Dubai Diaries 2
The visit to " At The Top" Burj Khalifa is a must. It is the tallest occupied building in the world. The elevator takes you to 125th floor viewing gallery in one minute. The view includes the desert sun, sands, blue sea, blue skies, city skyscrapers, fabulous roads, new construction, The Palm and The World in making. Book in advance on the website to avoid queues and paying more money. The waiting area has a display of all the tall buildings in the world and a lot of child friendly information on Burj Khalifa. The story goes that it was to be named Burj Dubai and all pamphlets, brochures, invites etc were ready with that name. Then Emmar properties ran short of funds. They were helped by the King of the neighbouring Emirate Abu Dhabi. He insisted it be called Burj Khalifa.The King of Abu Dhabi is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a 30 min walk time between different places inside the mall which you want to visit.
Kidzania at Dubai Mall is popular with children though ours were not keen at all. They had my friend's and cousin's children for company which was more enjoyable to them than a simulated environment. Children understand the joy of spending time with people, without an agenda.
There is Sega world and more for children to do especially the boys will love it.
Dubai Fountain at Dubai Mall is the largest musical Fountain in the world. From 6pm to 11pm,it has a show for 3 min every half an hour. We spent two hours there watching the fountain from all directions. Very festive. See it from Souk Al Bahar and also from the steps near the dock in the lake from where you can take boat rides in the lake. Between the two shows, take a stroll inside this Arabic souk/ market called Souk Al Bahar. It has a beautiful feel to it and a supermarket Spinneys inside. Dubai Mall has a huge Waitrose supermarket incase you want more than the Food Court stuff.
Next break between the fountain shows, grab a doughnut at Tim Horton's, a Canadian chain. They give a special discount post 7pm. Dinner has to be in a restaurant overlooking the Ice Rink at the Dubai Mall. You need charm to grab a table with that view. 'Soy' Chinese food is a good bet. Paul's and The Cheesecake Factory have wholesome meals.
Safa Park is a hidden gem for tourists. Spend a day there picnicking.November to February is the best season to be there. While you are under the shade of a tree, the city traffic is not heard and you can watch the Burj Khalifa at a distance. On a clear day, Burj Khalifa is seen from the distance of 99km.
Dolphinarium at Creek Park is the world's largest air-conditioned Dolphin show. In Dubai, all sightseeing is air-conditioned keeping the weather in mind. Book in advance to avoid disappointment for your children. Another good spot to lie in the grass.
Atlantis at The Palm has an aquarium, a Lost World theme park, Dolphin shows and more for children. I was not too impressed with the Aquarium. The one at Dubai Mall is the largest in the world and beautiful. If you travel in summers, one gets very good packages at Atlantis. Affordable and luxurious property in summers. When we went the tram/ metro was closed for repairs, so there was an hour long line for cabs. The road outside the Atlantis had traffic jam due to all the arrangements for the New Year's eve fire works. The Palm is reclaimed land from the sea in the shape of palm leaves. Celebrities have homes there and lot of popular hotels.
Few reactions from well meaning friends and family regarding our vacation to Dubai:
The moment I mentioned that I have a cousin and some friends in Dubai, a few friends in India said, "Good! You can stay two days with each one.That will work out better for you." I think they meant "Cheaper"
.
When I came back and said I did not shop, I have come back without a new watch, designer bag or shoes, the first reaction was "Oh! What was the point of the whole trip then?"
Some old Moms with kids did say "Yes with children one can't shop."
When I said that I did not buy gold bangles, the response was "All people wear and come" I was given examples of how many wore gold worth how much and walked right through the airport.
Some friends wanted to know if I had taken my children along. I cannot enjoy a vacation without my family i.e. husband and children, is what I think up till now. Leaving children behind at home is not my idea of fun in Dubai. May be someday a holiday alone Hitch hiking, backpacking and more. I am not adventurous at all.
Kidzania at Dubai Mall is popular with children though ours were not keen at all. They had my friend's and cousin's children for company which was more enjoyable to them than a simulated environment. Children understand the joy of spending time with people, without an agenda.
There is Sega world and more for children to do especially the boys will love it.
Dubai Fountain at Dubai Mall is the largest musical Fountain in the world. From 6pm to 11pm,it has a show for 3 min every half an hour. We spent two hours there watching the fountain from all directions. Very festive. See it from Souk Al Bahar and also from the steps near the dock in the lake from where you can take boat rides in the lake. Between the two shows, take a stroll inside this Arabic souk/ market called Souk Al Bahar. It has a beautiful feel to it and a supermarket Spinneys inside. Dubai Mall has a huge Waitrose supermarket incase you want more than the Food Court stuff.
Next break between the fountain shows, grab a doughnut at Tim Horton's, a Canadian chain. They give a special discount post 7pm. Dinner has to be in a restaurant overlooking the Ice Rink at the Dubai Mall. You need charm to grab a table with that view. 'Soy' Chinese food is a good bet. Paul's and The Cheesecake Factory have wholesome meals.
Safa Park is a hidden gem for tourists. Spend a day there picnicking.November to February is the best season to be there. While you are under the shade of a tree, the city traffic is not heard and you can watch the Burj Khalifa at a distance. On a clear day, Burj Khalifa is seen from the distance of 99km.
Dolphinarium at Creek Park is the world's largest air-conditioned Dolphin show. In Dubai, all sightseeing is air-conditioned keeping the weather in mind. Book in advance to avoid disappointment for your children. Another good spot to lie in the grass.
Atlantis at The Palm has an aquarium, a Lost World theme park, Dolphin shows and more for children. I was not too impressed with the Aquarium. The one at Dubai Mall is the largest in the world and beautiful. If you travel in summers, one gets very good packages at Atlantis. Affordable and luxurious property in summers. When we went the tram/ metro was closed for repairs, so there was an hour long line for cabs. The road outside the Atlantis had traffic jam due to all the arrangements for the New Year's eve fire works. The Palm is reclaimed land from the sea in the shape of palm leaves. Celebrities have homes there and lot of popular hotels.
Few reactions from well meaning friends and family regarding our vacation to Dubai:
The moment I mentioned that I have a cousin and some friends in Dubai, a few friends in India said, "Good! You can stay two days with each one.That will work out better for you." I think they meant "Cheaper"
.
When I came back and said I did not shop, I have come back without a new watch, designer bag or shoes, the first reaction was "Oh! What was the point of the whole trip then?"
Some old Moms with kids did say "Yes with children one can't shop."
When I said that I did not buy gold bangles, the response was "All people wear and come" I was given examples of how many wore gold worth how much and walked right through the airport.
Some friends wanted to know if I had taken my children along. I cannot enjoy a vacation without my family i.e. husband and children, is what I think up till now. Leaving children behind at home is not my idea of fun in Dubai. May be someday a holiday alone Hitch hiking, backpacking and more. I am not adventurous at all.
Fantastic Parul!!! I dont need a Lonely Planet. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks.Go soon now. Am sure you will discover more , the rate at which Dubai is growing.
ReplyDelete