The Golden Apple

A view of Souk al Bahar and Burj al Arab

Henna tattoo inside a tent in the dessert

The land of gold and henna, Dubai has been one of the most famous vacation spots for tourists and job destinations for expatriates alike. A stranger once told me that Dubai is “the New York of the Middle East”. Little had I known that there would be a lot of truth into that, of course I was still a newbie in this Emirate at that time.

Burj Khalifa

Culture and innovation clashed and gave birth to this fusion called “Dubai”. In no other place will you ever find the old and new collide and help each other grow in their individual aspects, indeed a unique mix of the antiquated with the contemporary. Monstrous structures with peculiar, yet very beautiful, architectural designs seem to have had an outbreak all over this city. The tallest structure (the Burj Khalifa), the only “seven-star” hotel in the world (the Burj al Arab) and the man-made islands (the Palm Islands) are only some among the must-see in Dubai. 

Dhow Boat

Ladies Beach Club-Jumeira

This Emirate caters to people of different backgrounds and interests, from the dare-devils to the laid-back. Thrill-driven junkies are in for the time of their lives with various activities like surfing, sky diving, air balloon rides and sand-surfing, to name a few. On the other hand, Dubai also accommodates to those that are craving for some rest and relaxation, from lazing around the pristine white-sand beaches to a calming shisha experience by the lake to romantic dinners in dhows while touring around the breathtaking city at night. Kids can also take pleasure in Dubai with the different resorts and water parks like the Wild Wadi in the Atlantis, the Dubai Dolphinarium and Dreamland situated just in the city. Hotels and resorts also cater to different pockets, having two-star hotel apartments costing from $40 to a whopping seven-star hotel with overnight stays costing up to $10,000. 

Metro station at Mall of the Emirates

Transportation is also uncomplicated and economical, with the convenience of taking the train (Metro) and bus to tour around. Taxis are also easy to find around the city and the fare is cut-rate. Water taxis can also be used to cross from Deira to Bur Dubai, which only costs a Dirham and provides a little tour around the scenery. 

A structure in Ibn Battuta Mall

Dubai also takes pride in its unique way of preserving their local culture. Most structures, even malls, are made to depict the culture and history of this country. Those that are hungry for some knowledge about Dubai and the Emirates can head up to the museum and surprisingly, the malls or the old “souks” (shops). The Ibn Battuta mall showcases the different travels of Ibn Battuta, filled with artifacts and architectural designs showing the various countries the traveler has been to. The Old Souk located in Bur Dubai illustrates the ancient, and still surviving, way of selling in the Emirates; of course barter trade was the fad those days. Dhows and water taxis can also be found around this area, which is evident of the deep-rooted trading industry in Dubai.

Modesh

Speaking of the trading industry, one of the main things to look forward to in Dubai is the shopping experience. This city is home for the famous “Dubai Shopping Festival”, “Dubai Summer Surprise” and “Gitex” or the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition that take place once every year. The city is filled with bright lights, colorful motifs and various trade fairs and carnivals during the whole month of “DSF”, the happiest event second to Eid in my own opinion. When Modesh (the happy yellow mascot) starts to show itself around Dubai, then you are in for the best shopping experience in summer, the “DSS”. Techies flood the malls and exhibition centers between the months of September to November as “Gitex” takes place for a whole month. On its non-promotions periods, Dubai still offers mind-blowing discounts on malls around. Gold is also world famous in Dubai. A little leisurely stroll along the gold souk in Deira will surely tickle your fancies. From expensive hand-crafted gold jewelries to your normal everyday-wear jewelries congregate in little shops.

After a tiresome day around Dubai, make sure to indulge yourself in a gastronomic experience in one of the world-class restaurants situated all over the city. Restaurants and fast-food chains offer various delicacies and cuisines from exotic Arabic or Indian food to your regular burger or pizza-diet that will surely satisfy your palates.

These are only among the vast reasons that give Dubai pride on itself. Being home to expatriates from more than a hundred countries, giving each one great opportunities to grow and be educated on different cultures and languages, Dubai proves not only to be a local-friendly place but a great place to live in for anyone. Dubai is the melting pot of various dreams and ambitions, I have to say. So having New York as the Big Apple, Dubai would be the Apple with a little sparkle, the Golden Apple.