Google pays tribute to the great Moroccan traveler and explorer Ibn Battuta on his birthday today 25th February 1304. Visit Google today and don’t miss the scroll button on the left and right to view more Ibn Battuta Journey doodles.

Wikipedia:

Abū ‘Abd Allāh Muḥammad ibn Abdullah al-Lawati al-Tanji ibn Baṭūṭah (Arabic: أبو عبد الله محمد بن عبد الله اللواتي الطنجي بن بطوطة‎), or simply Ibn Battuta, also known as Shams ad–Din^[1] (February 25, 1304–1368 or 1369), was a Muslim Moroccan explorer, known for his extensive travels published in the Rihla(literally, “The Journey”). Over a period of thirty years, he visited most of the known Islamic world, including North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa,Southern Europe and Eastern Europe in the West, to the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China in the East, a distance surpassing his near-contemporary Marco Polo. Ibn Battuta is considered one of the greatest travellers of all time.^[2] He journeyed more than 75,000 miles (121,000 km), a figure unsurpassed by any individual explorer until the coming of the Steam Age some 450 years later.^[1]

• February 4 – The Prophet’s Birthday
• June 17 – Al Isra’a Wal Mairaj
• August 19 – Eid Al Fitr
• October 25 – Waqfa Day
• October 26 – Eid Al Adha
• November 15 – Islamic New Year
• December 2 – 41st UAE National Day

And here’s another one I got from DubaiParty.ae Facebook Page:

13 – April – 2011 
This photo is currently circulating in Dubai Twitterverse. A tiger’s head is shown looking out from a black Range Rover. The photo was taken at an exit near Mall of the Emirates. Is it a real tigga or not?

One stupid blooper lead into an ideal, fun-filled, romantic relationship.

I consulted a friend about buying the perfect engagement ring. After finding it at Dubai Gold Souk, I wanted to thank my friend, when accidentally I sent the “thank you for your advice on a good engagement ring” SMS to my fiance. I had no idea I did. I was just thinking of her all that time.

I met her that night. She asked me where I’ve been, and why I was not answering her calls. Alibi, I said I had a meeting with a client. She was showing a big grin on her face.  Next thing, she showed me the SMS I wrongfully sent. To my shock and disbelief, I almost fainted and fell down! My goodness! I wanted to scream! I just ruined the biggest surprise I was planning for.  I spoiled my wedding proposal!

It could be one of the funniest proposal in the world I bet. On that Valentines Night Dhow Cruise dinner, she’s makulit teasing me to show her the “surprise” ring right on. It was comical. Gone was the surprise element. I didn’t show the ring until we’re about to finish our food. I was laughing when I asked her if she (still) want to marry me, despite stupidly denying her a surprise engagement proposal. Calmed, she’s quiet. She looked at me, and she laughed so loud! I am stupid I know – but she appreciated the thoughtfulness. AND SHE SAID YES! It was a perfect imperfection – still worth celebrating a plan that (almost) went wrong. She’s for me.

On the morning of Valentines, I went to the nearest flower shop, got the prettiest bouquet and I asked for as much of those fallen petals on the shop. I sneaked in her room while she’s away, scattered all the petals on the floor; placed the bouquet on her bed and left a small thought, “You redefined my life. Nothing more I could ask for. I love you.” I turned off the light and hide.

All she thought I’m done with my spoiled surprise. But when she entered the room, she cried and hugged me tight. She told me, “You’re so sweet, now you got me by surprise!” I guess I made up from the wrong-sent SMS!

Ever since that day, our life has been filled with humor. It’s been fun. We always cheer up each other. And we’re doing it consistently. We’re on our 4th year now and my wife is pregnant with our first-born.

We were just watching this fountain show in tune to Whitney’s endless I Will Always Love You at Dubai Mall last weekend, and we were shocked by her death this morning.

RIP Whitney Houston, you have and will always touch every heart that watches the fountain show in Dubai Mall for sure.