Fascinating Dubai!

 Dubai with its ambitious projects has transformed itself from a humble fishing village to a modern bustling metropolis. Today, it is home to the biggest shopping malls, to the most luxurious hotels, to a host of manmade wonders and ample dose of glitz and glamour.  In a short trip, you can experience everything from a view from the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world to the awe-inspiring sand dunes, from luxurious residential districts to ancient houses and ultra-modern shopping malls to the traditional souks. If you are looking at going back in time, there are many attractions that give you a sneak peek into the Dubai of yesteryears, of life in the deserts of Arabia.

Make your way to one of the oldest residential areas of Dubai, Al Bastakiya. This historic district is unique with its narrow lanes and well-maintained traditional courtyard houses cooled by wind-towers called barjeel. Some of the local houses have been converted into museums to display the local heritage, culture and traditional. After a guided tour of the Heritage Village, be ready to be treated to Arabic tea, coffee and dates in one of those very houses. You can also choose to enjoy a traditional Arabic lunch or dinner at the Bastakiya.

On both sides of the Dubai Creek are some of the Souks, the Arabic Markets where all kinds of goods are bought, sold and exchanged. Of these the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are a must to visit. As soon as you enter the Gold Souk, you encounter a blinding glare from the gold and stones on display. This is what people around the world primarily recognised Dubai for-The City of Gold. With rows of bangles, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, armbands, waist bands and even tops, there are designs for every taste and for every pocket.  Then head towards a wonderfully different experience, the Spice Souk. It has narrow streets and an aroma so unique, it is like walking into another era. With stalls displaying spice laden sacks and the sellers being a chatty bunch there is a lot to experience and learn here, and some of the colourful spices and herbs can be surely packed for home.

A standing example of the openness of the Dubai culture is the Jumeriah Mosque, the only mosque in Dubai that is open to the public and dedicated to receiving non-Muslim guests. A focal point of the ‘Open Doors Open Minds’ program, it gives you the unique opportunity to learn about Emirati culture and religion in a relaxed, casual and open atmosphere.

A visit to Dubai is not considered complete without a trip to the Desert Safaris in Dubai. Desert Safari is full of fun, adventure and excitement where you feel the thrill of a roller coaster ride on the sand dunes in sturdy 4 wheel drive vehicles. When you reach the middle of the desert, watching the sun set over the yellow sand, with a gentle breeze and absolute silence brings a lot of peace and tranquility. If you would like a ride atop the Ship of the Desert, most tour operators arrange for the same for the Camel Safari too. At the end of the tour, you are welcomed into a traditional Beduin camp, typically decorated with fine cushions and covers, low sitting tables, soft bed and nicely built tents. Once in the camp you are served a delicious barbeque dinner, beside a blazing bonfire with bubbling Sheesha, and entertained by a traditional Belly dancer. For the stargazers, you cannot hope for a clearer sky.

The list is endless, there is something for each one of us in Dubai –a romantic evening on a Dhow cruise, or some rigorous sand skiing, or a family picnic by the beach or just shopping till you drop, Dubai has it all. It is Definitely Dubai.