Dubai is often called ’’The Hong Kong of the Middle East’’ because of its role as a free port and sometimes as a the ’’Venice of the Middle East’’ because it is built on water.
It is the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) As many as 30 different nationalities co-exist amicably in this tolerant, cosmopolitan City. Dubai is a very pleasant city, not only to visit, but also to live in. It has all the mod cons of an affluent western metropolis - adequate water, reliable electricity, state-of-the-art communications, well-stocked supermarkets and modern hospitals - and more, like cheap petrol, superb sporting facilities and clubs, and a diverse cultural life.
I had always avoided visiting Dubai because of the tales of the strict Muslim laws but my curiosity was aroused when I learnt that more and more of my friends in London were visiting Dubai and also that the world’s most expensive hotel Burj Al Arab was constructed in the shape of billowing sail which cost nearly 4 billion dollars to build. So when I went to India this February, I decided to stop over in Dubai for 3 nights on my way back.
The early morning flight from New Delhi airport was delayed. My friend who has lived in Dubai for last 20 years had come to the airport to receive me. Driving back to his home in his AC car, he assured me that though Dubai was Islamic and that Islam was strictly observed, yet it was not a staunch society. Alcohols are available in hotel and club restaurants and bars but not in restaurants as Muslims are not allowed to drink. It is only during Ramadan that you are not allowed to drink or smoke in public.
Since it was a short flight from New Delhi and I had hardly any jet lag, I decided to explore the city in the afternoon. We started from the Gold Souk in Deira, where gold prices are among the lowest in the world. The narrow streets are crammed with shops whose windows sparkle with gleaming solid 18, 21, 22 and 24 carat gold chunky chains and medallions. Bartering for a bargain price is common.
Later in the evening we went to the Spice Souk where you inhale the aroma of an enormous variety of incense and herbs. Large sacks of spices, scent and dried fruit line the narrow alleyways stacked side by side outside each stall. On goods such as cumin and saffron, you can haggle the vendors down to a price half that found in supermarkets back home.
After a frenzied bargaining session, we went to cool down and take a break at the Hyatt Regency and taste the local delicacies in the revolving restaurant on the top floor with incredible views of the city.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a traditional wooden dhow boat to take you on a 30-60-minute river tour. It will only cost a couple of pounds and you will get a personal tour past famous land marks such as the World Trade Centre and the odd Sheikh palace and also get an insight into the city’s centuries old trading traditions.
River taxis or abras criss-cross the creek and can take you cheaply to the other side of the river. Visiting Al Karama, which is famous market where you can pick up fake designer handbags, like Prada, Gucci or Louis Vuitton at a fraction of the real price.
Next day we took a Desert jeep tour. Typically, jeep safaris set off leisurely over gently undulating sand dunes, but soon pick up speed and motor off road over enormous sand dunes - a bumpy experience that sets your heart racing and stomach churning.
We stopped off frequently for photo opportunities and to ride a camel, eat at a bedouin camp .I had heard of the Camel Races where local boys as young as four years old don riding hats and race camels. I did manage to visit a camel-racing track to witness the spectacular event.
In the evening, we went to see the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the glitzy interior of which looks as though it has been transported from Las Vegas - and also the stylish Royal Mirage decked out in Moroccan artefacts the popular haunt of many rich Sheikhs.
In Dubai, international brands are often lower than in their country of origin. The Indian and Asian wares, local Arabian treasures and the cheapest source of gold in the world. The souks are a typical Middle Eastern experience. Bustling, noisy descendants from the ancient Arab bazaar they retain all the colour of the traditional Arab marketplaces. The concentration of souks is on the Deira side of The Creek. There is the spice souk with a heady blend of aromas and the gold souk where gold jewellery is sold by weight, with just a small tax and token surcharge for design. There are shops selling silver from Italy, as well as precious stones and natural pearls.
I did not meet any Indian who hated Arabs or any Arab who disliked Indians, as Sanyogeeta had experienced. In fact I found both the nationalities respecting each other, working and socialising together. One of my friend’s Arab business associate invited us for dinner at his place and served, Indian dishes in addition to Arab delicacies, played Indian music and talked about Bollywood.
Indeed visiting Dubai has been a wonderful experience for me and if you ever get a chance to visit Middle East, do include Dubai in your intinery. You will love it