Dubai
I live in a magical city where people from all over the world come to build things – to build the tallest towers, to build their bank accounts, to rebuild their life after living in places with unstable governments/few jobs, etc. Sitting in my apartment I see the ocean and infamous Palm island to my left, a camel racing course to my right and loads of towers under construction due north. When I tell Americans I live in the Middle East, some think I’m crazy (images of conflict and wars fill their minds), but when I say I live in Dubai, their response is the complete opposite: “Dubai, you mean the place with indoor skiing?” “Dubai, the place with man made islands in the shape of the world!” “Dubai, the place that has crazy parties at the Atlantis in the midst of a world economic meltdown.” “Dubai, where the hotels are hot, along with the people that visit them.”
I say yes:”Dubai, the place where I hear more Hindi and Tagalog than Arabic.” “Dubai, the place where laborers bust their tails to make our magnificent playground.” “Dubai, the place where shopping malls are filled with women in glitzed out abayas next to chics in tank tops fresh off the beach.” I like Dubai because it allows me to witness and participate in the blood, sweat, idea storms and tears all necessary to build a thriving city. An alumna of cities like NYC, DC, and Osaka, I am thankful for Dubai (a city literally under construction) because it makes me appreciate everything that goes into making an urban landscape thrive – streets, footpaths, buildings, symphonies, coffee shops, etc… To cities and all that goes into making them!
www.jottinginthegulf.wordpress.com
Sent by A from Dubai
December 6th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
As someone who’s never been to Dubai, what are three things you would recommend I do on a visit there?
December 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Hmmm:
1) Visit Bur Dubai (the older section of the city)–some call it “Little Bombay.” You can pick up beautiful cloth materials here, as well as affordable Indian fare. Make sure to take an abra (old fashion boat) to the souks across the river in Diera.
2) Go to a horse race at Nad al Sheba–a venue frequented by both the wealthy and poor, old and young, men and women, people from all over the world!
3) Go on a hotel tour of the city–My favorites are the al Qasr, Burj Arab, Raffles and the Royal Mirage! They are simply exquisite! I’ve traveled to and lived in 13 countries and the UAE (Dubai especially) by far has the most amazing hotels! The city takes 5 stars to a new level!
A =)
December 18th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
A hotel tour – I’ve never even considered that before but it’s a great idea. Thanks for all the tips!
February 1st, 2009 at 1:56 am
How is gay life in Dubai?
March 4th, 2009 at 10:02 am
i’m living in dubai…is not true. cultural life is under zero. no cinema essay, no gallery, no museum, sea is dirty. the only thing that you can do is shopping in mall. for move around the city you need a car. is like living in a village without the nice things of a village.
is so noisy that everybody sleep with earpluges. answering to j.d. gaylife is illegal you risk the jail.