Disneyesque Dubai
Dubai, U.A.E.
I spent a week in the hot, desert-town of Dubai back in 2007. I wasn’t sure if I was in Disney or Las Vegas, but Dubai is definitely like no other place I’ve ever been. This photo was taken from the grounds of the luxury resort, Madinat Jumierah. In the background is the world famous Burj al Arab Hotel, complete with helicopter pad hanging off the side of the building, butlers on demand, and a reservation policy to even set foot in the building. I imagine in the 5 years since I’ve been there, a ton has changed since it is one of the world’s fastest growing cities, so perhaps you want to spend your holidays in Dubai? Although I’ve also read that it also grew too fast – and now one in four homes is vacant and a quarter of office space lies empty due to oversupply.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Expedia Holiday City Breaks.
I chucked it all – the TV job, the boyfriend, the “conventional” life – to travel around the world. Now, I’m creating a new life based less on money and more on travel, laughs, & tasty food. 
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I lived in Dubai for the past 5 years and although it continued to grow since you visited, the rhythm wasn't that crazy anymore. Specially after the global crisis, a lot of construction stopped and many projects where cancelled. It was actually a bit sad to see the half built skycrappers just gathering dust… But yeah, as you say, it's a place like no other! More Disney than Vegas though… no gambling!
Hi Zara- Thanks for chiming in and giving a more current feel to the place. Although, I'm not running back there, I think it would be interesting to see how it's changed in just a few years.
The global crisis sucked the energy out of almost every place. It's a shame. I'm sure with the passage of time things will pick up again. The more it does and the more people of different cultural backgrounds visit and inhabit Dubai, the greater chance its strengths will get stronger and its weaknesses will follow and get stronger too. A less closed society will benefit from the richness of all the other world's cultures. Lech Walesa always said the taste of full freedom is intoxicating. Trying to corral it after people have experienced it is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. This place might be the best hope for bringing a new vision to the entire region.
THanks Kevin. One thing issue I had with Dubai is that it's actually inhabited by tons of expats – from all over – US, UK, Pakistan, Italy, etc. Many companies were setting up there and bringing in employees. I never was able to actually meet or interact with one Emirati.
Hi Lisa !
Dubai has more of expats, but if you go to Abu Dhabi its more quiet and still has many locals comparitively ,as Abu Dhabi is still a bit conservative ,its not so commercial as Dubai.. they prefer it that way… as Dubai is not far, they like to come there and enjoy !
BTW, there is one similar mall in Abu Dhabi as well ,which has lakes passing across….. not many people know about it as it is outside the city limits of Abu Dhabi , its a bit less crowded than this
cheers !
Nik
Hi Nikhil! Thanks for writing. I’ve yet to get to Abu Dhabi, but would like to see it!