Downtown to Out of Town – Dubai
Alhamdulillah, all praises to Allah.
Hey everyone! I’m sure you’re eager to hear what’s next in my Dubai journey. After some heavy traditional shopping (and fearing overweight luggage!), it was time to explore Downtown Dubai—a place where everything is larger than life!
Downtown Dubai – Armani Hotel
Spanning over 2 square kilometers, Downtown Dubai is a luxury paradise dedicated to high-end hospitality, retail, and leisure. Home to the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, this place screams opulence. With an estimated cost of US$20 billion, it’s a sight to behold.
The Armani Hotel Dubai is one of the crown jewels of the area, designed by my boss during his time with his previous company. The hotel is the epitome of sophistication and simplicity—no unnecessary curbs or distractions, just clean lines and elegant interiors. I didn’t stay there (thankfully, or I’d have blown my luggage limit), but the design lover in me couldn’t help but admire every detail.
Dubai Mall
Let’s talk about Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world! I’ve been there multiple times, and each visit feels like discovering a whole new place. It’s so big it even has its own Wikipedia page!
For shoe lovers—brace yourselves—there’s an entire shoe level dedicated just to footwear. Imagine all your favorite brands in one place! And if that’s not enough, there’s a Vogue Café too. Yes, that Vogue.
From high-end brands to more affordable options, this mall has something for everyone. They even have a modernized souk called Souk Al-Bahar, perfect for snapping some Insta-worthy shots. And let’s not forget Bloomingdales—the only one outside the U.S.—spanning multiple outlets within the mall.
Burj Khalifa & The Dubai Fountain
Of course, the Burj Khalifa is the star of Downtown. Holding countless world records, it’s a jaw-dropping architectural wonder. Standing beneath it, you can barely see the top—it’s that massive. Inspired by Islamic architecture, the tower symbolizes strength, modernization, and the ambition to turn dreams into reality.
And right next to it is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain. With water shooting up to 275 meters, it’s a must-see, especially during the evening shows.
Desert Safari
From the glitzy urban landscape to the wild desert—my Desert Safari experience was unforgettable! Just an hour from Downtown, this adventure had it all: dune bashing, camel riding, belly dancing, and shisha under the stars.
The dunes are breathtaking, the sand is finer than baby powder, and the whole experience feels otherworldly. I’ll admit, dune bashing gave me serious motion sickness, but the thrill was worth it. Pro tip: always get a window seat to take in the incredible views!
Camels are the desert’s humble yet majestic creatures, and riding one felt like stepping back in time to the days of nomads. It’s definitely a bucket list item, and a must-do when in Dubai!
Chill Desert Vibes
After all the action, I found the perfect spot to enjoy the belly dancing, grab some food, and chill out with friends. A cool desert evening with great company—what more could I ask for?
Remember to dress comfortably, leave the fancy jewelry behind, and don’t worry about the sand—it’s all part of the adventure!
That’s a wrap for Part 2 of my Dubai journey! I’ll be posting more soon, so stay tuned for the next adventure. Until then, وداعا (wada’an)!
