Touchdown – Dubai
Wrapping up 2014 with a bang, I embarked on a journey to a place where the sky’s not the limit—Dubai! A city where small-scale doesn’t exist, where inspiration soars as high as its record-breaking skyscrapers, and where oil is cheaper than water. Dubai has always been on my bucket list, and as a designer, this city of futuristic art and uncompromised grandeur felt like a dream come true. Even better, I got to experience it with my best friend—can you guess who?
Buckle up, because this is just the beginning of an eight-part adventure that gets better and better. Here’s how my epic journey of 2014 began:
Touchdown Dubai!
Malaysia Airlines flight 162 touched down at Dubai International Airport at 18:35, and even at a cool 16°C, the airport was buzzing with people. One of the busiest airports in the world, Dubai immediately hit me with its vibrant energy. After a well-organized pick-up, we were whisked off to our hotel. Time to reload, recharge, reenergize for the days ahead. The first gust of cold desert wind hit me, carrying a bit of sand with it—let's just say it was a unique first "taste" of Dubai!
Discovering Dubai’s Culture
First stop: Dubai Museum. If you want to understand a city, start with its history, and Dubai’s rich culture is best explored here. Though the building looks humble and weathered, it’s designed to replicate the early days of Dubai. For just 3 Dirhams, you can wander through exhibits that show how the city transformed from a trading hub along the creek to the modern metropolis it is today. This part of Dubai still holds on to its old traditions—think dhows crossing the river and bustling markets. A definite must-see!
Textile Shopping Extravaganza
I’m not much of a shopper, but Dubai’s Naif Souk in the old district is truly something else. It’s heaven for textile lovers—glitzy, glamorous, and overflowing with gorgeous abayas and jubahs. I found myself haggling for deals like a pro, and trust me, the prices can drop pretty low if you know how to bargain! A pro tip: don’t get too attached to anything unless you really love it, or you’ll have a hard time walking away.
Striking Gold at the Gold Souk
Next stop: the famous Gold Souk. Known as the "City of Gold," Dubai’s gold market is something you have to experience—even if you’re not buying. There’s a bit of an open market vibe, but don’t worry, it’s all legit. Just make sure to check the current market rate displayed on the digital screens before you start bargaining. Thinking about picking up a gold bar? Be prepared to pay cash—no credit cards here!
Exploring the Deira Wet Market
To truly experience the local life, we headed to Deira Wet Market for some fresh fruits. It’s fascinating to see how the vendors operate, selling everything from vegetables to meat and fruits. Even though it’s modernized compared to back home, it was a refreshing experience that felt authentically Dubai. Just a heads-up: when you’re taking public transport in Dubai, nothing less than Gold Class for me!
That’s it for part one of my Dubai adventure. It may not be the most action-packed yet, but it’s definitely the perfect intro to get into the Arabian spirit. Stay tuned for my next post—it’s going to get even more exciting!
