David Gabis Photography Blog

Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Geological uniqueness and beauty Al Wathba Fossil dunes  are unique and fascinating formations of amazing wind-swept sand, permeated with calcium carbonate and hence hardened to form distinct. These wonderful natural sculptures are varied and created abstract desert structures not to be missed when in Abu Dhabi. During the glacial period when they were created, the groundwater levels were higher than nowadays and rainfalls more frequent. That allowed water to permeate the sand with calcium carbonate. Hence the sand was hardened in some areas forming the fossil dunes. “You can experience the beauty of nature only when you sit with it, observe it, breathe it and talk to it.” 

Medieval Carcassonne is a fortified town rather than a castle - and perhaps the most impressive fortified medieval town to be found. Which is ironic, because in the middle of the 19th century it was in such bad repair that it became scheduled for demolition, to be saved by the efforts of the local mayor, who called in the new 'historic monuments' department to take a look. The main entrance of the fortified city The city was saved, the well known architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc took the renovation project in hand, and the rest, as they say, is history. Panoramic view of the castle inside the fortified city Due to its position on historical routes across France the location has been occupied for more than 5,000 years, and was an important centre from 2,500 years ago onwards. It was first fortified by the Romans, and given the name Carcaso. After the Romans were driven out Carcassonne fell in the hands of various of the invading tribes, and became more fortif

Firing of the cannon in front of Burj Khalifa, Dubai A loud boom signals the start of Ramadan across Dubai. The Ramadan cannons heard in Dubai throughout Ramadan keep the tradition alive. The firing of the cannon is an old tradition that is believed to have originated in Egypt to announce IFTAR and the end of the day’s fast. Since then the practice has spread to most Arab countries. "Two shots will be fired to mark the beginning of the holy month. A single shot will be fired throughout the month to announce Iftar time".  During the holy month of Ramadan, cannons are placed all over the emirate and fired everyday signifying the daily time for Iftar. Cannon ready to fire to announce the Iftar time in front of Dubai Opera

Enjoy clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean sea, Cassis, France Cassis bay and Cap Canaille (background). The picturesque port of Cassis - well worth a visit in its own right - is a perfect starting point to visit the calanques of Port Miou, Port Pin and En Vau. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its cliffs and the sheltered inlets called calanques. The wines of Cassis are white and rosé, and not to be confused with crème de cassis, a specialty of Burgundy which takes its name from blackcurrants (cassis), not the commune. Bay of Cassis, France Woman trekking in the calque of Cassis People enjoying kayaking between cliffs

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.  This is the third biggest worldwide after the ones in Mecca and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al  NAHYAN (his last resting place). He chose the location and influence the design and architecture of the building. He wanted it visible from all directions and for this the mosque was built with the rise of 9,5 meters above the street level and 11 meters above sea level. The complex cover an area of 22,412 square meters, the Four Minarets rise about 107 meters, the courtyard measures about 17,000 square meters and it is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world. The mosque was finished wit a decoration of Greek and Italian white marble, which is considered to be among the purest of the world. Major international companies specialised in the manufac

The golden sphere on top of the Bayterek Tower (also observation desk) BAYTEREK is a monument located in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is an observation tower and a popular attraction for all tourists (locals and foreigners). The Kazakh word "bayterek" translates literally to mean "toll poplar" as in the tree. The construction started in October 1996 and was completed in August 2002, 14 years later.  The building is 105 meters tall with a gold -mirrored of 22 meters diameter sphere. The design meant to embody a folktale a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness. The bird (called Samruk) had laid its egg in the sacred tree of life. An observation deck is located a the top of the tower where you can also place your hand in a print of President NAZARBAEV's palm, the first president following the independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991. The Hand print of President NAZABAEV's palm

The Clock Tower of Cape town in Yellow The three-storeyed Clock Tower (originally red) with its pointed Gothic windows is a landmark in Cape tow. It was the first port Captain's office, o nce completed in 1882. The clock was imported from Edinburgh. It was painted in yellow for the Cape Town Design Capital in 2014. A tidal gauge mechanism was located in the ground floor and was indicating the exact height of the tide at any given time for the benefit of the ships entering or leaving the docks. The Port Captain had an overview of harbor activities at the top floor as it was lined with mirrors. The restoration took two years (from 1997 to 98) and was a focal point in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront's urban renewal. Over the years the building has begun to lean slightly about 50mm. A set of brass pins has been inserted in the brickwork to ensure that any movement can be spotted.

Downtown Dubai at sunset with the water canal and the iconic Burj Khalifa Downtown Dubai - "The center of Now" - is mixed-used mega-development in the city with the famous and the iconic skyscraper Burj Khalifa, The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Dubai Fountain. You can also found Souq Al Bahar, Emaar Boulevard etc... You will find there commercial, residential, hotels, entertainment, leisure and shopping  It covers an area of 2 square kilometers (0.77 sq miles) at an estimated cost of US$20 billion.

Scenic view of Wadi Bani Khalid and his main pool It is the best-known and most famous wadi of the Sharqiyah region and in Oman. It is part of the Hajar Mountains. Located at 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Muscat, it is really accessible as you have to walk only 5 minutes from the car park. You need to take more time and hire up the gorge to appreciate the area and to swim in-between the steep cliffs. The flow of water is constant throughout the year. You will find several white crystal clear blue pools where you can swim. The river continues to the main village given to the locals people water for their gardens. You will find palm trees, bananas trees etc... The garden with Banana Trees and palm groves

Men swimming in the clear water Wadi As Shab - meaning gorge between the cliffs - is in the Ash Shrqiyah region in Oman, famous for his pools and for trekking. It is less than 2 hours drive from Muscat. It is a very popular outdoor attraction for both locals and expats (it gets very busy during week-ends and public holidays). You will walk along palm groves, rocky cliffs before reaching the main pool and a fter a leisurely 45 minutes you get to a point where you can swim up the wadi to enter a cave... Note that it is forbidden to swim in the lower pools as they are source of drinking water. Hajar mountains receive the majority of Oman’s sparse rainfall and over time the flow of water down them has carved out numerous gorges. A pool in Wadi As Shab