Definitely Dubai
I knew Dubai was a "new" city with major expansion and growth in the last 15 years. I had watched many documentaries on the engineering feats of many of the hotels and buildings, but I was so unprepared for modern Dubai. Basically I was totally blown away by the city, the friendliness of the locals and the experiences I had while there. Below is a rundown of what we did on my recent trip, but first, a few brief facts.
The population of the entire United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is one, is approximately 8 million, with over 200 different nationalities represented. Approximately 8% of the population of Dubai is comprised of actual "Emirate's", with the rest being expatriates’ of other countries. This has resulted in a highly diverse and tolerant society where crime is relatively unheard of and customer service is high.
Originally a trade and fishing port, the discovery of oil in the 1960's funded the redevelopment of major infrastructure and it was a conscious decision by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to develop the UAE and Dubai in particular into one of the most vibrant economies in the world. He succeeded and his predecessors have overwhelmingly taken up the cause. Today oil revenue has decreased with tourism, trade and manufacturing being the Emirate’s top revenue earners.
The Dubai that greeted me was a city of contradictions. Cutting edge modern architecture sits comfortably beside heritage sites, mosques and historic monuments. I was unprepared for the sense of security I felt and was touched by the kindness and welcome I received.
I knew Dubai was built in the desert but was strangely shocked to see expanses of sand where I am used to seeing greenery. Literally you have buildings, roads, sand and man-made and maintained gardens that are so green and lush they seem almost cartoonish. Extremely clean with everything in it’s place, while it has the hustle and bustle of any big city, it lacks the pollution and a conscious effort has been put into conservation and maintaining the local environment. What is perceived as being smog is actually sand haze, and I was hard pressed to find a piece of rubbish littering the ground. The subways, bus stops and local areas were all spotlessly clean.
I was lucky enough to have been hosted on my trip by Royal Brunei Airlines and Touchdown Tours. The service on Royal Brunei was exceptional and business class was extremely affordable. Touchdown tours have specialised in the Middle East and Dubai for over 21 years and are not only experts in the region, but also the most knowledgeable wholesaler for the destination. Being a smaller, independent company means that they are able to establish relationships with their hotel partners. In fact they are one of the few companies in Australia who are able to sell the Jumeirah properties. This in turn not only equates to excellent pricing and special deals but also to exceptional service. With the back up local tour operators, any trip with Touchdown will be hassle free and really the trip of a lifetime.
Our Dubai experience began with an “Amazing Race” type challenge through the city. We were split into two groups, bandannas and all, and a list of tasks to be completed. First back with everything done and the most money left in their budget was the winner.
Our first task was to visit the Spice Souk and purchase select spices for the least amount of money. From here it was across the Dubai Creek on the Abra to find Dubai Museum, where we had a small challenge to complete. The museum is well worth a stop and it was incredibly fascinating walking through the Souk to get there. From the museum it was back with our driver to find our way to the Grand Mosque with the city’s tallest minaret at 70 meters high. On to the metro to the Mall of the Emirates to find Ski Dubai which concluded our adventure. What an awesome way to acquaint ourselves with the city!
Our afternoon concluded with visits to both Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The Burj blew me away with it’s opulence and grandeur. The suites and facilities are amazing, and the architecture make it a true icon of Dubai. The “Sky Tea” located on the top floor is an affordable way to experience a little piece of Burj luxury without the hefty pricetag, and the views of the Arabian Gulf are breathtaking.
Back to the Hyatt Regency for the evening to rest and recuperate, and where we were wined and dined in Dubai’s only revolving restaurant. The Hyatt Regency was very comfortable and it’s proximity to both the city and the Gold and Spice Souks make it an ideal base.
Next morning was off to Atlantis the Palm. What a fun hotel, especially for families. A huge aquarium on the ground floor was the absolute showpiece, while the attached Aquaventure Water Park was a blast and it was amazing floating through a tube that ran through the aquarium so you had fish and sharks of every size and description swimming round and over you. Here you had a choice of waterslides, pools, lazy river or even swimming with a dolphin or two.
The evening was spent dune bashing in our luxurious Toyota 4wd. The scenery was straight out of “Aladdin” and it was an absolute blast. We played around for almost an hour before being taken to our camp for the evening festivities. A delicious BBQ awaited us along with henna tattooing, smoking the shisha pipe and joining in with the local dancers. We sat on cushions and Persian carpets covered the floors. Our low tables set the mood for an evening of fun. The local belly dancer and a display of a “whirling dervish” kept us well and truly entertained. By the time we made it back to the hotel we were all tired, sandy but very satisfied.
Oman beckoned the following day and we had an early start for our drive through the Emirates to Musandam. On arrival we boarded our dhow for an enjoyable cruise through the fjords. Majestic limestone cliffs rose straight out of the sea, reminiscent of Norway save for the heat! We swam, snorkeled and relaxed, a welcome respite from the non stop activities we had done previously. While we cruised, dolphins played in our wake, skimming the surface and peering at us inquisitively while we busily snapped photos of them. I wonder what they were thinking of us clapping, whistling and cheering to get their attention. It was a treasured moment. We were lucky to have Mohammed, the “dolphin whisperer” on our dhow and he was fabulous not only in beckoning the animals closer, but as the consummate host.
Our lunch was spectacular and the sweet tea was so more-ish! After lunch we slowly began to make our way back, stopping for another swim in the refreshing but salty Arabian sea. By the time we returned to Dubai and our home for the next three nights, the Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, we were shattered.
After a well needed sleep we hit the road again meeting the head of Australian Sales of Dubai Tourism, Commerce and Marketing. Mohammed Al Shaikh reiterated the vision of Sheikh Zayed, stressing the importance of Dubai continually adding new attractions so that you need to keep coming back see what is new. The proposed “Dubai Land” theme park, put on hold due to the GFC has been given the green light to go ahead and is slated for completion in approximately 5 years. Guess who will be coming back then to check it out.
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was our next stop. This should be compulsory for anyone visiting Dubai. Not only were we hosted a traditional Emirati feast, but it was also a chance for us to ask any questions we had on Islam and life in Dubai. The questions, sometimes confronting, were answered honestly, and sometimes idealistically, but always with a sense of humor. It was a highlight.
A visit to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall followed. Currently, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the view from the 124th floor “At the Top” is breathtaking, though a little daunting if you suffer from a fear of heights. The light and water show at the Dubai Mall was similar to that at Bellagio in Las Vegas and definitely worth viewing.
On the way home we stopped at the Mall of the Emirates where I just had to “Ski Dubai”. My AUD$60 saw me fully kitted out with all my ski gear including clothing, and shooshing down the man-made slope in -5 degrees Celsius. The temperature outside was a balmy 35 degrees, remember it was about 8pm! Another day full of surprises and another night collapsing exhausted into bed.
Our final morning and we were guests on Sea Wings Dubai for a scenic flight over the city. How amazing seeing the “Palms” come to life and the “World” development from up above. It made me realize what a truly special place Dubai is. From the traditional souks to the spell binding resorts, from the desert to the sea. I can’t wait to get back and know when I do, that Touchdown Tours will be there to hold my hand and guide me through.
The catchphrase for Dubai tourism is “Definitely Dubai”- all I can say is that I will “Definitely” be back.