Dazzling Dubai: A Journey into Luxury, Culture, and Modern Marvels

Dubai……The land of the rich………The land of the skyscrapers…..The land of the most ultra modern infrastructure……..The land where petrol is cheaper than water…… The land where sleek top-dollar cars on the road are a common sight……..  The land with a culture so unique as to assimilate people with different nationalities living in harmony…….The land, literally a desert so miraculously converted into a breathtaking green landscape…..

I had my apprehensions before visiting Dubai as it is not exactly a place I would normally venture.(Read:Unexplored, earthen, natural). But I was in complete Awe once landed here. Here is a chronicle of my journey through this Desert DreamLand, I call it so as I can only dream of such a land in the midst of the desert!! 🙂

Day 1:

We reached Dubai and checked in to our Apartment. After some rest we headed for the Al Mamzar Spread over an area of 106 hectares, Al Mamzar Park has an amphitheatre, swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, a scenic train, barbecue sites, picnic areas, as well as beaches and lagoon with sheltered areas for swimming

Al-Mamzar-beach

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Day 2:

We took the city tour today which introduced us to the city. It covered the Dubai creek, Dubai Museum, Gold Souk, Burj Al Arab hotel, Jumeirah Beach, Atlantis hotel and Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Creek

Dubai Museum

Gold Souk

Burj-Al-Arab, 7 Star Hotel

The introduction gave us the option to choose places where we would like to spend more time.

We then took Desert safari. This included the sand dune bashing in a land cruiser or Hummer, visit to Camel farm, followed by Camel rides and Quad Bike rides on the sand, followed by cultural Arabic dances and Belly dancing. We watched the sun go down the sand dune to offer a great sight!

Dune Bashing

We tasted the Arabic Humus and other delicacies here.

Day 3:

Today we visited the Dubai Dolphinarium for a great Seal and Dolphin show which was thoroughly enjoyed by my family.  Dubai Creek Park is in the heart of the old city on the shores of Dubai. The park has the benefit of being in the cool breeze from the creek and also has loads of plants and greenery along with mazes and a nature trail. There are also barbecue areas and children’s play areas dotted throughout the park as well as the Children City Centre and Dubai Dolphinarium.

We also visited my cousin, Subodh at his place at discovery garden. It was a fun family time! 🙂

My cousin then took us to the Ibn Batuta mall. Named after the Arab traveller and adventurer Ibn Battuta, this is the first shopping complex inspired by an individual’s life nearly six centuries after he embarked on his renowned journey. Each region Ibn Battuta explored – Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China – is reflected in the architecture and theme of the mall’s six courts. These courts strongly project the historical and cultural richness of this Arabian icon’s life, serving as inspiration to all those who visit. It was an extraordinary and inspiring experience.

Ibn Batuta Mall : China Court

Ibn Batuta Mall : India Court

Ibn Batuta Mall : Persia Court

Ibn Batuta Mall : Persia Court

Day 4:

Today we visited The Dubai Mall. This is one of the biggest Malls here. It houses Aquarium and Underwater Zoo along with Ice Rink and many other activities for the kids and adults. We enjoyed our visit to the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Aquarium

We had saved the last for the best: Visit to Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world. It was an out of the world experience, watching the world from the 124^th floor gave me Goosebumps. The view of the sunset from the top was breathtaking.

At the Top : Burj Khalifa

From Burj Khalifa

View from Burj Khalifa

We then came down to view the Dubai Fountain show by the lake which was equally good. It was a nice evening spot to sit by the lake.

Lake at the Dubai Mall

Waiting for the Fountain show to begin…

View of Burj Khalifa at night

Fact File

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How to reach: Emirates was our preferred airline.

Best Season to Travel: October to December

Duration of Stay: 5 days- 4 nights

Stay: Khalidia Hotel Apartments(http://www.mouroujhospitality.com/khalidia/gallery-en.html)

Note: I prefer hotel apartment so that I can customize the meals for the kid.

Travelling in Dubai: You can avail good taxis, Metro or even Bus. Travelling is easy. Even 6 seater Taxis are available.

Travel Bookings: Travel O World (tow@pn2.vsnl.net.in) 66014349 / 66024497 / 25411928