been showcasing itself with pure unrest as we, the worlds minions decide enough is enough and once again crave our 5 minutes of air time! The international flood disaster pinned the world down in each corner and it was not long after that, that Tunisia broke three decades of status quo spurring upheaval in the rest of the arab world and while oil hit higher days courtesy of the Libya debacle, travel and tour companies suffer the loss of this freedom call and somewhere in another part of the world a 6.3 magnitude earthquake got New Zealand some live time.

Facebook, the rallying supporter whose popularity doubled after much critic over its lack of security last year leaves you wondering if it and its shadow, twitter are the real evils behind the largest arab revolution of our times together - they are both after all becoming a platform for propaganda no matter how socialistically inclined they claim to be. Would we have been able to orchestrate such a huge revolution otherwise - perhaps stemming back to paper fly outs but then again, that would have taken masses of time between designing and delivering, right? No matter how rhetorical that question might be, it does leave you thought-provoked but not for long as it's time to get back to our life and for me, that means dusty windy days here in Qatar, busy work days, lifebook4life project (check out my cool badge on the right), hayfever feelings and today the announcement of the February winners for the BluePearl Awards. During February you made an impression on me:

Life of a Muslimah - February Winner

You're new in my world but I love reading your blog and this post was the best for February

خليجية *- February Winner

خليجية * all of your posts are just lovely but this was my favourite

Strangers Diary & Reviving of Sunnah - February Winner

I don't comment much on your blogs but I read both each time a new post comes out and I love them with this one being my favourite this month. 

BosnishMuslimah - February Winner

No matter which blog I go to (even my very own) I notice that you take the time to comment with only great words. In your own blog, thank you for all the wonderful informative posts about Bosnia during February

Congratulations ladies for making a difference!

One last thing, Amira, Mustika, RiaLive and RoseWater thanks for the Stylish blogger award, I appreciate it but I wont be posting it again as I already have it and to Sabirah, Happy Birthday dear darling - have fun today:)

Just...

Are you a slow starter when it comes to the new year? I am very much one and it might be because I tend to mentally whine down at the end of the year and starting over again in the new year is sluggishly unwanted. Its also time for some hopes for the new beginning but  I dont make resolutions as they just don't work for me so I just live each day for itself and leave my hopes with Allah. 

Ben10 (my eldest nephew) started grade 1 today and yesterday in conversation with him, I said, "my baby, you going to look all smart in uniform, hey?", to which he replied, "I going to send you a picture but you going to get soo fwighten" *chuckles* Indeed I will because I cannot believe my baby boy who some years ago was prematurely born and soooo little, is now a big boy with great aspirations of becoming a science professor, inshallah! 

BluePearl (c) - Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Dear Mama celebrated her birthday over the weekend - I love my moms birthday because I get to tell her something special about her and ofcourse extend my eternal gratitude for giving birth to me. Same weekend, saw the kick off to the Asian football cup here in Doha - the kick off show hosted at the Khalifa Stadium was just amazing.  Qatar's famous fireworks displayed filled the evening skies with glamour and gitz.

Thats all from me for now...hugs and love

Eid holiday moments

Previously I wrote a post about desert fun, so during this Eid holidays we were invited to one of the desert camps at Um Messaied. It was a well spent time there - the pictures speak for themselve!

BluePearl (c) - view from the camp

BluePearl (c) - kids riding 4 wheelers (Rhino, Polariz, Kawasaki) on the sand

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c) - one of the tents all lit up night

BluePearl (c) - arabic tea being brewed

 BluePearl(c) - fun in the sand

Deros, no no no

Oh dear Deros

It seems that the sunshine from this end of the world was lost today too...look at how it rained...

BluePearl (c) - rain drops on my window driving home this afternoon

DEROS, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STOP BLOGGING YOUNG LADY!

All those who agree, please go over to her blog and tell her so! 

Pharaonic culture found in Saudi

Saudi officials on Sunday announced the discovery of the country's first-ever artefact from pharaonic culture - a 3 100-year-old inscription carrying the signature of King Ramses III.

The inscription was found near the north-western Saudi oasis town of Tayma, about 200km southeast of Tabuk, a key stop on ancient trade routes, said Ali al-Ghabban, a senior museums and antiquities official.

The inscription was found on a rock and carries the royal signature of Ramses III with a double cartouche, Ghabban said in a statement.

[Source: News24.com]

مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِلَيْهِ يَصْعَدُ الْكَلِمُ الطَّيِّبُ وَالْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ يَرْفَعُهُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ يَمْكُرُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ۖ وَمَكْرُ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُوَ يَبُورُ ﴿١٠ 

(10) Whosoever desires honour, (power and glory), then to Allah belong all honour, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only by obeying and worshipping Allah (Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allah unless and until they are followed by good deeds), but those who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish. [Surah-Al-Fatir]

3abaya

I am not one to post about abaya's but I have an invite for a show in Dubai which I can not attend so I am sharing it with you. Here are the details.

Truly formulated Emirates style

If you a formula 1 fan, you will understand my excitement over the upcoming grand prix race happening this coming weekend in Abu dhabi. It's the final race for the 2010 season at the Yas Marina Circuit between the 12-14 November -   Renault has taken lead so far but I am pretty sure that Mercedes is going to fight all the way to the finish.  





But perhaps something more exciting for all those inner child adults and kids alike is not so much the Grand Prix itself but that the host city, Abu Dhabi is kicking off the race week in true fashion with the opening of the Ferrari World Theme Park. The Park is nothing short of impressive boasting the fastest roller coaster in the world, "Formula Rossa" along side other rides and entertainment - one would expect nothing less from the Emirates city, only true innovation and class to the say the least.  So let me leave you with this video and link to the website so you can decide for yourself.

Impressive, right? Well then, if you in Abu Dhabi this weekend, make a pit stop at the Theme Park & Have fun!

Go to the FerrariWorld website

Hajj 2010 Showcase 5: Saudi Arabia's New Monorail

Saudi Arabia has not only launched the world's largest clock this year but it has now introduced the first train system in Makkah's history after completing the first stage of the project - it is reported that it will transport nearly 130 000 pilgrims during this year's hajj easing road congestions caused by thousands of cars near Makkah. 





Three different types of tickets will cover all holy sites in Makkah and will allow the pilgrims to take the train into the city to perform their rites before returning to their residence inside or outside the city, Ajel online newspaper said, quoting Habib Zain Alabidin, Undersecretary at the Saudi Ministry of Municipal affairs. "The ticket's price is set at SR250 (US$ 67) which will cover a full trip into and out of Makkah for seven days…another ticket is priced at SR100 (US$ 27) for four days," he said. 

[6 photos & 1 video in this set - click here to view more]

Mashallah

Source: YouTube & "Madinah Makkah Hajj Train" Islam Newsroom October 18, 2010 

A rising star of a city

Walking on Doha's (Hub city in Qatar) 7.7 km corniche today, experiencing the calmness and breeze of its cooling months (November to February) leaves you spiritually healthy and feeling almost spectacular playing actor against the modern back drop of its formidable movie set, the growing high rise city.  It's breathe taking turquoise waters light up beautifully at night reflecting the beauty of a true Pearl.





Ten years ago there was not much of a view other than the Sheraton and a few odd buildings and before that not much at all. In fact, Qatar was not very well known to the world until its famous lead in LNG (Liquefied natural gas). Its oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country in the world. More recently its popularity has come from buying Harrods (London) or more notably its bid for the FIFA 2022 world cup or even that Qatar Airways flew the first GTL-fuelled commercial airliner, from London to Doha, with paying passengers. 

[5 photos in this set - click here to view]

Before: Qatar before its high rise buildings, photo courtesy of DesertBlooms (Flickr)

Now: Qatar now with more and more buildings coming up, photo courtesy of Brian Candy (Flickr)





With all this popularity now, Qatar had to revise its city and so over the years, Qatar has been hard at work building what is now called the "New Doha". Following in the footsteps of its brother country, Dubai, Qatar is fast becoming a super power of this millenium. Old Doha (the old city) has been restructured and under going massive reconstruction with some new projects (like the heart of Doha project) placing it as the traditional Islamic town which plays home to most of its resedential suburbs, souqs and town like shopping while New Doha is a sprouting strip playing host literally to dozens of skyscrapers. The latter can be dubbed as the commercial hub of Qatar offering many hotels which also boast access to the sandy mile, cooperate companies, the famous city centre shopping mall and ofcourse a scenic drive way to the Pearl.

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

Stay tuned for more of the Heart of Doha Project, The Pearl Island and other exciting Qatar stories.





Have a great week!

Hajj 2010 Showcase 1

The Hajj Journey 2010 with Nasheed (Urdu)

I love the skies

Ever since I was a little girl, I have cherished clouds, being able to be high up in the skies and fly over these chunky sky pillows. When I was 12 years old, doing my first flight from Durban, South Africa to Cape Town, South Africa, I was left breathless over the 2 hour journey at sunset. It is truly, Alhumdulillah, one of the most beautiful things to behold. It was at that time, that I decided, I loved planes.

Artist Impression of A380 seen here Doha's city (this is how new Doha looks now)

Today, flying has become somewhat of a routine, for me, taxing between South Africa and Qatar.





As if the increase in aircraft accidents have left me unaffected, the 8 hour trip to and from, is like a breeze and no matter how tired I am, I am just so excited to be over the clouds! Over and above of placing my trust in Allah, the rest of that relief comes from flying with the countries flag carrier,i.e.: 5 star accredited Qatar Airways Airline - not only does it give me piece of mind on safety but they operate young fleet that notably live up to the 5 star status. The economy class has been structured so well that you can fold your legs comfortably without touching the seat in front. I have flown with many other airlines and found the seating to be cramped - It is understandable how Qatar Airways managed to scoop so many awards in recent times (ranging from best economy class, best cabin crew and more recently retained the Best Middle Eastern Airline title for the fifth year running at the annual TTG Asia Pacific awards held in Bangkok and Best Middle East Airline accolade for the second consecutive year at the 2010 Business Traveller Asia Pacific). The planes are new and modern offering excellent in-flight entertainment and cabin crew services. Over and above these facilities, it offers a first class premium check in facility (Doha) and Mobile/Online check in. 

Well done Qatar Airways - you're doing a great job!





For a virtual tour of some of the airlines offerings, have a look here 

Doha, will soon also be opening its new airport, which comes with high expectations. Take a look