Started today a bit late (2pm) by going to the Jumeirah Mosque (did the tour which was only 40 AED), where they went through some important concepts of Islam.

The “tour” started with eating Arabic pancakes and something that sort of resembled Tim Bits (but harder and it was covered with a dates glazed sauce). We then proceeded to the area where you cleanse/wash yourself (from hands to hair to face to arms to feet). After, we proceeded into the mosque (had to remove our shoes. Also FYI, we were able to get in with pants and a short sleeve shirt).

Inside our guide explained the 5 pillar points of Islam (he was explaining how mosques from various parts of the world are different, and even different countries / regions have slightly different practices. However they are all Islam if you follow the 5 pillars). These were the pillars:

• shahad (two phrases)
• The prayers (5 prayers, first one is before sunrise)
• Zeigat (a charity you should give to once a year (2.5 percent of your savings))
• Fasting during the holy month (Ramadan, ninth month). Call Siam
• Pilgrimage to mecca (the “box” that is in Saudi Arabia where mecca is is supposedly built by Abraham and Ishmael (and note that in Catholicism Isaac is supposedly the important son).

We also witnessed someone praying. They explained he is always facing mecca. Also he ends with something that sounds like “Ameen” which is similar to Amen.

Lastly they did explain that Islam does have a chapter with Mary and her miracle birth of Jesus. But ultimately Mohammed came after Jesus, and he was the actual messenger from God.

Afterwards we ended up getting food across the street at a place called Yara. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2024/11/30/yara/

We then headed to The Frame around 4pm (wanted to catch the sunset at 5:28pm, so 4pm ended up being the perfect time since we got to the top around 5:05pm. FYI we didn’t have VIP tickets).

After The Frame we got drinks at our hotel from The Eloquent Elephant (didn’t make a separate post since it was just an Aperol Spritz).

We then slept for 2 hours, got room service, and then got ready for a night out with Kevin de Vries.

Kevin de Vries played at a venue 30 minutes out called Terra Solis. it was presented by Tomorrowland, so the venue had elements of it (see pics below).