First you see the mast, then the bridge, followed by the mosque and the green palms of Al-Dhaid.

In the days before air-conditioning, this oasis town, set 50 km inland from Sharjah at a cross roads of trade routes, was a popular getaway spot with its drier climate and impressive greenery. The oasis had one of the most plentiful underground water systems or falaj, which is now sadly reduced to a trickle. The river has long since dried up and the oasis has suffered from the falling water table.

As you enter from Sharjah, there is a reasonable curry house found in the first building on the right hand side as you come off the bridge. At this first roundabout, the right hand road takes you to Madam and Fossil Rock, or turn left into the main street and Al-Dhaid's covered market (with a good spice shop) is at the end on your left hand side. The main street has a number of shops including Wonderland, Mashreqbank and a petrol station.

At the second roundabout go straight ahead for Falaj Al-Moalla or turn right for the East coast which takes you through the farming area and onto the gravel plain.

Al-Dhaid is a major agricultural center with farms cultivating an impressive range of vegetables and fruits including the famous Al-Dhaid strawberries. The Mirak farm near Al-Dhaid began growing strawberries in the mid 1980's, once the potential to produce strawberries in winter to supply the markets of Europe and the Far East, was realized. Today, Mirak exports on average 70 tons of strawberries annually to South East Asia, South Africa and Europe.

High value vegetables, the sole source of which used to be by import only, such as iceberg lettuce, celery and broccoli, are now produced and supplied to the local market by Mirak.

The Camel Race Track located on the road to Meliha holds races in the winter months, usually early in the morning on Thursdays and Fridays.

Al-Dhaid Hospital provides medical services for the region. Soon to be rebuilt with a 60 bed facility. (Call +971 (6) 8822221)

Other activities in Al-Dhaid are organized by the Al-Dhaid Women's Club, 8822266 and the Football Club, (Call +971 (6) 8822750)

Once you leave Al-Dhaid heading across the gravel plain for Masafi (37 km from Al-Dhaid) and the East Coast, the impressive Hajar Mountains rise up in front of you. Just before Masafi is the Friday Market, which is open every day from 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. and sells local pottery, carpets, plants, dried fish, toys, fruit and vegetables. Prices are competitive and bargaining is expected. Definitely worth a stop for a look, if not to purchase.

There are two routes which branch off from the roundabout in Masafi, cutting through the mountains to the East Coast. Years ago the tracks took you through the hills bumping along the rough wadi beds. An endurance to be sure. Today, the tarmac roads allow you time to appreciate the scenery and the severe yet beautiful palm lined wadi oasis, in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.