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Published: August 12th 2012
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Dubai; the first stop!!
We have been saving up for what feels like an eternity (in reality it was probably about 7 months)... Now it's finally time to leave!
Arriving in Dubai was surreal. It is a place nowhere like anywhere either of us have ever been to! The city is built upon a desert; every now and again you see a building plot of desert sand. The heat was so intense; we arrived at 7.30pm to a temperature of 38degree celcius which, when accompanied by respectful clothing and heavy back packs it was unbearable!
Everyone we encountered right from our arrival were so polite and welcoming. They usually directed their conversations towards Will as men are the dominant gender in the UAE. They always referred to us as Sir and Madam. We had endless people holding doors open for us and the hotel staff were overly welcoming.
Our time in Dubai fell during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This meant that we had to abide by Islamic rules, such as no eating or drinking during daylight hours. This proved to be challenging under the heat of the Arabian sun but we managed and in return
Dubai fountain show
...in front of the Burj Khalifa were treated with the upmost respect. I always covered my legs and arms and despite the daily tempertures of 45degrees + I felt better for doing so.
The tourist attractions that we visited included a desert safari; where we rode on camels, went dunebashing (driving fast in a 4x4 up and down the dunes), got a henna tattoo on my hand, dressed in traditional arabian clothes and enjoyed an Arabian BBQ under the moonlit sky. We sat on cushions on the sand and ate with our fingers. The cushions all surrounded a stage where there is usually a belly dancing show; because it was Ramadan it wasn't allowed so we listened to Arabic music instead. The BBQ food was delicious, it seemed to have been influenced greatly by Indian cuisine, with various curries, dahl, wraps and chapatis to choose from.
We also took a bus trip along the coast and through the city. The city is not huge but the money that has been put into making it so modern and unique is phenomenal! We saw the Burj al Arab (a seven star hotel built on a man made island); the Atlantis hotel on the palm (one of
Dubai mall
the aquarium in the mall three man made islands designed in the shape of palm trees.)
We saw the Burj Khalifa-the tallest building in the world; The Dubai mall, which houses every shop you can imagine! (including waitrose, bloomingdales, topshop, hamleys etc!) As well as an aquarium with the largest single glass panel in the world, an ice skating rink, the dome coffee shop! Etc.
We watched several performances of the dancing fountains; fountains which move in time to music and lights performed to a back drop of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai mall. The music varies to suit different peoples tastes, we watched one to Arabic music and another to Michael Jackson's Thriller!
We took a traditional Arabian boat across Dubai creek. You sat on wooden slats which surrounded a little alcove for the driver. The boat stayed at the small jetty until it was filled with about 15 people, you then passed your money along to the driver. It cost 1dirham each (approx. 10p). A man sitting close to us paid for half of our fare. We can only assume he did this out of his commitment to Islam or genuine kindness.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims
to show their commitment to their faith by giving to others. There are lots of donation points and many adverts encouraging Muslims to give to those in need during Ramadan. The shops all have offers on to celebrate Ramadan and restaurants offer discounts for Iftar buffets. (the meal after sunset to celebrate the breaking of the fast.)
We visited some souks which were filled with spices, shoes, material and souvineers. I bought some beautiful pink jeweled shoes for £5.
Our overall thoughts after a few days in Dubai are that it is so uncomfortably hot during the summer months!! (...We did anticipate hot temperatures, but the heat felt more intense than in Europe because it is in the desert, and the fact that we weren't allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours made it very hard to cope with!)
We also found that a lot of building is still being done (at times it felt the City felt a bit unfinished.) In a few more years it will be even more incredible! The buildings are HUGE and slightly over the top! The Emeraties seem to cater for very wealthy individuals!
Overall, the people are genuine,
welcoming and very polite.
We would love to return to Dubai when it is not so hot (even the hotel pool was 30degrees!)
...Perhaps we will go on our way back to the UK in May! (FINGERS CROSSED!)
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