A traveller's reflection: UAE 2004: Dubai

"We don't always have to agree with one another but it's important that we learn to respect each other..."

(The Burj Al Arab)

September 26, 2004
City of Gold

Dubai is a city of contrast, where the old and new, traditional and modern blend to produce a fascinating and exciting place. A colorful mixture of people and cultures bring to the city a unique combination of influences.

(Our lodging at Nakheel Apartment)

(A cute mosque near our apartment)

Last night we had a good rest. This morning, with the help of the concierge we went to Meena Bazaar at Bur Dubai for a shopping spree. This area is noted as Dubai’s bargain area. The streets are lined with stores selling textile. Bought quite a variety of materials for everyone that we could think of. Even had some sent to the tailor to be collected before we go back to KL.

(One of the many shopping malls)

(Window shopping in the mall)

(A tent in the mall, booking our tour here)

Went to the nearby Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum. The museum displays colorful and evocative diodramas, complete with life-size figure, sound and light effects. Quite impressive. I had my hand henna-painted there.

(The Dubai Museum)

(Enlightening historic exhibits)

(The old fort surrounding the Museum)

(Showcasing Dubai's history)

(The Museum uses life-size diorama)

(A glimpse of everyday life in the olden days)

(Taking a peek at the notes)

(Exploring the rich history of old Dubai)

In the evening we joined the City tour. The route took us through the fascinating city where modern buildings tower over historical monuments and traditional dwellings. Stopped at the Gold Souk and bought two gold bracelets and a diamond ring.

(Taking a stroll around town)

(Egyptian statues decorating the building)

(Boat tours and cruises available)

(A walk along Dubai saltwater creek)

(Buying gold bracelets at the Gold Souk)

It was sunset when we reached the sandy beach of Jumeriah, and Jumeriah Mosque is beautiful by day and by night. Stopped for photo shots of Burj Al-Arab, the award-winning hotel that combines contemporary architecture with rich culture of the Middle East.The tour took 4 hours to complete and by the time we reached our apartment we were famished. Had briani dinner at Ghurair City Mall.

(A shopping mall along Jumeirah Street)

(Jumeirah Mosque, traditional Fatimid style)

(A stunning Burj Al Arab in the background)

Shopper’s Paradise

This morning we promised to meet my nephew Nor Azhar at Deira City Center at 10.30 a.m. He would be flying back to KL tomorrow evening. This would be his last flight with MAS. Effective October he will be joining the Etihad Airways, the new National Airline for UAE. Most probably Niza and their kids will be joining him in Abu Dhabi once he has settled accommodation and education arrangements.

(Purchasing loads of fabrics)

(My nephew, Captain Nor Azhar)

Nor brought us to Naif district where we met up with a few MAS crew members at one of their favorite restaurants. Together we went to Phulwani Textile shop and had a good bargain. The prices were reasonably cheap and the cloth materials ranged from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades. Fortunately shops closed at 12.30 noon and to open again at 4.00 p.m. If not, would need to buy extra bags for the excess baggage.

September 27, 2004
The Arabian adventures

(Flattening the tyres for good maneuvering)

(Watching the sunset in the desert)

(A beautiful sunset at the horizon)

Pick-up time for the Desert Safari was around 4.30 p.m. The vehicles used for the desert tour were Land Cruisers and driven by well-experienced drivers. Could feel the rush of adrenalin as our safari drivers took us on an hour-long ride amidst ever-shifting sand dunes. Compared to the desert in Mekkah and Madinah, desert in Dubai was more captivating and breathtaking.The ride ended atop the highest sand mountain where we had a wonderful view of the desert sun slowly sinking into the horizon. One could marvel eternally at the magnificent sunset.

(Riding the camel in the desert)

(Resting in the tent after the BBQ dinner)

(A round of Hookah session)

We continued our journey to the Bedouin campsite where we got a chance to ride the camel. Enjoyed a cup of hot tea as we waited for a sumptuous Arabian barbecue. Later, I tried another round of henna painting around the wrist, and he got himself tattooed too. While lounging on Persian rugs and cushions, we were entertained by a belly dancer moving to the rhythm of Arabic folk music.That night the moon was full. In the middle of the desert, one could feel moments of magic, an experience that would live forever in my memory.

September 28, 2004
End of Emirates Holidays

(Another addition to our luggage)

(Midget Cowboys and a giant Red Indian)

Waited for the tailor to deliver my Punjabi suits and his pants to the apartment. While waiting, had breakfast at Kudu restaurant at Ghurair City Mall. We checked out at 1 p.m. Took a cab to the airport, where we claimed a one-day refund from the travel agent and stored our baggage. From the airport took a cab to Meena Bazaar to collect another 2 tailored blouses from the textile shop. Later, at the Deira City Centre we bought another bag and while away our time window shopping.At the airport, bought us Armani perfume at a discount. Met some Malaysian transiting from Rabat. Our flight to KL was at 2.15 a.m.

September 29, 2004
Togetherness is Happiness

(Dubai International Airport)

The flight landed at KLIA around 4 p.m. Bought some chocolates for the kids. Passed by the customs easily with a wave. Told them that we just came back from Umrah, to justify the so many bags. Solat first before we took the ERL. Sara and Saufi were already waiting for us at KL Sentral. We were glad to be home. Glad that the 3 ikan kaloi were still alive and active. Glad that my Spectra and his Honda Shadow could start on a single attempt. We treated ourselves to a special dinner at Sri Thai. The tomyam and ikan siakap masak tiga rasa were so very delicious.