Sometime ago I got it in my head that I wanted to go see Dubai. Something about its incredible growth over such a short amount of time piqued my business-inclined mind. And while at first it didn’t seem like it would happen on this particular journey, a clever routing to Sydney via Abu Dhabi made it possible. That combined with the fact that despite being an Arab country, I had relatives there. So I took a detour on my way to the land down under and spent a few days in Dubai, the city of gold. Dubai is one of the seven countries comprising the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and a short 40-minute drive or a complimentary hour-and-a half Etihad bus ride away. Etihad is the new airline that I flew and while lesser known than Emirates they operate an efficient and luxurious flight; a comparatively cheaper journey than Emirates that connects Abu Dhabi to the world. And that is precisely what Dubai and now Abu Dhabi are striving to be, cosmopolitan hubs. They are succeeding. It all started back in the sixties when oil was discovered in Dubai. Dubai is a family run business err, country and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum rules the country with brilliant foresight. About five years ago the Sheikh realized that the oil in Dubai would run out by 2020, so he invested large sums of money to turn the country into the massive tourist destination and celebrity hotspot that it is today. I must say he did and does a very good job. Dubai is a flawless plastic bubble of perfection: somewhat of an Arab Disney-land if you will. Everything is immaculately landscaped and buildings are erected in record time and according to budget. And the country just drips money. Locals live in private palaces and all labourers have been imported from surrounding areas and skilled labour recruited from around the world. And so it is reasserted: if you build it, they will come. And who exactly comes? Tourists come in droves from all corners of the earth and a whole work force of expats. Many of which are South Africans like my cousins. These ex-South Africans are enticed by the crime-free society. Dubai has virtually no crime. Venders in the Spice Souk even leave their merchandise is the streets overnight. It remains untouched by morning. In addition to the lack of crime, the expats also enjoy the tax-free (including income tax free) living as well as free public education in British, International or American schools. And despite being an Arab country, Dubai is liberal; one need not cover up in public. Although of course some Muslims do. This is one of the fascinating contrasts of the place: women in burkkas cruising some of the largest and most commercial shopping malls in the world. Malls that are lovely I might add. When Dubai does something, it does it right. Everything is elegant and tasteful and of course air-conditioned. This is due to Dubai having only two seasons: hot and extremely hot. Summer temperatures can spike to 50 degrees Celsius!
Overall I found Dubai to be both weird and fascinating. I am glad to have experienced it and happy for the opportunity to get to know my family there. The place is so popping that I even might consider living there for a year or two. It definitely is a place to watch over the next couple of years. I am sure with the Sheik’s master plan it will continue booming.
The Burg, the world's only seven star hotel
the gold souk
Alexa and I
Alexa & Weston
Michelle at lunch
landscape
typical tourist shot
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