March 17, 2023 – Dubai, UAE

We’re spending St Patrick’s Day in Dubai but don’t believe it’s a big holiday here.  Lol.  We were here on Halloween in 2016.  This city continues to grow and break world records.

Dubai is one of 7 states that comprise the United Arab Emirates, a country formed in 1971 from individual sheikdoms.  Dubai’s legacy as a center for trade reaches back 50 centuries.  It was a principal port on the Gulf Coast, with pearling the mainstay of the city’s prosperity.  With the discovery of oil in 1966, Dubai grew into one of the world’s most modern and affluent cities.  As of 2022, only 11.5% are native.  Population consists of 206 nationalities (a huge blend of nationalities, religions, cultures, architecture, cars, sports and shopping).

We left for our tour downtown and went directly to the Burj Khalifa.  We walked through the Dubai Mall to the entrance of the building.  We entered the high speed elevators that took us to the observation deck on level 124, where glass walls provide a panoramic view of the city, desert and ocean.  Last time we were here, we took the VIP tour of the building that took you to level 155.  Either way, it’s a fabulous view from the top of the tallest building.  The sky was blue today and you could see for miles.  Off in the distance, we could see the man-made islands shaped like the continents, called ‘The World’.  Even further, you can see where Palm Jumeirah is located but our ship was not visible.  Looking straight down, we could see the Dubai Mall and how large it is.  I could see an extension that was added with a walkway across the street.  On top of the building is a go-cart track.  Believe this is a new sports building.  Also looking straight down is the man-made lake and where we saw the dancing fountains last night.  Across the street was the hotel we stayed at in 2016.  We spent some time on level 124 and 125 and then took the elevator back down.  Elevator was virtual reality experience.  Look up and you see stars and satellites, then you’re coming down through the clouds, then you see the city lights at night.

We had some free time in the Dubai Mall so we strolled around looking at all the elegant stores and unique shops.  Just an example, a whole store of just caviar – yes, they have it.  We saw the ice skating rink where they were playing hockey.  The multi story waterfall that looks like people diving towards the pool at the bottom.  We met our group and got on the bus.  We stopped at a mosque, just for pictures outside.  Next stop was the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel.  This opulent seven-star (only 7 star hotel in the world), 321 meter high hotel is a jewel in Dubai’s crown.  Built in the shape of a towering sail, this magnificent structure is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world, over water.  At the top, a helicopter pad so VIP guests can be picked up at the airport and flown directly to the hotel.  The cost is about $24,000 per night.  The hotel is a private resort and is closed to non-guests.  However, you can make a reservation at one of the restaurants.

Next stop was the Emirate Mall.  Of course, another gigantic mall and this one is known for the ski resort inside.  We walked over to a large window and watched a chair lift go up and around a bend.  Kids were making snowballs and throwing them at each other as some were riding a sled down a hill.  We left the mall and road past some residential areas.  The architecture, as if one architect tries to outdo the next with these big buildings.  Incredible.  

We arrived at dock and got back on the ship.  All aboard at 1:30 pm.  We watched as the ship pulled away from the dock and we sailed past The Palm, seeing the Atlantis Resort on the other side.  Soon we saw the other man-made islands called ‘The World’.  Unlike The Palm that is full of high-end homes, resorts, shops and restaurants, ‘The World’ was never developed.  You see one house in the middle that looked abandoned.  Anchored within the islands of The World was a very large yacht.  Interesting.  Wonder who owns that and why it’s anchored in such a place that is non-developed vs one of the ritzy marina’s.  Someone on our ship did some investigating and uncovered that it is owned by a Russian billionaire.  Valued at $300 million US and is the subject of sanctions.  The google entry said that its GPS had been turned off recently.  Shocker…right.

So long Dubai!  Had a fabulous visit and hope to come back to visit again someday.

Had a lovely dinner with our friends tonight to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.  Of course, green is the color for the evening 🙂