Last week we traveled to the city of Dubai, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates that celebrated its 40th birthday on the 2nd of December this year. (The union between the emirates formed on December 2, 1971, after the United Kingdom ended its protectorate over the region.)
View from Royal Mirage Dubai Resort
Simply put—Dubai is a fascinating place. For an area so rich in history (earliest inhabitants date back as far as 5,500 BC), everything here is so new…and so BIG. From the largest shopping mall in the world to the tallest building, bigger is better in Dubai. We had a grand time exploring this “new” city. Here are the highlights…
It wouldn’t be a trip to Dubai without checking out its shopping malls. First up is the Mall of the Emirates. Opened in 2005, this entertainment and shopping “resort” covers over 2 million square feet. Apart from the countless retail outlets, The Mall of the Emirates also has a 14-screen cinema, two hotels, a community theatre, and…Ski Dubai.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai
Kevin Skiing Dubai
Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor ski slope that offers the skier different runs of various difficulty. You can rent everything (except hats & gloves) and then it’s off to the slopes to ski on real snow in the desert. Only in Dubai.
Beach in Dubai
From snow to sand in a couple of hours? Yup. Only in Dubai.
The Waterfall at Dubai Mall
Officially the largest mall in the world by area (over 12 million square feet), The Dubai Mall will not disappoint. With over 1,000 retail outlets, a 22-screen cinema, a magnificent aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice rink, an indoor theme park, and The Waterfall (above) that travels over all four levels, this mega-mall (opened in 2008) will keep you occupied for hours. It is truly a shopper’s paradise.
The Dubai Fountain
Directly outside The Dubai Mall, in Downtown Dubai, is the famous Dubai Fountain. Designed by the same folks responsible for the Bellagio Hotel’s Fountain in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain performs a dazzling water show set to music every night from 7 to 11pm. It’s a spectacular sight, especially when it’s nestled under…
Burj Khalifa - World's Tallest Building
the tallest building in the world—The Burj Khalifa. At over 2,716 feet, the building’s spire seems to touch the sky.
View from Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
We traveled the 124 floors (by elevator, of course) to the observation deck for some extraordinary night views of the city. The Burj Khalifa can be seen in the film Mission Impossible 4—Ghost Protocol, with Tom Cruise climbing the outside of it. Impressive, to say the least.
Burj Al Arab
Likely the most recognizable and most photographed landmark in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab is an impressive structure. Often referred to as a seven-star hotel, this luxury “sail of a ship” rests on an artificial island off the coast of Jumeirah Beach. From what I understand, access to the property is granted only if you are a guest at the hotel or dining in one of the restaurants, so view it from afar and take in its beauty (just like we did).
Christmas in Dubai (Madinat Jumeirah Resort)
As stated above, Dubai is a fascinating place. From a fishing port only 40 years ago to a city with an ever-changing skyline, Dubai is a city on the move. We definitely enjoyed the experience.
k&mk 
I’ve always been so fascinated by this city and would love to experience it for myself some day. It’s almost mind boggling to think about how much money is pumped into creating facilities like “Ski Dubai”. Seems like their economy is doing well!
It certainly does seem like their economy is doing well, Stephanie. It is truly a fascinating place!
Wow, you two are having an unbelievable time exploring the countries around you over there. Brad goes to Balogna ,Italy frequently as his Italian partner company is based there. I have been there once myself but saw only a little of what you experienced. I think that’s because Brad takes little time to enjoy his surroundings…it’s business first.
I had a friend travel to Dubai and she made reservations well in advance to have High Tea at the Burj Al Arab, so she was able to visit it. Her report on the country was much like yours. No shortage of money there, eh?
I had to laugh when you mentioned how difficult it was for your friend to join you for Thanksgiving in Italy, coming from Japan. Once, when Brad was in China and I thought I would be accompanying him, I looked into going to a conference in Paris after the time in Beijing. The airlines insisted in routing me back to the US and through Minneapolis to get to Paris from Beijing!!
I had another surgery on my right foot on Nov. 30th and did not expect to be hobbled as long as this,,,especially at Christmas time, but all is going well. You are truly making great memories of your time in Europe!!
Merry Christmas,
Aunt Nancy
We are definitely enjoying every minute of it, Nancy. There’s so much to see…and learn.
Merry Christmas to you and Brad. Enjoy the holidays!