What's in Dubai?
Well, nothing really! Or everything under the sun. It totally depends on your perspective. I have been to Dubai a few times, but mostly in passing. Meaning, in the past I have just spend a few hours if I had a layover that is too long to stay at the Dubai airport (which I use a lot both for business and family travels). However, this time around I am in a field trip based just north of Dubai in the Musandam Peninsula of Oman, so I thought I will spend just a couple of days at Dubai seeing a few things if time permits.
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There you have it! Most pictures of central Dubai now dominates this pinnacle of monstrosity! Yeah, it is probably now the most photographed building of the world, and so why don't I add to the digital junk of the internet! Yeah, that was essentially my feeling getting into the trip. And Oh!, most of my pictures here will be vertical obviously to fit the tower of Burj Khalifa! I have cloudy and hazy Dubai right now as I write this post from my hotel room.
Here is the same view at night, slightly zoomed in! Yeah, I say the night view is better. You can see the sign of Dubai Mall, it is about 7-10 min walk to the mall from this hotel that I am staying.
Outside of my window looks like this. If you look at the scale of these 'ordinary' tall buildings, it becomes obvious how tall Burj Khalifa is! Also when you think about that they completed the building is essentially six years, you begin to appreciate the scale and speed of these projects. City of Houston haven't been able to repair the potholes in front of our outer gate for the last six years!
Alright, the next thing I must say is that the city of Dubai is much better at night. People typically leave well after sunset to hang out and downtown livens up at that time. It is very unlikely compared to most of the downtowns (except perhaps for Manhattan) which are mostly ghost towns after sunset. You can see the wall of the Dubai Mall on the left of this image, with quite a few pedestrians walking towards the Mall and the tower.
Here you go, the mandary picture of the inside of the Dubai mall. The place is massive, and takes hours to walk all around. Its spectacular and glitzy, and exceptionally good for people watching. Did I buy anything from there? No :)
Late at night, the tower is quite a site, and it is used as a live billboard (mostly for Emmar Properties) or whatever you like to use it for. There is artificial lake in front of the tower and there is light and sound show every half and hour at the fountains. This particular Sunday, I think there of tens of thousands of people visiting the mall!
It is really hard to find a space to lift up your phone camera to take a decent picture in this crowd. You can probably tell from the quality of the picture that I was struggling at this point. That said, Dubai Mall, is probably the best and largest mall I have seen anywhere in the world. As far as malls go for people watching (is there any other purpose of a mall?) Dubai Mall probably will top everything. So after walking around all day, all over the city (more on that on a later post), I was hesitating if I want to go to the top of Burj Khalifa at one of the observation decks or not. I mean, I was very skeptical of the crowds.
So Monday night when I went to bed exhausted, I had not plan on going there. But then the jet lag kicked in and I woke up at 4 am. I thought, I am rested and I am up already and I am not going to be able to sleep, so lets see if I have the sunrise tickets available. It was!
And it was beautiful and totally worth it! First it was almost empty. I got the 6 am slot with sunrise at 6:18. Although it was hazy, I did see the city slowly getting brighter.
This viewing area is not at the absolute top. This was floors 124-125, the max floor is I think 168. But hey, I enjoyed the place without the crowd and instagram influencers! I highly recommend the sunrise view for two reasons:
- No lines, no crowd
- You get a free coffee (I think you get it during the other times too, but morning joe is better)
- If you are jet lagged, you will have something prductive to do before breakfast
There you have it. Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, pretty much the hottest ticket in town right now. There are many other things to do, and they are better. But that is another post!
I'm not sure about Dubai, I mean I haven't been before and it's such a famous city, but only because they've thrown so much money at it and made it all bling bling. The view from view the top of the observation deck, well, it's expanse but there's nothing, no character. Give me London any day!! (Did you see my last post?😁)
I think one day I probably will go, just to tick the box.
It certainly seems very flashy. I liked London, a mix of old and new and as a history guy the old was where I spent my time. I'd like to see Dubai at some stage though.
Same here. Maybe I'll do a transfer there next time I go to Asia, but not as a holiday, unless I won the lottery, then I'll book myself in the Burj Khalifa
I see what you mean. It is a common feeling. I get it, I had/have some of the same feelings too. That said, it's a charming city. It's modern but does have a little old town. Also if you get to go outside, it's a different world.
For me it's a practical city which in unapologetic. It has moved far far away from most of the old world cities and will continue to move in that direction. It's a far better city for business than any in the world and therefore I come here often.
Never been to Dubai, but always wanted to while in the region. I am not big on crowds so the mall would turn into a shit show for me. However, I would love that early morning view you got from atop Burj Khalifa. I am interested to see what else you got into while there in your next posts.
Mall can indeed be a shit show. But let me see.... how about this?
This is old town Dubai, and if you go there early you can have it to yourself!
Wow, that is really empty. Was anything open at that time? It would be perfect if something was open, especially a coffee shop.
Oh many things were open just early to people to show up
It is a damned impressive toothpick reaching into the sky. Almost looks like you can see the curve of the earth from that sunrise platform!
Big ass toothpick! 🤣
There must be a big ass giant out there! 🤣🤣
Or, maybe that dude and the toothpick is normal sized and we're all just super small?
Essentially in the middle of a desert and you can see the Persian Gulf. The combination makes it look even taller! And it's already very tall :)
Yeah, it's insane engineering!
Dude 6am viewing at Burj Khalifa sounds like THE thing to do, haha. I'm going to be in Dubai for the first time in a couple of months, and frankly I don't want to go. But I think I'll follow in your footsteps and do that 124th floor cup of joe at 6am. If I do, I'll cheers to you my friend :)
It is much better to go 6am than 6pm! Because after 7 or 8 am it gets very crowded. Some of my friends went yesterday at 4pm, but had to wait 2 hours in line!! No thank you I say!
Its like a half advertisement for Emirates, I know it's spelt wrong.., but that came to my mind. Free stuff is always the best!
lol. You are correct on advertisement
But it is spelled correctly though. It's an advertisement for Emmar properties, the largest real estate developer in Dubai. Burj Khalifa is their building.
https://www.emaar.com/
Thanks for the tour! I have never been there and reading about your impressions gets me just a bit closer!
You are welcome. I am currently further north into the Musandam Peninsula…
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musandam_Peninsula
That's a long way from Texas! Quite a different experience, I'm sure.
Yeah. Indeed. Just perks of the job. This is one of the reasons it’s hard for me to stop working:)
I understand that 100%. I wish I would have had a job that required me to travel. I've been to 20 different countries but always had to pay for my own trip.
The last photo is very beautiful capturing the scene below shows high up you are.
Yes, it's from earlier today. I woke up at 4:30 and was there from 6 to 7am.
I've never been but have heard a lot about it and that it's worth the trip. I'm thinking I'll transit through on my way elsewhere some day, stop over for several days and see what I can see.
It's a natural stop for me on the way to India and many other places in SE Asia. So I have been there a few times. This time though I am here for 8 days!
Just drove to Rak, as they fondly called the town of Ras-Al-Khaimah! I will show you some pictures. Perks of being a geologist.
Dubai Mall for me is tiring. Lol. Plus the fact that I have to use Google Maps whenever I'm there. 🤕
Welcome to 🇦🇪!
Yes, it's easy to get lost over there, but I had nothing to do and I was staying nearby so I was happily lost :)
I've never been to Dubai, but it's definitely on my list.
Isn't Dubai the city with the most Guinness World Records in the world? Maybe I'm mixing it up 😅
Having coffee at sunrise, at that height, sounds like a good plan—something I would do. It's just the crowd at the Dubai Mall that would irritate me 😅
Waiting for the better thing to do ...
Yes, Dubai does hold that record.
Interesting photos, thanks for sharing about your trip. I've never been to Dubai but it's a fascinating place. Have you been to Abu Dhabi?
Yes I have been to Abu Dhabi many times. These are places I go for business. I am in oil business. These are the places where oil is.
If you have a chance one day, I'd be curious to read your thoughts on Abu Dhabi and see some of your photos there. It's another interesting city.
It's so cool how much you get to travel - I always enjoy seeing your photos and stories!
Perks of being a geologist.
That sunrise picture is quite something....
I wwnt to Dubai only once when I was quite little...
More than 14 years ago...
It was a medical visit so I don't remember much but I do know the night views were spectacular even then...
14 years! Burj Khalifa must had been just completed. I think it was open for public in 2010.
I really didn't go out of the hospital then so I don't know what "Burj Khalifa" is😂😂
The only thing I really do remember is looking out the window at the clear skies and stars and lights😂😂
That is pretty cool. I have been up the Empire State building, but I know that is considered pretty small these days. The views in general look quite amazing. I don't think I could afford to spend much time in Dubai. It feels like it caters to a different class of people than I fit in!
Hey, I think Empire State Building is still cool! I always remember multiple Rom Coms ..... an affair to remember (wife loves it) sleepless in Seattle....
Haha, yeah, it is definitely iconic for many reasons. It did offers some good views. I still have my old photos kicking around somewhere I think!
Nice photos. I've been there several times, but haven't been to the observation deck. My wife's favorite place to visit is the Dubai Mall :)
Oh I can tell why Dubai mall :)
My wife never been to here :) I don’t know if I should be happy or sad
:))
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Dubai is one of the best places to visit and has many things to explore. From its stunning skyscrapers to its vibrant markets, there is something for everyone in this dynamic city.
You have captured the beauty of Dubai very well, especially the night shots where the skyscrapers of Dubai are wonderful.
We have many friends and relatives who are working in Dubai and your photos offer us another perspective of the the place. Hoping to visit this place too.
Absolutely, Dubai is a very beautiful country, but you can only enjoy its sightseeing and entertainment if you have a lot of money in this country, and to have a permanent residence in these areas, you should have enough capital. You made us visit Dubai through your post. Thank you.
What a beautiful place, I can see so many tall buildings 🙏♥️
Guau this is a dreams for me, this country looks like very nice by the way I read about the weather it is so hot right.
Well some day when hive prices come to $10.00 I will go.
Until next time.
It is utterly unbelievable the amount of things you get to see! I enviably huge your sense of adventure and love the fact that you throw yourself into new experiences. I eagerly await seeing your pictures and hearing your stories—so invigorating and full of such life. Your breaks don't merely present us with scenic vistas but a glimpse into cultures and memories too. Tell me of your adventures—your pictures brighten my day and satiate my wanderlust.
I went to Dubai in February 2022 to attend my cousin's wedding. It was beautiful!
Here's a photo of my brother, me, and my GF in front of the Museum of the Future with my cousin (who got married) photobombing and another photo of a view from the Burj Khalifa! (badly taken, sorry!)
How beautiful must the sunrise be without the haze! Thanks for the pictures, I don't think I'll put Dubai on my bucket list, though :-D
I was in Dubai about 25 years ago visiting my sister who worked there for a while. I know they have built a lot more since then as there was so much construction going on. All those glitzy high-rises don't do much for me. At least we got to see some less developed areas. We went snorkeling on a reef in a quiet bay and bought some rugs in an old market (with some haggling). The place seems to be largely about money, but I hope they can preserve some nature and old culture.
It seems to be a common stop between Europe and Asia/Australasia. I think my parents have been there a few times on their trips.
Really cool pictures! I was in our tallest building in Seattle and got a great view of the area from the top, but you are obviously even higher above ground. Mall is not my thing but Burj Khalifa is really impressive!
Would you recommend going to Dubai as a vacation?