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I just returned from my second trip to the amazing city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. Like last year, this year I got to travel to the U.A.E. with the World Class - and Guinness World Record holder - Fireworks by Grucci®. As an Official Photographer for the company I was there photographing their World Record breaking New Year's Eve Fireworks Performance on Al Marjan Island. After my New Year's Eve show duties for the company were completed, I spent about one week on my own photographing Dubai and the surrounding area.

I did a long blog post last year after my first visit to Dubai and much of what I experienced last year applies to this trip so I won't repeat it all here. What made this year a little different was 1) I had a definite travel itinerary. Last year, due to a major snow storm which closed much of the Northeast to air travel, I spent almost an entire week in limbo regarding when I would finally be able to return to the US. While I made the most of the extra time in Dubai, to say it was a little stressful not knowing when I would be heading home is an understatement! 2) This year I got to visit the neighboring Emirate (Province) of Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I had wanted to travel there last year but the timing didn't allow, so I was very excited to get to go this time. Referred to by some as the New Taj Mahal, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is truly a sight to behold. Constructed on more than 30 acres it includes a 180,000 sq ft inner courtyard and four 350 ft minarets. The inner courtyard, in particular, is truly magnificent with its in-laid floral design and is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world. Hopefully the photos that follow do this amazing place of worship justice. You can see all the photos from this year's trip here.

While I would certainly welcome return visits to Dubai in future years, visiting such a World-Class City has whet my appetite for other photo adventures to places like Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and more! Stay tuned for more travel news from me! D85_1344

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