Dubai has been on my bucket list to visit for a long time. Not only its one of the smaller countries in the world by size of 13.5 mi², but it’s also the most interesting because of many unusual reasons. It’s one of the well-known Islamic countries with the most progressive views and tolerance to diverse cultures. Its wheels and deals in the oil industry but produces none. It is their destination for vacation or shopping but it was just a desert less than 20 years ago. It has some impressive skyscrapers including the tallest building on earth, but its local tribes make up only 30% of the total population.
It’s ridiculously hot most time of the year with temperatures can reach up to 120* F during the summer months (JUL – SEP). Even their public transportation stops are completely air-conditioned to give a reprieve from heat exhaustion. Schools are typically closed for an extended period of time during summer. Winters are much pleasant and bring in a lot of tourists from European countries trying to escape the cold.
Being Tall and Famous:
We can’t talk about Dubai without mentioning the obvious, Burj Khalifa. The tallest building ever built by humans represents the engineering marvel that attracts millions of tourists to Dubai each year. This man-made giant is enveloped by the second-largest mall and is the world’s largest destination for shoppers from across the globe. Tall hotels with infinity pools and luxury apartments surround Burj Khalifa acting as mighty lieutenants in their obvious presence.
Dubai Frame stands tall like it’s waiting for someone to add their picture inside it. Museum of the future looks like aircraft from outer space powered by something extraterrestrial. Burj Khalifa district represents the opulence it wants the world to recognize. It was a whirlwind of emotions trying to make sense of this place and I was in awe of the diversity of people out and about.
Salty Endeavors
One of the restaurants I wanted to try due to its popularity across the globe is Nusr-Et. When I knew I was going to be in Dubai, I made a plan to dine at the restaurant which is made popular by its co-owner, Salt Bae (Nusret Gökçe). His signature move of salt spread over a medium-well tomahawk steak created a huge internet buzz. In Dubai, Nusr-Et is located at the Four Seasons hotel with valet service to manage the inflow of people into the restaurant. Apart from serving delicious meals with a bit of a show, it was a moderately quiet dining experience. I would recommend if you are a meat lover.
By the time my first full travel day comes to an end, I have been a top world’s tallest building, explored the world’s second-largest mall, experienced the fountain show, and dined at a famous steakhouse. Dubai was as captivating as I was expecting it to be. I was really looking forward to the upcoming days when I would get to explore Dubai’s other popular attractions and the famous desert safari with a show to capstone it.
Roy D.