My mom did it again! Passing of 50 years meant nothing!!
I returned from my Dubai vacation and was enthusiastically sharing stories with her on the phone. Midway through the conversation, she sharply interrupted me and asked, ‘Have you written the travelog yet or not?’
And here I am, weaving together the sights, sounds, and surprises of my week-long journey to the shimmering city in the desert.
Initial Impressions
If you had asked me a day before my trip about Dubai, I might have mentioned Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah. And perhaps, from childhood memories, I’d recall stories of laborers migrating there for work—those who succeeded and those who dreamt but couldn’t. But things changed dramatically after this vacation. Travel is always rewarding when you experience a new country and immerse yourself in its nuances.
Meeting Pakistan in Dubai
The first surprise came right at the Dubai airport. My taxi driver spoke impeccable Hindi, and after a little probing, I discovered he was from Pakistan—Punjab, to be precise (oh well, they too have a Punjab!). This was my first close interaction with a Pakistani citizen. His flawless Punjabi made me feel like I was chatting with someone from back home in India. It reminded me of our shared heritage, and it was heartwarming to experience this normalcy.
This wasn’t a one-off encounter. Many Pakistani and Indian drivers crossed our paths during the trip. Dubai’s workforce is a melting pot of nationalities, with South Asians (predominantly Indians and Pakistanis) and other expatriates dominating the customer-facing roles in commercial outlets. The natives? Well, as our city tour guide quipped, “They’re either rich or very rich” – menial jobs are out of the question!
Sightseeing: Hits and Misses
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa—the epitome of hype. Throngs of tourists, endless queues, and a lot of waiting. I was about to chant “Govinda, Govinda,” briefly forgetting that this wasn’t Sarvadarshanam. While the elevator ride was impressive, with its lightning speed and floor number display directly on the lift door, the aerial view from the top, the experience left me feeling it was more about the bragging rights than the thrill.
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame, on the other hand, was a delight. Less crowded, it offered a unique view of the city, and the glass floor at the top, akin to being on the 50th floor of a building, added a dose of excitement. It reminded me of my visit to the CN Tower in Toronto. The cherry on top? Tasting camel milk delicacies in the garden below.
Miracle Garden
Dubai’s Miracle Garden is aptly named. It’s a testament to human perseverance, creating such lush greenery in a desert. Covering thousands of square meters and featuring millions of flowers, it’s one of the most vibrant places I’ve visited. The garden is redesigned annually and operates only during the cooler months, making it a seasonal marvel.
Global Village
A short drive from the Miracle Garden lies the Global Village—a sprawling showcase of cultures. With pavilions from Turkey, Iran, India, Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Americas (both American continents in one pavilion! music to Trump’s ears, right?), Africa, and more, it would weeks to explore everything. Limited on time, we focused on a few and left with a greater appreciation of global artistry and craftsmanship. Watching Turkish ice cream vendors in action (yes, I learned they’re quite famous for this!) was an unexpected delight. The playful antics—teasing customers by pulling the cone away at the last moment—turned buying ice cream into a fun performance. In the Indian pavilion, it was exciting to see the artist danced perfectly on the tune of the Marathi master piece – ‘Mala javu dya na ghari, aata vajale ki bara”. Enjoyed carrying back home, some mementos from Iranian and Turkey pavilions.
The Monorail Ride
The monorail ride to Palm Jumeirah was a unique experience. The elevated track offered stunning views of the Palm’s intricate design. The highlight was passing by the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, a magnificent hotel standing proudly at the edge of the island.
Desert Safari
The highlight of our trip! The desert safari offered an adrenaline rush with ATV rides, sand bashing – thrilling drive across dunes in 4×4 vehicles where the drivers skillfully maneuver the shifting sands to create a roller-coaster-like experience – and a dinner show featuring belly dancing. Learning about the vehicles’ tire adjustments for dune rides (deflated to 15 PSI) was intriguing. Oman, just 70 km away, contributes significantly to Dubai’s fresh produce, thanks to its rains—a surprising revelation amidst the arid surroundings.
Personal Productivity Tips for International Travel
Planning an international vacation is a productivity game in itself, requiring meticulous organization and foresight. It starts with ensuring that your passports are always active. Mark passport expiry dates in your calendar and set a reminder six months in advance to renew them—this simple step can save you from the stress of last-minute express options.
Begin your planning at least a month ahead by breaking it into major task categories. Start with essentials like obtaining a visa (if required), as these processes can take time. Speaking with friends who have visited your destination can provide invaluable insights and make your planning more reliable.
For popular attractions that require advance booking, secure your tickets online to avoid disappointment. Maintain a dedicated to-do list—I like to call it a “satellite to-do list”—specifically for your trip. One task on this list should be customizing your generic travel checklist to account for shopping needs and other specifics.
Another smart strategy is listing all the friends or acquaintances you might want to meet at your destination. Also, leave a day free for the last-minute ideas or adjustments, while planning sightseeing.
If you enjoy documenting your travels, consider shooting videos meticulously during the trip. Compile and edit these clips soon after you return—the longer you wait, the higher the chance they’ll get lost in the shuffle of daily life. Pleasant memories deserve to be preserved, don’t they? Finally, if writing a travelogue is on your mind, jot down key points as soon as you return. This way, even if you procrastinate a little, your notes will ensure you don’t lose the essence of your experience. I did my vacation video on Day 2 and blog on Day 20!
Dhow Cruise and Yacht Ride
The Dhow Cruise in the night was average, saved by a mesmerizing light show mid-journey. But the yacht cruise on another morning outshone it—the tranquil early morning waters, cool winter breeze, and iconic views of the Burj Al Arab made it unforgettable.
Beach Visit
Not content with just exploring the creek, we made our way to the Kite beach (I had to check the geography – it’s the Persian Gulf!). While we didn’t plan for a swim, a leisurely stroll along the pristine shoreline was both refreshing and invigorating. To top it off, our ride to the beach was in a sleek Tesla—far removed from the ubiquitous Swift Dzire back home!
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future—an architectural marvel—radiates mystique, though its appeal leans heavily on visually stunning exhibits rather than groundbreaking technological innovations (sorry, Teodor and Ahmad, temper your expectations!). It’s grand and impressive, but as with much of Dubai, it’s more brawn than brain.
Dubai Mall Fountain Show
No visit to Dubai is complete without witnessing the Dubai Mall’s fountain show. Larger-than-life, monochromatic, and synchronized to music, it’s a spectacle that left us in awe.
Meeting Friends
It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends in a foreign land! A special thanks to Anees, the panel doctor of the Crown Prince, and Balki, a software wizard strengthening the IT infrastructure of RTA Dubai, for making time to meet us. Their stories and insights added a personal touch to the trip, making it all the more memorable.
Observations Beyond Sightseeing
Dubai’s roads showcase impeccable discipline, reminiscent of the USA—but with distances measured in kilometers, not miles. This order is upheld by hefty fines (hundreds of Dirhams even for small slips) and the unyielding watch of street cameras, unlike the option of ‘sob-story’ persuasions to the traffic cops elsewhere. Despite carrying Dirhams, I hardly used cash—even the smallest vendors and taxi drivers had card machines.
The city’s relentless greenery maintenance stands out, with drip irrigation systems visible everywhere. Dubai exudes opulence, not just in its architecture but in its ambition to defy nature and create a haven in the desert.
Closing Thoughts
Dubai surprised me, inspired me, and left me with memories I’ll cherish forever. From its towering structures to its cultural diversity and rich experiences, it’s a city that knows how to impress—sometimes a little too well!
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(Originally published in Times of India on January 18, 2025)
