Dubai - The Land of Plenty
picture and text by Raquel de Jesus
The minute you step out the Dubai International airport, you smell the opulence. More than smelling it, you see it, under the shape of blazing limousines and pricy cars. Do the names Bentley or Rolls Royce ring any bells? Sure, gold ones.
The streets of this emirate’s city aren’t like any you know. They are clean to the point of shining and every corner is an excuse for exuberant and colourful flower arrangements. Bear in mind that we are talking about an Emirate that is about thirty years old. Before that, only sand dunes and bedouins ruled. Each flower is imported, mainly from South America. The roundabouts of the city of Dubai are certainly something to to be cherished as eye-candy.
So how did the natives evolve from camels to Ferraris, you ask? Oil is the keyword. Dubai is the second largest oil producer of the United Arab Emirates, followed only by Abu Dhabi. Both provide for the remaining emirates – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Since researchers predicted Dubai has about ten more years of oil supply, the investments on luxury tourism and industry (aluminium processing and gas separation) have soared.
The skyscrapers are something worth watching, especially over a dhow trip on Dubai Creek. Dubai may be the only city in the emirate, but contributions from foreign architects made sure it remains unique in the whole planet. The bold designs and materials make a dazzling contrast with the mosques, built in the traditional style.
The ex-libris is the Burj al-Arab, the only seven-star hotel in the world, set in an beach bank especially made for it. It hosts the wealthiest men on Earth and has a hovering tennis court, overlooking the city heights in the posh Jumeirah district. Everything inside is goldplated. A true postcard of the emirate.
Aside from the city, Dubai offers a neverending desert. In it, you can camp in bedouin tents while offered a spectacular belly dancing extravaganza, or ride 4 x 4 jeeps in the dunes. Camels are a favorite.
Be sure to visit during the Spring or late Winter, when the temperatures range 25-30º C and the weather’s totally bearable. Dubai is probably the most tourist tolerant place in the entire Middle East, so you can wear t-shirts and short pants without fear. Last but not least, enjoy the shade at the city’s souks, where you can buy almost everything, from spices to gold, as mementos of your journey.
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