The last time a Philippine president came to the country was in December 2008 during the time of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
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Even a garden with the most exotic blooms would pale in comparison to the oasis that this Emirati royal has built with his hands.
His sanctuary has a fully functional zipline, adventure zones, ponds, waterfalls, and stunning greenery all around.
Wait, there’s more. Count in a climbing net, a giant swing, a slide, and also a tunnel.
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Not surprisingly, the garden was recently declared the Most Beautiful Home Garden in Sharjah by the Sharjah Municipality, an accolade it has received twice.
"I see in the garden my greatest masterpiece," said its owner, Sheikh Ali Al Mualla, an artist who belongs to the royal family in Umm Al Quwain.
Contrary to common perception, creating this garden was not expensive at all, he told Khaleej Times.
“Many think I have invested heavily in my garden, but everything here is made from discarded or unwanted trees from various sources, reclaimed building materials, and tools I reshaped and manufactured myself."
Al Mualla has always harboured a fervent passion for art and craftsmanship. When the opportunity arose to construct his own house, he turned his focus to the garden, pouring his heart and soul into every facet of its conception and execution. From sculpting to installation, every element bears the imprint of his artistic vision, and all done with his hand.
Around the garden, there are about a dozen seats — most of which were crafted from recycled tree trunks, remnants of trees, and construction waste, with each seat having its own distinctive character.
In a location with a panoramic view, a raised cabin was built as well. The right side leans against a boulder weighing more than 14 tonnes, while its left side rests on a large tree trunk. The cabin can accommodate around 20 people who can sit comfortably while sipping coffee and catching up.
Among the other extraordinary works in the garden is a table extending 30ft in length, made from a single tree trunk without any joints. It is perhaps the longest of its kind in the UAE and can accommodate many people seated on chairs along its sides.
The garden serves as a gate to another world, where reality fades into the enchantment of the natural world. "My garden is like a multicultural village using reclaimed wood. The concept of my entire garden is sustainability.".
Al Mualla's creativity knows no bounds — where others see waste, he discerns potential. "Whenever I encounter discarded trees or construction remnants, I seize the opportunity to breathe new life into them."
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