Dubai: spectacular, modern, versatile... Amazing!
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If I had to define Dubai in one word, it would certainly be “amazing”. Before I visited it, when I thought of Dubai, I imagined a spectacular, modern, changing city… It’s all of these things, and many more!
We have to bear in mind that this hypermodern city is surrounded by the desert; incredible dunes and desert landscapes where we can enjoy many activities: camel rides, beautiful sunsets, adventure... To add a traditional touch to the desert activities, nothing better than entering a real and rustic Bedouin camp to have some tea and a snack while you smoke shisha.
One of the places that surprised me most in Dubai was Al Bastakiya, the small fishing quarter of Dubai, which is definitely a different world. Small buildings and well-kept old constructions converted into cozy tea houses, boutique hotels and art galleries with street expositions. Al Bastakiya offers a charming atmosphere, completely different from the image we usually have of Dubai and the lushness of Downtown.
Near Al Bastakiya we find the Dubai Creek, a very lively channel where you will be able to see the old boats, the typical “abra”, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of the area. It’s an ideal place to go for a walk and observe the mix of Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankan who congregate there to trade in the species bazaar - with products that come from Iran, India, Lebanon... - and in the gold souk, where you will be able to see the local families.
Of course we can’t forget that Dubai is world famous thanks to its impressive Downtown: the Burj Khalifa, the fountains, shopping malls, hotels, and to sum up, the extreme luxury of this ever evolving modern city. In fact, the changes are so fast that in just three days you can actually see how the city changes.
To appreciate the Downtown in all its splendour, I highly recommend flying over Dubai by helicopter on a clear day to admire The Palm, The World and the skyscrapers from above, and appreciate the dimensions of these incredible buildings in the middle of the desert.
Dubai is also a great destination for foodies. The mixture of cultures that congregate there, the proximity of the products, the international cooks, the great haute-cuisine restaurants, etc. are the ideal ingredients to ensure more than one Michelin star.
In addition, Dubai offers attractions for all: water parks such as Atlantis The Palm, amazing aquariums, adventure and of course, the malls. If we talk about shopping, Dubai is undoubtedly the city for it!
