Dubai: it is a place like no other. The fact that they are building the world out on the ocean is incredible. Where else can you can go skiing at the mall in the desert? The shopping, hotels and fine dining are also to be lauded but even during my taxi ride to the hotel I couldn’t help but be surprised by the number of private compounds (read: subdivisions of mansions owned by non-locals.) I wish I could share the opinion of most people, who love the state and or relocate for economic advance, but I found the amount of foreign wealth quite disturbing.
As a big part of Dubai is still under construction- it was reminiscent of one big ground zero with gated pits and dinosaur-like cranes looming over the main road. In 10 years time (perhaps even within 5 years) this will change and the city skyline will be one to revel in. The zouks reminded me of Canal Street shopping in NYC- though to be fair my experience at the spice zouk was quite unique and worth a visit.
It’s a popular vacation destination and I met people from across the globe during my stay, which was great. And while it is probably the most westernized city/state in the UAE- I thought that the constant disregard for local custom was appalling. (By this I mean women leaving the hotel grounds inappropriately dressed.) I am certainly not old fashion but I do believe that if you are visiting a Muslim country your mid-drift should not be bare, your clothes should not be see-through, and your shorts if you must wear them (I know it is HOT) should not be hot pants.
I tried to find out about local life (mainly through conversations with taxi drivers) but that information was limited and all of the hotel workers that I befriended were foreign themselves. I found this separation bizarre- but I guess necessary. For most of the workers this was a means to an end but I couldn’t help but wonder what the local gain was. (Perhaps all locals were wealthy to begin with, perhaps local life is being enhanced due to foreign investments…)
This is of course a generalization of what I experienced and I hope not to offend. I did come back with great music and some wonderful memories. If you can afford it (or go on the company tab as I did) it is worth the visit. Dubai is definitely cosmopolitan with plenty to offer but I won’t be going back.
