Dubai

My recent vacation to the UAE had been a memorable one. I was into a surprise and awe as to so much the country had to offer for tourists. When I told some of my friends back home that I was planning to visit Middle East, most of them asked me about the restrictions I had to face as a woman visiting a Muslim country. My dad working there for over a decade had never mentioned to me in particular about any major restriction for women. The neighboring Middle Eastern nation Saudi Arabia have some restrictions, as that is where “Mecca” the most sacred place for Muslims is located. UAE in contrast have been most welcoming for foreign tourists and when I visited Dubai, I could see so many nationalities dressed as they pleased. Though general advice for tourists is to dress modestly, as an Indian I didn’t have any inconvenience because of my attire as generally Indians have a reputation of being dressed modestly.
As for people, I was sometimes in a doubt whether I was in India or some other foreign country. There were plenty of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi’s, most conversations were in Hindi and ofcourse Malayalam, keeping with the tradition of no matter where ever you go you can still find a malayalee! But here in Dubai its not just ‘a’ Malayalee they are really a large number.
Dubai is truly a paradise for tourists, with the vast array of activities it can offer. Shopping malls seem to be endless. Ibn Battuta Mall is a themed shopping mall, with the mall been divided to six courts of China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia covering the areas where the great traveler Ibn battuta was supposed to have covered during his lifetime. Each court has been very meticulously decorated to give a feel for the shoppers the lifestyle of each country. And within each court there is large number of shops with probably every existing brand available under one single roof. Be it perfumes, clothes, shoes or accessories, you name it you find it here.
We started with the Chinese court and had a view of the megaplex present with a whopping 21 theatres. There are also many restaurants fully decorated to give a Chinese ambience.

Next was the Indian court, which invites us with an Elephant clock, the sight of which is unmistakably Indian. There are plenty of Designer clothes and accessories in this segment. The Persian court has many lifestyle shops, which can keep you hooked on. And if one is tired of all the shopping, one can easily settle down for a hot cup of coffee at “Starbucks” or cool off for a sip of juice at the “Zest”. There are simply so many options to choose on where to eat.

A drive down the Sheikh Zayed Road gives the splendid view of the building that is now being called as an Icon of Dubai – The Burj Al Arab. The tallest hotel in the world is as stunning in the evening as it is during daytime. Built on a manmade island the building is truly an architectural marvel and it is an image, which will be fondly remembered by all tourists who visit Dubai.
Just on the other side of the road, the very popular “Mall of the Emirates” is located. I was primarily keen on visiting the mall because the Ski Dubai & Snow Park was located in this mall. Ski Dubai is claimed to be one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world. For anyone with the idea of visiting a nation covered with deserts, Ski Dubai is truly a break from the reality. Though for entering the skiing area you need know skiing or you have to compulsorily take the skiing lessons, others can still have an enjoyable time at the snow park. With around 3000 square meters of snow and a temperature of –3 degree Celsius the park is one of a kind of attraction that leaves you breathless. And the surprise snowfall is truly magnificent.

There is even an ice café if you like some snacking! You can climb up an observation tower and have nice view of the skiing area. Whatelse there are snowman’s and igloos too. And if you have had enough of it, then you could even consider playing in the snow!
After the chilly experience, it was time for a hot meal and there again confuses one with the vast array of restaurants the mall has to offer. And as with any other malls there was the endless line of shops and a theater and play area.
The other popular destinations coming up in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah and The World-Dubai.

Once again built on a man made islands, these are one of the costliest residential areas. And there are numerous reports of various celebrities buying their villas in one of the islands. I had a drive till the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, where the shoreline apartments are located. The rest of the area was sealed for construction.
Hanging on in the Jumeirah area one can find the Madinat Jumeirah, a resort claiming to be a tribute to Dubai’s Heritage and its styled to resemble an ancient Arabian Citadel.

Though overpriced, shopping area was truly different adorned with exquisite items. Those looking for antiques and souvenirs will have a lot to look for at the Madinat.

With the drive from what is being called the New Dubai, the sprawling buildings were truly enchanting. The emirates tower standing tall and with the Burj Dubai still under construction, Dubai has truly moved forward by leaps and bounds in infrastructure. I traveled to Deira via an underpass of the sea, only to realize why Dubai is truly the City of Gold, quite literally.

The very popular Gold Souk is located in Deira. One cannot even imagine the range of gold jewellery displayed in the shops here. Finding so many jewellery made of 22 ct and 24 ct all at one place is such a rare sight. The price here is supposedly to be lesser than any other part in the world. Its not only gold a large of collection of diamonds, pearls and other rare gems are popular too. After all the dazzle for my eyes, it was time for some aromatic experience at the spice souk located close by, some real fresh spices are available.

Visiting Dubai is a scintillating experience. Be it a ride through the Dubai creek in a water taxi called Abra or a walk across Dubai Marina or the shopping, the entire mood of the city takes us to such high spirits, truly a memorable experience for a traveler.