He watches "Al-Hoor al-Ain" while he works.

NPR: Arab TV Show Dramatizes Lives of Suicide Bombers

Al-Ain, UAE (CNN) -- A British boy and his father are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, traveling across the Middle East and Europe by land and sea after 11-year-old Joe Thompson suddenly developed a paralyzing fear of flying.

CNN: Pirates, wars: Hurdles for flight phobia boy

Thompson, who had previously always loved flying, says he cannot explain what came over him on July 1 at Abu Dhabi airport - an hour by car from his home in Al-Ain -- as his family prepared to relocate to the UK from the United Arab Emirates.

CNN: Pirates, wars: Hurdles for flight phobia boy

The closest spring to town is Ain al-Arais, a cool, inviting waterhole with a grotto-like bottom, just five minutes' walk from the central market.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

The reason for Al Ain's oasis-like feel is its natural water supply.

BBC: Al Ain: The desert��s oasis

Former trainer of Senegal, Bruno Metsu - who recently won the UAE league title with Al Ain and Turkish coach Mushin Ertugal are being considered as viable alternatives if they are unable to reach a deal with Tigana.

BBC: Egypt beckons for Tigana