A Solo Escape in Dubai
Landed in Dubai at 1:10am an hour later decided to go to baggage claim to report my missing backpack. Unfortunately, they did leave it behind and provided me with a reference number to track the baggage that would only arrive 2 days later. Because of the time and I was travelling alone caught a cab to Rose Park Hotel where I resided for the next 5 days until my next destination. The exterior architecture of the hotel and neighborhood was not remotely impressive but once I got inside, I was not disappointed. The staff welcomed me with a non-alcoholic cocktail drink. The hotel is recent just over 2 years old. They were very helpful in assisting me with any of my request during my stay. The buffet breakfast was well worth it and affordable. From the rooftop pool I was able to see Burj Al Arad. Located right across from Sharaf DG metro line minutes from the many activities in Dubai made it ideal. Luckily the hotel had a souvenir shop selling Arabic casual attires got an outfit for the day before heading out to emirates mall, Atlantis and the Palms.
I allocated day 2 to explore the historic district of Dubai. Although it is walkable, I could not tolerate the heat. I spent over the allotted amount on transportation in Dubai due to this fact. I am not referring to heat like in Egypt or Morocco but a ruthlessly dry and uncomfortable temperature. Walking across the street from my hotel to the train station just 10 steps away and I was already dripping in sweat. From the Green Line I got off at Al Ras Station and the Gold Souk was 10 minutes’ walk. Before strolling the Souk stopped to cool down on one of the benches where merchants offered me cold water and air conditioner as a bribe to visit their shop. A 4 to 5 minutes’ walk from the Gold Souk led me to Deira Souk also known as spice Souk an herbs, spices and textile market. For just 1 dirham I caught an Abra, a traditional wooden boat at Deira Old Souk Station across the bazar to cross the creek. Dubai Heritage is a short walk to the right of the Abra Station. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation. Instead to the left of the station I found the perfect place to purchase Arabian attires for my stay at Dubai Old Souk. After exploring continued strolling down the old city up to Al Fahidi Fort also known as Dubai Museum. About an hour later made my way to Bastakiya Quarter a historical district used to be a neighborhood for wealthy merchants. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is one of the many museums, centers, galleries, restaurants and hotels that now occupies the community. By now I was disturbed, exhausted and sticky so luckily the center was air conditioned and the staff welcomed me with drinks. Over lunch scheduled at 1pm I learned so much about the culture, dress, food and lifestyle. 2 hours later I was on my way back to the hotel from Al Fahidi Metro Station.
Back at the hotel I freshened up and slept until my driver picked me up for the desert safari and dinner tour. We drove for 45 minutes until we reached the desert and for about 30 minutes, I rented a quad car to ride in the sand. The dune bashing was a unique experience and my driver handled the driving like an absolute pro even though I got sick after a while. He also thought me how to snowboard in the sand. An hour later we made our way to the Bedouin campsite for a Moroccan BBQ under the stars while watching a Tanura dance, belly dance and Fire show. Many other activities such as taking pictures in local costume, getting a traditional henna tattoo, smoking shisha and riding camels were also offered in the package. I must say it was the highlight of my stay in Dubai.
The following day early morning right after breakfast around 9am made my way to the beach for just about an hour. Went back to the hotel around 11am to get ready for my Helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of Burj al Arad, Burj Khalifa, Atlantis, the Palms, Jumeirah Mosque, the Royal Residence and many other highlights. Dubai Madinat Jumeirah was just 10 minutes walking distance away so I decided to wander around the Madinat glancing at the many souvenirs through the boutique windows, explored the alley ways as much as I could before stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants. Caught a taxi after lunch back to the hotel for some pool time, reading and past time up the evening. Made my way this time by train to Dubai Mall for Burj Khalifa but eventually decided to skip it coming from NYC I have enough of Observatories instead went to the aquarium, admired the fountain show and its surroundings right before dinner at the food court. The fountain show started at 6pm and goes on every 30 minutes until 11pm. The mall is indeed the vast; I had to hire a car to drive me around since I was too exhausted to continue exploring.
On the fourth day I hired a driver for Abu Dhabi. It was a lot more conservative, religious and traditional than Dubai. I quickly had to change because I felt uncomfortable in my sundress. That day was very productive as I had the opportunity to visit the world renowned landmark Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, followed by Yas Island, Corniche Road, Ferrari World theme park, Presidential Palace, Etihad towers, Emirates Palace, Heritage Village, Louvre Museum and lastly had dinner at the mall. It was unbearably hot which made it difficult to explore. I often had to run back to the car or indoor when possible. My guide gave a synopsis before each highlight and managed time well.
What was once a fishing village is now a global hub for tourism and commerce with the biggest mall and tallest building in the world. 90% of the population in UAE are expats and live in Dubai. Despite globalization it is bound to culture and tradition. If you are visiting Dubai plan to head out early morning or late afternoons/ evening for outdoor activities; stay in air conditioning places; drinks lots of water; and use sunscreen. I could never leave in Dubai due to the weather. Alcohol is expensive and forbidden in most places. Punishment in UAE is very strict as a result the country is one of the most organized, safe, clean places in the world. As a solo woman traveler, I lost count on how many men asked me out on a date. At times I had to tell them that I was married, and my husband was at work. Would I ever visit Dubai again? Probably not but the trip was totally worth it.
On to the Next Escapade….
Collect Memories One Escapade at a Time 