I'm off to Dubai!
Well thats what i told a few friends a few weeks ago, before I went and it really was amazing at how many people would say "why there?" Many people see holidays in the big city as not a holiday at all. They say "Aren't holidays for relaxing?" As strange as this will probably sound, I found it the most relaxing break away for quite some time now heres why...
Dubai is one of the severn emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates. Once a small fishing village on the edge of the arabian dessert its now the fastest growing city in the world. Known for its record breaking skyscrapers, huge shopping centres and all round luxury. I have never felt as safe as i did in Dubai anywhere in the world. The crime rate is so low that i was just incredibly relaxed all the time... even in the big city!
There is such a wide range of things to do that it is a city that caters for absolutely everyone. Being a coastal city on the persian gulf it allows for many water sports from the wackiest to the more traditional. During my time there I just had to have a go on a jet ski. Its something I have wanted to try for many many years and where better than in Dubai, the city of luxury. I absolutely loved every minute of it, wish i booked it for longer!
As everybody is on holiday I was a tourist so I had to visit some of the usual touristy places such as...
Burj Khalifa
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Mall
Dubai Fountain
Dubai Marina
One thing I wish i had done was a dessert safari but I'm saving that one for a self drive safari on my next visit. The marina was just absolutely stunning to the point we went there every day for dinner overlooking the boats at sunset. The initial plan was to go out on a RIB on a tour to go and see the Burj Al Arab and many of the other sites from the sea for a thrill. However being my mum's birthday we thought we would go for something a bit more luxurious so booked a yacht charter for her birthday. I felt it was more of a present for myself as I even drove the amazing yacht. As they say... "When in Dubai!"
The overall feel of this vibrant, rapid city is amazing. I can see the attraction and why many people keep coming back. I certainly will. Its hard to believe just fifteen years ago it would have been a completely different place to visit. The main attractions were like nothing else i have ever experienced. The Fountain show was out of this world. It was even in tune to the music! Although in a strange way reminded me of the fountain they have in the middle of the Geneva lake. Maybe its just me but feels a little similar.
Being such a fast growing city getting there is no trouble at all with direct flights exceeding ten per day from London alone! and thats just flights with Emirates! Although I took a slightly different route flying with Turkish Airlines stopping at Istanbul on the way. Was great to have a little stretch midway on the way there but I'm sure everyone feels the same. On the way home we just want to get home so the journey on the way back felt never ending.
Growing up in Southampton in the south of England I felt a little nostalgia as we left Dubai. When I looked out of the window and saw Cunard's ex flagship the QE2 it was quite a sad sight as the last time I saw her she was all shiny wearing the cunard colours yet now all dusty with the colours fading away. It would be such a shame for those plans of a hotel to just disappear. But doing a little digging it looks like in the fairly near future those plans will be brought to life. Still yet to be confirmed but i'm very confident in what i found.
Overall Dubai is an incredibly vibrant and fast city with people from many walks of life around every corner. Being around the same distance away from London as New York it felt like a more modern New York but on the dessert. Making for a tough decision if you only want to go for the luxury and shopping. I can honestly say the entire holiday was in my top two and I very much look forward to going back.
