Hello, Goodbye, Dubai!
My flight from Bangkok to Dubai was eight hours long. But I was flying Emirates, which meant I could email, send text messages, watch my choice of film at my own pace, play video games (in economy class, no less) – and sleep.
It was 6 am when I arrived, and 20 hours until my next flight. It was also my first time in Dubai. I was excited and ready to explore, but the rest of the city was still asleep.
So I began my adventure with a visit to Old Dubai, where the muted tones of traditional Arab architecture cut boldly against a blue sky. I passed many museums on my walk: the Dubai History Museum, the Museum of Arabic Calligraphy, and somewhere called the Centre of Cultural Understanding (a noble idea). At this hour all were closed.
An abra ride along the river brought me to the gold souk, a dazzling market where gold is sold by the ounce. The modern skyline seen on this side of the river was a stark contrast to Old Dubai’s ancient structures. One building stood out among the rest: that the iconic Burj Al Arab (www.burj-al-arab.com) is the place to be but also the hardest place to get into is not without logic: a guests- and VIP-only policy guarantees high-profile patrons privacy, anonymity – and exclusivity, which is just as important (if not more important) than a personal butler or a reception desk on each floor.
Noon rolled around – time to shop. Dubai’s Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com) is the flagship Middle Eastern branch, as well as the city’s first luxury department store. Shoppers here are truly spoilt for choice by American and European brands such as Agent Provocateur, Vera Wang and Lebanese New York-based designer, Reem Acra. This Saks even has a bridal director to help coordinate wedding packages, as well as a VIP room offering private changing rooms, personal service and drinks.
After a tax-free shopping marathon, I was ready for a bevy of spa treatments at the Park Hyatt’s Amara Spa (www. parkhyatt.com). The peaceful environment and energising Shiffa spa products revived me. I had half a day left and I was not about to waste it. Buzzing with energy, I felt up to the challenge of the world’s largest indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai (www.skidxb. com) at The Emirates Mall. The 85-metre-long black slope impressing, and I was pleased to see troupes of ecstatic kids becoming wise to a sport to which they’d otherwise never have access.
With a few hours left, I made for new 360 Degrees at Jumeirah Beach Resort (www.jumeirah.com) for a gorgeous seafood dinner and harbour views. Sated, I took a post-prandial boogie and sheesha upstairs in the outdoor bar. Cosy couches and aromatic tobacco smoke made for a chilled-out finale to a hectic day.
My flight to Mauritius wasn’t until 2.30 am; lucky for me Emirates First Class Lounge (www.emirates.com) offers passengers a complimentary glass of champagne and a private bedroom. Needless to say, I slept peacefully through the wait, until a ringing phone woke me. “Good morning, Ms Wong,” began the courteous receptionist. “It’s boarding time.”
By Vicky Wong
For full article please click here
Courtesy of lifestyleandtravel.com
Chitra Mogul
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026