Dubai Diaries 4

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Global Village is a must visit in Dubai from October to March. It is a huge open air fair  and a cultural and artistic extravaganza with pavilions from different countries like India, Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia etc. The Indian pavilion is the largest and most beautiful. There are cultural programmes going on everywhere. Ample food from all countries to suit all tastes. The restaurant guy was inviting us to eat a his place by saying 'This is the only place in the world where India Pakistan is together". He had Indian n Pakistani food and clientele. There is Kahwa and different types of teas, sweets, salads of all countries to taste and munch. The Egyptian cotton is a must buy as is the dates from Saudi Arabia, the kesar/ saffron from Iran, artefacts from Morocco, jewellery with stones from Lebanon and more. The food here is fresh, local and a treat to the senses. It requires at least 4-5 hours to explore, experience and enjoy the Global village. I enjoyed spice shopping here. The aroma of the spices was divine. Our friends were amazing in their knowledge about each region and what is the must buy from each country. The weather is cool and one jacket n a shawl is a must.

For Indians travelling to Dubai, the Snow World at Mall of Emirates is a highlight. The Mall is new, fresh, huge, lot of sunlight and places to play and eat. I had friends recommending to stay at the Al Barsha area to avoid a lot of commute for sightseeing. I chose Bur Dubai for its more open Desi feel and no sky scrapers.  With children too, the old town feel is what appealed to us. Good food and good connectivity is available in all areas.
Meena Bazaar is like reaching India. It has all stuff one can think of like the best of jewellery, food, salwar suits, sarees, sherwanis and more. Lot of Indians from UK and USA, just come to Meena Bazaar Dubai for wedding shopping rather than flying to Mumbai. The local Indians especially the ones who have moved to Dubai in the last decade find it dirty and downmarket. We found it extremely clean and well planned. The place will show up depending on where you are coming from. It is a traditional market area and not in a mall format and I like that.
Gold Souk has a lot of mid eastern jewellery in 18 carat gold. Beautiful designs but high making charges. Lovely stuff for daily wear and wedding wear. Meena Bazaar has Indian jewellery stores with 22 carat gold jewellery and awesome designs. Indian travellers buy first copy watches and bags d=from here. The perfume testers are sold at very low price. I am not into collecting any of this so I steered clear of it. The stuff is way superior to what is available in Thailand. The local friends said it is okay to buy those perfumes to carry as gifts for friends and family in India but definitely not for personal use.
The Outlet Mall is good for budget shopping and if the latest style is not on your mind and you are okay with wearing stuff of the last season. Good sportswear, shoes, bags, household stuff, perfumes and more.
Marina is the part of Dubai where they have got the sea inland and built buildings residential, commercial and hotels around it. Its the play area of the rich. People have their own yachts here. There are yacht taxis for tourists to experience the Marina. Grosvenor House with its famous Buddha Bar is happening as much as the marina side cafes. When I was staying at the Le Meridien, Mena Seyahi, ten years back, this whole stretch was a barren land. Now it is rocking with people and happening places. It has the world's most twisted tower where we had gone in. Dubai also has the world's broadest building which is in the race course.
Desert Safari is a must for the tourist. The Dune bashing, the sun set on the dunes and the cold of the desert are worth experiencing. All this is a very Bambaiyya perspective and may be someone from Rajasthan may not enjoy it.
I don't want to go on to the point of sounding boring. But I did want to share all the small nuggets I got from all my friends in Dubai. It is a delightful place to go to and it is easy to get carried away. It is safe to travel by all modes of transport. You won't get cheated. People are helpful. Children are happy.






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