I'm not sure why, but it has never exhausted me to be behind the wheel of a car - in tireless command of a vehicle in motion while on the road. It's most probably due to my never-ceasing curiosity and sincere passion for our immediate surroundings and the gorgeous planet we live on.

Although walking can pretty much do the job of showing you around certain places, the genuine act of driving while traveling is an entirely different adventure. Speed is the essence and you could also easily access hard-to-reach destinations.

Do you know that I seldom have the habit of snapping photos with my smartphone while maneuvering the steering wheel of my car whenever I catch interesting sights? Sounds risky, isn't it? Yet, don't fear - I was fully alert, awake, and attentive while driving a moving vehicle and no passengers were harmed during the various captures of the featured images here.

This specific episode showcases only a few of the unforgettable landmarks witnessed during my driving escapades in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at a remarkable period when this Middle Eastern country was experiencing a construction boom. Thus, the majority of my photos highlight stunning architecture that you won't find anywhere else. And what better way to celebrate memories from the past than its portrayal in black and white photography, right?

Before anything else, allow me to first orient you a bit about the UAE. As you already know, this distinguished nation has been completely built on a dry and scorching desert. And while it clearly requires lots of brute manpower, creative genius, strategic planning, plus the financial backing to materialize a super civilization, they successfully managed to achieve nearly impossible feats of architecture, engineering, and other out-of-this-world projects.

Instead of using the term city as most locations adhere to, the UAE has 7 designated Emirates namely: Abu Dhabi (the nation’s capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Initially, people thought that Dubai was the country’s capital city due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Rather, it's the nation’s commercial hub and is the headquarters of Emirates, the phenomenal aviation company that took the world by storm. In a short span of time, the UAE leapfrogged from a primitive coastal territory to an unprecedented center of international importance.

In fact, with its meteoric rise to success, would you definitely agree that it's now possible to argue that you've never really been to the Middle East unless you've visited the UAE?

By the way, our featured monochromatic photos aren't organized in particular order and have been taken during random moments of the year. Thus, they are not comprehensive snapshots of the entire UAE.

Are you ready? Fasten your seat belts, sit back, and relax as my chosen passengers for this special street cruise.

Our nostalgic driving journey on the thoroughfares of the UAE commences in the Emirate of Sharjah, particularly the eastern entrance gate of Sharjah University.

From a distance, you'll immediately notice its Islamic-inspired architecture due to its pointed dome, distinctive arches, and elaborate fretworks. You'll never miss this prominent monument when visiting this part of town.

Next, we are driving by an incredibly eye-catching bridge somewhere in Abu Dhabi, designed by none other than the award-winning Architect Zaha Hadid. You're staring at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Bridge.

This radically designed structure is a perfect example of the architect’s futuristic signature of flowing curves, apart from the acute angles and parametric design movement she is celebrated for.

Coming up, we have a peculiar building that looks like a massive coin standing on its edges. I was immediately stunned by its unusual appearance as I drove by it.

This amazing spectacle is recognized to be the Middle East’s pioneering circular skyscraper and is the official headquarters of Aldar Properties, a real estate company. Unbelievable, isn't it?

Up ahead is the Capital Gate Tower, another radical building that tends to bend or recline on its side. Have you noticed it? (Look at this post’s cover image for a more detailed view.)

You simply couldn't resist the incredibly bizarre architecture of this spectacular monolith of glass, steel, and concrete that I had to capture its photo while driving by.

Next, let's joyfully traverse along the UAE’s largest superhighway: Sheikh Zayed Road situated in the Emirate of Dubai. Imagine driving through 14 lanes of non-stop vehicular traffic. If you're not an experienced driver, this humongous road network will definitely intimidate you.

There are too many famous architectural marvels along this major thoroughfare. So, I can't enumerate all of them here. But if there’s one iconic skyscraper that you shouldn't ignore, it's none other than the world’s tallest man-made behemoth: Burj Khalifa.

And finally, we drive by strange glimpses of nature’s geological formations in Hatta, an interesting region still within the Emirate of Dubai. Here, it's as if you've landed on another planet complete with huge boulders, minimal plantlife, and rock pools, unfolding an alien-looking landscape that's surreal yet captivating.

If you happen to get lost in this odd location, the Hatta Fort is obviously one of the most recognizable structures that would help you find your way. With its remarkably historic architecture, it's one of the most ancient military fortifications in the UAE.

Did you have fun while driving around the UAE with me? What particular sights, environments, and wonders have caught your interest? Have you already traveled to these compelling places?

#Hive, this is my entry for the #monomad challenge by @monochromes.

About the Author

Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
Creator of the Architecture+Design Community on the Hive Blockchain

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