If you're looking for something larger than life, Dubai is the place to be. In Dubz (as some of us Kenyans call it), anything is possible. From the world's tallest skyscraper, to the world's largest mall, it boasts a lot of fascinating novelties to indulge in. My advice- visit in the winter (unless you do well in extremely hot and humid conditions).
One of the biggest attractions is the mighty Burj, which always stands tall with great panache.
Although it does not seem like the coolest thing to do as soon as you land in a new city, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting my (now) ex-colleagues at the J. Walter Thompson Dubai office. The inspiring space is spread across the 51st and 52nd floors of the Business Central Towers. You can see the Arabian Sea and desert from different spots within the office. Here's a picture of us with J. Walter Thompson himself!
My visit at J. Walter Thompson was so long, that we missed our scheduled Marina Cruise Dinner. Hmmm...my mum and aunt were not too happy about "work even on holiday?!". I just had so much fun analyzing client social media strategies (sorry guys). BUT as they say, (some) things happen for a reason. We ended up on the Deira Dhow Cruise which was much better (according to my mum who had previously been on the Marina one). It was nice to get onto the water, and away from the concrete jungle.
Paragliding down the slopes of the French Alps was not as exhilarating as I expected it to be (don't get me wrong, it was fantastic!) because the Burj Khalifa really raised my standards for "heights". This was indeed a bird's eye experience.
I went to the top not only for the view, but to observe the intriguing architecture as well as the story behind its construction.
Kite Beach was the perfect sunset spot after a long walk under the beaming blue sky.
Cultural differences are quite amusing sometimes. City Walk is the name of a prominent shoe shop in Kenya...but City Walk in Dubai is a picturesque, posh, relatively new neighbourhood. The hippie stores, restaurants and street art render it a funky location to check out. Be prepared to walk a lot...I mean, a lot. It is the best way to experience it.
When in Dubz, get yourself a Nol card (hopefully, that is still what its called). It really comes in handy when using the metros (unless you're okay with spending all your money on taxis!).
Al-Abwab-ul-Tughlaq (the doors are closing) might stick in your brain if you use the metros frequently.
Fun fact about me- I can read and write Arabic, but do not understand it. I will now let you ponder over that.
The luxury section at the Mall of the Emirates made me gasp incredulously. I felt like I needed to pay just to stare at it!! Take a stroll down the expensive walkways and maybe even treat yourself at one of the high-end stores (it is allowed sometimes...I am guilty).
What's a trip to Dubai without a desert safari? I love how the drivers stepped on the gas with great aplomb. After the dune bashing, I tried sand-boarding and later watched the sky change colour.
If you're in Dubai, you can drive down to Abu Dhabi in 2 hours or so (and vice versa). Abu Dhabi has a whole other vibe. It presents calmness...and a lot more trees than Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Ferrari World (Ferrari lovers haven!) are the main attractions and are definitely worth seeing.
I am not sure which building this is, but I know that I was matching with it.
My second trip to Dubai was really short (only 2 days!). I spent most of my time with my cousin and her family.
I also went up the Dubai Frame and particularly enjoyed walking on the glass floor! I also finally got to try PF Chang's (best dynamite prawns ever!) and The Cheesecake Factory. If you want to try a bunch of international food franchises in one place, fly to Dubai and head straight to the Dubai Mall.
The trip was short and sweet! :)
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