Dubai, a city that never stands still fulfils the need for leisure travellers.
The tired eyes of this writer is awakened by the view of Dubai Creek, causing excitement to explore the cloud-grazing skyscrapers and the beautiful Arabian desert. Combining pleasure and business at the same time, nothing is impossible the moment travellers arrive in Dubai.
As a first-time traveller to a Middle Eastern city, Dubai is definitely a great start for more adventures in the other side of the world. The city that I thought was fully covered in desert was definitely offering more than just magic in the sand.
But let’s run away from the cosmopolitan and hectic side of Dubai. The “origin of Dubai” starts with a town hugging 1.8km of the Dubai Creek’s shoreline. Behold Al Seef, a new area opened for the public after nearly two years of development, blending the contemporary and traditional heritage of the country.
Although the first phase of the town was opened in September, it has been a lively neighbourhood that runs through midnight as people queue to get a ride on “Abra”, a traditional water taxi in Dubai. My advice is to skip the Abra and explore Al Seef on foot instead, especially during nighttime.
Honestly, it is one of the best decisions that I ever made. Through walking, one gets to discover yesteryear’s Dubai. You will get to see pedestrian streets filled with cafés, restaurants and shops with Arabic influences inspired by ancient Egypt and designed to tell Dubai’s story through architecture.
LEISURE STAY
Al Seef by Jumeirah
After seven hours in the sky, it’s time for much needed rest before starting a new adventure in Dubai. Starting with Al Seef, it provides options that will make you feel like you’re at home instead of a foreign country. Walk through the alleys and you will spot Al Seef by Jumeirah located in the middle of other designed Arabian buildings lighting up the night.
The hotels that provide 200 guest rooms are still in the midst of development and all the rooms will be fully opened by the end of this year. For now, travelers can stay at one of 190 rooms that offers 24 hours room dining, featuring a unique interior design that incorporates Emirati culture and heritage.
Having tried breakfast and dinner at its restaurant, Saba’a proves to be a unique experience as I got to sit on traditional Arabic style furniture used in a Majlis called Jalsa. Dinner is celebrated with local cuisine that starts with mezze platter that goes beyond hummus.
- For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com.
Address Dubai Mall
From Dubai Creek, I head to Downtown Dubai where all the skyscrapers are located. One of the major developers in Dubai, Emaar Hospitality Group welcomes guests back to the place they call Address Dubai Mall, after it had been renovated over the past few months.
It was fascinating seeing a combination of luxury hotel and shopping mall attached to each other but still able to create space, convenience and privacy for the guest. Address Dubai Mall also features an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Burj Khalifa.
Experience top class amenities in every one of the 244 rooms including Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, Premier Suites, Club King Rooms and Suites. With direct access to the mall and metro link, this sophisticated hotel will attract the new generation of travellers that aim for an accessible and comfortable stay.
- For more information, visit www.addresshotels.com.
Palace Downtown
A definition of classy and extravaganza, Palace Downtown is definitely for people who are looking for a royal staycation. The hotel comprises of 242 spacious hotel rooms including 81 suites featuring captivating Middle Eastern décor in every room including dark wood panelling and intricate furnishings.
Each of the rooms treat guests with either the view over the Burj Lake, the Dubai Fountain or The Old Town Island. Fitting the bill of luxurious hotels, Palace Downtown is located at a strategic place where major business institutions and famous attractions are located in the area.
From contemporary to traditional dining, the five-star hotel hosts a memorable dining experience at all six restaurants offering a gorgeous view and scrumptious meals. Imagine sitting by the pool at one of the restaurants, Buhayra Lounge, sipping a drink and eating a delightful mix of mezzeh – a treat indeed for the weary soul.
- For more information, visit www.addresshotels.com.
Burj Al Arab
A prestigious and outstanding five-star hotel is kept safe with tight security at the entrance. Even if you’re not a guest at Burj Al Arab, tourists should take the opportunity to visit the 321m tall building by making a reservation at the Skyview Bar. It is indeed worth the time and money.
From afar, the sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab is a show stopper and the moment I got close to the hotel, it was a never-ending and jaw-dropping experience. The main entrance is visually pleasing, featuring the Ellipse fountain and a grand stairway.
Each of the 202 luxurious duplex suites features interior made from the finest materials – 30 different types of marble and 24 carat gold leaf. Burj Al Arab is definitely an icon of luxury.
- For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com.
BURJ KHALIFA
I knew that Tom Cruise was insane the moment I spotted Burj Khalifa. It is the tallest building in the world. We’re talking about 828m in height – scary yet breath taking.
But if you are a height junkie and your dream is to become Ethan Hunt, virtual reality (VR) at the top will give you the adrenaline rush. Taiwanese technology company HTC has brought the Vive Pro to Burj Khalifa and lets you climb, dangle, scale and even fall from Burj Khalifa virtually.
Go up to level 124 and 125, on an elevator speed of 36 km per hour (on Mission 828) or indulge in the view at the outdoor observation terrace overlooking the ever-growing skyline of Dubai. Either way, you will be amazed by the world that runs above and below you.
Being 1260 floors above ground is an experience that I will not forget anytime soon.
Aside from being a popular tourist attractions, the building provides a premium event space that can accommodate more than 250 people. Level 112 is a premium event space that offers the feeling of being elevated with an outdoor terrace offering views of Dubai.
- At the Top, Burj Khalifa ticket price starts from AED135. For more information visit www.atthetop.ae.
HERITAGE DESERT SAFARI
Get ready with a pair of boots or go barefoot walking through soft sand at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. A 45 minute journey from Zabeel House to Jumeirah starts with a ride across the desert. This is definitely a different experience from Lanceline Sand Dunes in Perth where my car got stuck in the sand because this time, I get to explore the desert in a vintage 1950’s Land Rover without any worries.
We started the tour with appropriate gear, all provided by the tour guide, who helped us to wear a Ghutra or Shemagh before battling the sand. The traditional Arab headdress is typically used to shield the eyes or face during a sandstorm. We were lucky enough that we did not to have to go through such an unpleasant experience aside from tiny dust getting into our eyes.
Riding a vintage car becomes more fun with a witty tour guide. In a relaxed environment, factual information becomes more interesting; he even taught us to differentiate the gender of an exotic local wildlife, the Arabian Oryx.
The highlights of Heritage Desert Safari included enjoying a sunset falcon show while being served with sparkling date juice. Seeing the falcon named Romeo catch food from its the trainer is definitely a thrilling sight. The storytelling process is something that I appreciated because the falconer explained the sport’s history with a sense of humour.
The most memorable thing he said was: “While he is eating the food, I have to tie him or otherwise he will fly away after finishing the food. The relationship will be over once he finishes the food.”
The adventure did not end while we were having dinner in the middle of the desert. Not too far away from the location of the falcon show, in a Bedouin Camp, they presented a variety of cultural activities such as getting henna tattoos, watching bread and Arabic coffee being made and a chance to smoke the shisha pipes.
After a hearty meal including camel meat and milk, we took a walk out of the camp to enjoy the surroundings. The night sky became bright and it was easy to spot the stars and make a wish to revisit the desert safari again in the future. Platinum Heritage provides the perfect package for tourists desiring one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Platinum heritage tour price starts from AED495. For more information visit www.platinum-heritage.com.
LA PERLE LIVE SHOW
In the heart of Al Habtoor City, there is one-of-a-kind theater. La Perle by Dragone aims to wow its audience members. The theatre is equipped with technology that produces waterfalls, torrents and rain that floods the floor and drains within seconds.
The moment the show started, my attention was hooked by the eccentric production of Franco Dragone. For 90-minutes straight, it felt like I was in a different world – a mix of Cirque du Soleil and breathtaking acts of acrobatics, contortion, flying, diving and even motorcycles defying gravity.
At first, the focus is on the pool, located at the center of the stage where a young woman is being chased. It was a bit hard to follow the storyline but along the way, you sense that it is more than a typical love story. To kickstart the excitement, the performers did their stunts on poles without harness, showcasing their acrobatic abilities which awed the audience.
Surprises kept on coming with the waterfall streaming around the stage and the performers started to jump from the top into the pool. The momentum is picked up with a memorable act by the riders with their motorcycles circling the sphere. That death-defying scene has remained in my mind ever since.
The show that runs twice a day, five days a week is the ultimate live entertainment that you must experience in Dubai.
- La Perle ticket price starts from AED420. For more information, visit www.platinum-heritage.com.
THE SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING (SMCCU)
“Open Doors, Open Minds” is a motto of Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) which it has held on to since 1998. I was born as Muslim and this concept of becoming an open-minded person has grown with me since I was a child.
My perspective of SMCCU positively affected me and informs me that it is okay to accept any questions no matter how sensitive they are, and to answer them with responsibly. One of the SMCCU team members and local host, Rashid Ahmed Al Tamimi left a memorable impression with his diverse storytelling about Emirati culture, customs and religion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Cultural meals at SMCCU saw guests sitting on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows while enjoying a selection of traditional dishes like lamb Margooga, chicken Biryani, lamb Machboos, vegetable Saloona and classic Luqaimat with dates syrup.
With the aim to improve cross-cultural understanding communication bet-ween Emiratis and guests across the UAE, it’s a nice way to enjoy a calm discussion with an open heart.
Lunch is offered Sunday to Thursday starting at 1PM and pre-booking is essential.
- Cultural Meals Lunch is priced at AED130 per person. For more information, visit www.platinum-heritage.com.
THE GOLD SOUQ
Walking towards the “city of gold” made me feel like I just found a treasure chest after hours of exploration. All around me is gold, in the form of rings, earrings, bracelets and bullion. It reminded me of Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur but here, there are hundreds of retailers who have sold gold in the heart of Deira since the 1930s.
As one of the most popular Souqs in Dubai, the environment is lively and people there can become too friendly. Be careful if someone approaches you to visit their shop and it’s better to politely say no.
Besides shopping for gold and spices, the Deira area has a place where they celebrate the lives of women of the UAE – the Women’s Museum. The museum shows a history of Emirati women through the years and celebrates their achievements in every aspect of their lives including business, arts, education, politics and their society as a whole. Including this museum visit into the itinerary is never a mistake.
The traditional market area has become a tourist attraction by retaining its charm and atmosphere. A trip to Dubai will not be complete without a journey to the famous Gold Souq, definitely a market that is in a league of its own.
