Dubai - Abu Dhabi 5 of 7

The small museum was interesting to visit. The great display of the many black and white photographs revealed  much about the nomadic herders and fishermen's ways of life on these then 'deserted' islands. They had none of the conveniences like water and electricity and life must have been extremely arduous and challenging.

QWe were impressed with a life-size model of a typical palm-leaf designed dwelling that fishing families erected in the past. It was amazing how sturdy these huts were and how cool they were inside. The woven strips of palm leaves which they used, allowed air to filter into the huts whilst reflecting the harsh rays of the sun and proved the shelter and shade needed by the families within. The Bedouin tents made from camel hair and hides have not changed in design, for centuries. Today canvas, cotton and polypropylene are the materials used in rents across the Middle East. They are still long, low strung structures with several rooms, carpeted floors and comfortable furnishings. Today's modern caravans of tents are quite luxurious with a televisions, low slung furnishing and electric lighting and other appliances powered by generators. 

The museum included a range of past hajeb clothing worn by Moslem women. Some like the one in the photo would have been So inhibiting. We wonder why in such a hot country men wear long white gowns which reflect sunlight whilst the women are expected to wear long black gowns which absorb heat. Other displays included an extensive range of dagger designs, pottery and rifles which the Bedouins men carried as protection , as tools and to use in raids on other tribes. Many were decorated with silver designs and precious stones.  

The Bedouin people were very resourceful, using whatever resources available in the desert environment in practical ways. I have included a photo of a water carrier. It is made from the dried out stomach pouch of a goat - practical and resourceful. 

The temperature outside the museum was about 45 degrees Celsius but one little Arabian pussy cat found shelter on a display shelf inside the museum. and he was oblivious to the fact that a group of Aussies had passed by him. The museum is situated beside one of the many corniche ( a French word which Abu Dhabi people use for beach) found around these small islands. The waterways around the beaches are calm and gentle backwaters - not the crashing waves on our coastline. It was easy to understand how fishermen and families had lived on these island in the past because of the abundance of sea life and the ease with which they could glide onto the shore in their small wooden boats. Several displays of these fishing boats were lined up along the shore beside the museum.