Five wow experiences in Dubai

Even the seasoned traveller will tell you that I could not have chosen a better time of year to visit Dubai. January falls in the desert country’s winter season, which means that I was spared the searing heat of their summer where temperatures can go up to 52˚C. Their winter is similar to our tropical weather. So, I was right at home.
Then, it was during the Dubai shopping week, which largely means that prices go down in order for shops to clear sales for new stock. The reality though is that Gucci and other signature stores for which Dubai is popular will discount their prices up to even 75 per cent. Although it seemed like only discounts of 99 per cent could lower them enough for me to afford anything but I was not complaining. I still got a feel of window shopping in genuine brand stores, feeling and trying on authentic brand items in the shops. What can I say? I had my fill of ows and ahs which was good enough.

It also happened to be a time Emirates Airlines had cut its travel fares, which allowed me the privilege of travelling business class. That is a luxury whose details I will regal you with another time. For now, let’s talk about Dubai. Dubai did make a good first impression on me. Let me break it down for you as I experienced it.

1. The Burj Khalifa.
This world wonder does live up to its reputation. I had the privilege of going to the top of the building, an exercise thousands of tourists pay and queue up to experience. As the lift goes up to the 125th floor, there is a satisfaction that comes with knowing you are headed up to the top of the world. Away from visiting the topmost floor, is the magic of the changing faces of this building. In the evenings, tourists gather at vantage points to catch a glimpse of the building as it changes patterns and colours. On New Year ’s Eve, it is this same building that treats its citizens to fireworks. Dubai has found a way to maximise that building.

2. Dine on the cruise.
On the first night, I was in Dubai, our host from Emirates Airlines, treated us to dinner on a cruise. We were ushered onto a boat set up like a hotel’s dining area and treated to a three-course meal, complete with music in the background. It was so calm and romantic. One of us kept insisting she would never say Yes to a man that did not propose to her from there.

3. The gold market.
Dubai has a market that is exclusive for gold. It is a corridor lined with shops, literally overflowing with gold jewellery, bridal attires and I was told, even plain gold blocks. The prices of the golden items are determined by the international karat rate so it is not any cheaper, although you can be assured of high quality and genuine gold.

4. The dancing fountains.
The fountains of water do not dance or sing per se but they do put up an impressive show. Think of fireworks but with water, moving rhythmically to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. From Thiptara Restaurant in The Palace Hotel, my travelmates and I dined to an unobstructed view of the fountains against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa’s changing faces. Every evening between 7pm and 10pm, there is a host of tourists strategically stationed to view the water do its dance. My friend changed her mind and decided that this was after all the perfect place to get proposed to.

5. Riding the sand dunes.
I spent my last evening in Dubai in the desert . It is amazing how the harsh sands have been turned into a most sought after tourist attraction. Simply stated, riding the sand dunes is driving through the hills in the sand in a four-wheel drive. Do not be deceived, however; it is not an exercise for the fainthearted. Think of it as being in the same league as bungee jumping and rafting. I left half my guts in the sand but enjoyed every moment of it.

Three random facts about Dubai : Compiled by Eunice Rukundo

Tradition

Gold is as important to the natives in Dubai as cows are to a Muhima man in Uganda. A groom can express his appreciation of his bride by showering her in golden gifts. There are even bridal attires made entirely out of gold on sale in the Dubai City of Gold.

Economy

Dubai takes care of its natives. While the country encourages foreigners to live in Dubai, you can only live there through marriage, employment, or investment. The government only looks after its native population of close to 18,000 people, offering them accommodation and free education for their children, from oil proceeds.

Come one come all

Dubai carries out an intentional campaign to attract foreigners to tour, invest and live there. Although the government will not spend any money on foreigners, it will also not charge them any taxes. However, you cannot live there as a foreigner if you cannot take care of yourself or your own.