I had high expectations of Dubai before I actually landed there .I was very excited about how to spend my five days in the most famous of all emirates. Our stay for four nights in Dubai was at Grand Excelsior hotel occupying a favorable position in Bur Dubai and close to many places like Gold Souk, Meena Bazzar, Mall of Dubai etc.
Dubai is home to the tallest skyscrapers in the world .Tourists from all over the world come to see the sights and experience its culture. Dubai’s crime rate is so minima ,the laws and punishments are so strict that nobody even think of committing a crime.
Visit to Nakheel and La Mer
On the first day as soon as we landed ,we had a visit planned to Nakheel. Nakheel include listing of projects in Dubai across the residential, hospitality, retail and leisure sectors. Some of its Master developments includes Palm Jumeirah, The World, Deira Islands, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah height, Jumeirah park and various others.Nakheel also has many future projects under development like Ibn Battuta Mall,Nakheel mall,Deira island night souk, The Pointee and various others.
One of the key attraction developed by Nakheel is Palm Jumeirah .Palm Jumeirah is said to be an artificial island which is divided into many clusters which consists of villas and apartments. This island is given a shape of palm tree and is one of the largest man made islands. The project was completed in 5 years and holds the record of fastest sold property. The first property was sold within 72 hours .Palm Island adds about 60 kilometer of shoreline to the main land of Dubai, which was the main reason for developing the Island.
The second activity for the day was the beach visit at La Mer Dubai. La Mer is the development of Meraas . This beach has contemporary structures for retail,dining,and leisure are built along the shore. The streets are lined with palm trees, and the place is full of lights. The walls of the restaurants are decorated with vibrant artworks ,this beach is super cool for the first timer visitors like me. The beach is a public beach,No fees to pay.The area is well-maintained. There’s no trash lying around. The water is clear and blue as the color of the sky and visitors can enjoy water sports as well.
Visit to American University and Mall Of Dubai
On the second day we had a visit to American University In Dubai (AUD).The university is a private institution for high learning in Dubai ,founded in 1995. The visit was divided into 2 parts-Campus tour and introduction of university.AUD has been accredited by both US and UAE to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. students of over 100 nationalities study in the university and the university is soon going to introduce a new course i.e. Maters in Artificial Intelligence as AI is gaining importance in business world.
The next visit was to the Mall Of Dubai. Dubai mall is one of the place that you will visit in Dubai and is next to Burj Khalifa. The mall has everything inside it including huge aquarium, an ice skating rink, every single brand name shop you can think of, delicious restaurants, boutique shops, and so much more.Dubai Mall is full of people from all parts of the world, and one of the best things about visiting the mall is watching people of different cultures. From dressed up locals, bewildered tourists, Arab families and you will find Indians as well.The mall also has an entire aquarium inside it , we all gravitated towards it and one can see thousands of aquatic animals .
Visit to Canadian University and Desert Safari
On the third day we visited Canadian University Dubai. The visit was divided into campus tour and lecture by Dr. Nora and Dr. Mark.Dr. Mark gave the general information about the university and Dr . Nora explained about information technology law.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai CUD offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs based on Canadian curriculum. Students in the university have the option of completing their studies in the UAE or transfer to Canada.
After coming back from the university we proceeded for Desert safari which took 45 minutes of travel from our hotel. Desert Safari includes Adventurous dune bashing, going up and down the high dunes. After dune bashing we walked to the camp for dinner. We sat on a slightly elevated platform with a table covered with beautiful cloth. There were several cultural performances –belly dance, the traditional Tambura dance and a fire show.While watching the performance delicious food was served.
In the night we visited Meena Bazaar.Meena Bazaar is a shopping area located in Bur Dubai .
This Bazaar is famous for its traditional shops and is iconic part of the city since long. A customer can find anything they need right from clothing, jewellery, watches, perfumes, dry fruits,chocolates. Shops at this market is pocket friendly as compared to Dubai mall stores.
Altogether it was a wonderful day, it was my 1st time in the desert and I had a great time shopping at Meena Bazaar.
Visit to Ski Dubai and Gold souk
Fourth day was a fun day out with my 5 friends at the indoor ski park. With different activities that are sure to bring happiness to visitors face. Ski Dubai located in the Mall of Emirates offers a variety of activities and chance to experience Ski, Chair car, Giant ball, Mountain Thriller rides, Encounter with Penguins etc. Ski Dubai was a great relief from Scorching Dubai heat and found the climate that cannot be found anywhere in Dubai.
Our first task was to decide what type of experience we want to choose from different options and combinations. Our package cost us 265 Dhirams per person. We wore long pants and jackets to protect our self from the cool temperature. One amazing thing that I observed was the automated arm check in system to monitor the trips as some of the activities were limited.
Gold Souk is one of the most popular destination in the Emirate. The souk consists of more than 300 stores and all the stores are carefully regulated by the Dubai government to ensure the authenticity and the quality. Even shopping was not on my mind, I made my way to this market to see how gold is sold in Dubai. Apart from gold, the stores also sells the Diamond,silver and platinum. Jewellery is sold by the weight of the piece according to the current price with an additional charge of workmanship. The additional charges vary depending upon the design of the piece. Gold souk is a fascinating place that should be on every visitor’s itinerary even on those who have no intention to make a purchase.
Visit to AL Habtoor Motors and Tiger Steel Industry
AL Habtoor Motor’s has a portfolio that includes Mitsubishi passenger cars,wide choice of sedan’s. Two well know Chinese brands Jac and Chery and commmercial vehicle from Fuso and Temsa range of luxury coaches and buses.The company has 9 showrooms,9 service centers ,4 body shops and 10 body parts centres covering the entire UAE.
Dubai is full of swank and glamour. Every visit to the city will take you on a new attractions, activities and new constructions in the city. We reached airport by 8 and finally bid goodbye to Dubai as home was calling.
