2 days in Dubai

1001 Nights in Dubai

“You name it, Dubai has it. Or if it doesn't have it, it’s building it”. Dubai does seem to have it all, and it definitely worths stepping out of the airport and shopping mall, and spend a couple of days to indulge in its modern “1001 Nights” stories in this glamorous city/emirate.  

Cultural Codes

Despite all the rumors you’ve heard so far about the Middle East, remember that we are all human beings, and Dubai is not another world. It’s much more cosmopolitan than most of the places in the world, with expat community takes up 80% of the local population.

Feel free to bring the same clothes that you would wear in your home country (for normal days though). It’s a rule of thumb especially for women travelers not to wear anything too revealing, unless you intentionally plan to attract eye balls.

Public display of affection is more and more acceptable, and I’ve seen young couples holding hands. According to the locals, people can kiss in public nowadays too – I assume not the kind of scenes you would see at a Parisian train platform still.

There are 5 prayers daily according to the Islamic tradition, and very likely you would be waken up by the morning chanting around 5 ish am or even earlier, depending on the season. No need to take actions, just don’t yell and be respectful during the prayers.

Arabic is perhaps one of the most difficult languages in the world; however learning a few words always help. Marhaba for Hi, and Shukran for Thank you. If even these two words sound impossible, no worries as English is widely spoken. In terms of the best timing, from November to March, the weather is absolutely gorgeous!

The UAE Portal Website for your reference: http://www.uaeinteract.com/

Recommended Must See

The Palm Jumeirah

You wouldn't be impressed by the largest man-made island unless taking a helicopter ride for the bird-eye view from the above. However, you can still visit Altlantis Hotel Dubai where it has the Aquaventure, The Lost Chambers and Dolphin Bay. Advanced booking required in order to enter the hotel.

Do take the light rail afterwards when you depart for the city center, as you will have some great views along the way!

www.atlantisthepalm.com

Crescent Road, The Palm Island, Dubai - United Arab Emirates

The Burj Al Arab

This is THE signature architecture in Dubai, and so-called only 7 star hotel in the world when it was first built, now it probably has a strong competitor in Abu Dhabi. What makes it alluring is no entrance is allowed unless you are staying at the hotel. Look at all the tourists busy taking pictures outside the Burj! One way to get around is to sign up for a tour, or book a high tea in advance - it is really HIGH (price) afternoon tea.

www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab
Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

p.s. There is a "Wild Wadi" water park nearby and you can plan some fun there if time allows.

p.p.s. Madinat Souk is a traditional market that sells good quality products and souvenirs. Some of my best Burj photos (meaning no crowds in the background) are taken from the Souk area.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj is still the tallest building in the world, and in my humble opinion, one of the prettiest modern architectures. It’s slim and elegant and looks amazingly beautiful in every angle! I know it may sound cheesy to do observation deck, however once you go up to the top at night, the view explains it all. Book an advanced ticket online to save money and time for the queue!

http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

p.s. Check the hours and plan ahead!

Dubai Mall

Well, when in Dubai, do what the shoppers do. Living in Hong Kong, I thought I know what a big shopping mall looks like until I stepped into the Dubai Mall. O-M-G, it simply dwarfed everywhere else that you and I may have been to. POINT. 

They even have an aquarium inside and you know I am not joking. The aquarium is actually quite fun, and I found NEMO there! If you are lucky to be in Dubai during its international shopping festival, bring enough cash/cards along so you won’t regret.

www.thedubaimall.com

Doha St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

p.s. You can plan to go up to the Burj Khalifa after wandering around in the mall. Before that, do explore the fine dining and get some rest. I also loved the “Humming Bird Bakery” – an American cupcake place. Don’t miss their “a Date to remember” with Arabic date and gold foil on top of the creamy cupcake, yum yum yum!

p.p.s. If you have time, do check out the Dubai Fountain outside of the mall.

The Bastakiya

If you are into history and Islamic architecture, check out the Bastakiya and the Dubai Museum nearby, to see the hardship that locals have gone through during the pre-oil days. A book to recommend is “From Rags to Riches” that tells good stories about UAE in the past.

Follow the National Geographic’s guide to take a walking tour around the neighborhood, but follow your own instinct as you wander around, for the chic cafes and galleries spread across this area.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/dubai-walking-tour-1/

Bur Dubai Waterfront & Al Mankhool Rd. - Al Fahidi St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Traditional Souks

Souks in Dubai are tons of fun, you can reference the movie “Sex and City II” and there was scene when the four ladies shop in the souk – that’s in fact in Morocco not Abu Dhabi though. You can take a boat trip from the souk area, which is really cheap, to the other side of the bank and walk to the souks, and don’t miss out the Gold Souk as well as the Spice Souk.

p.s. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are said to be the best places to buy gold in the world! You can research about where to buy gold beforehand, and I heard bargaining is possible.

Dubai Metro

It’s driver-less and fully automated, how cool is that?! Just try it and you would have the feeling that Dubai is way ahead of our time – it is the future!

For those of you who have not been to a mosque before, take a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque. I’ve only visited the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and it’s magnificent! Or you can take a day trip to Al Ain, which might present a different perspective of the Emirates.

Dubai international airport in my opinion is a tourist attraction, it's fun to see the crowds flooding by at 3am and all the shops are wide open. There are many cute little shops for souvenirs, and do save some money for your last round of shopping before heading home!

Last but not least, unless you are looking for the experience, most hotels in Dubai, as long as they are credible, are of high standards. I have not had much fine dining experience there, but you can easily find gourmet food all around. 

Here is the New York Times’ 36 hours in Dubai for your reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/travel/06hours.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

The End

The UAE is a fairly young country, declared its independence in 1971, and its recent development after oil was found is mind-blowing. In the old days, due to its lack of natural resources, pearling was a main industry and young male divers would usually lost all their teeth by the age of 27. It’s hard to imagine those hardship before its glory.

I had the privilege of working on an educational start-up initiative in Abu Dhabi, and both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been very close to my heart. It's stunning to see the rapid development in both cities/emirates every time I go in the past 4 years; and you would always see buildings under construction, and new landmarks sprung up, in no time. 

True that the UAE has its own issues to deal with in a modern world (especially according to the western standards). It is definitely beyond the luxury that we see; behind it, is a progressive agenda that is so forward thinking and ambitious, and will certainly leave you in wonder.