Dubai - The Golden City

This is the Burj Khalifa Hotel - as you can see it was a fantastic photo opportunity. It is the tallest water - based, all-suite Hotel in the world. Built in the shape of a towering sail, its presence on Dubai's skyline is now iconic.



Hello Again!

On Monday 29 March Arcadia was alongside in Dubai - The Golden City. There was a mass exodus from the ship and you can see why!

Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts. A blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new, Dubai has something for everyone as this is one of the world's fastest growing cities. Its evolution from a collection of Bedouin settlements around a creek to a modern city full of sky-scrapers has been dramatic. Arcadians took the opportunity to discover the stunning architecture and to shop in the Souks.





The Burj Khalifa Hotel is set on Jumeirah Beach. It is amazing to think that at the beginning of the last century Dubai was a small fishing village where pearl divers lived next to their neighbours the fishermen. If they were to return now they would not recognise their small seaside settlement.





In this photograph you can see a neighbouring Hotel the Jumeirah Beach Hotel which is built in the shape of a wave.

Not far away we came to the Jumeirah Mosque - a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture.

We drove along the Shekh Zayed Road to a modern shopping centre in one of Dubai's high-rise glass buildings in the 'Manhattan' of Dubai. As you can see being an Islamic country they do not have Easter Eggs but they do a nifty line in chocolate camels - one hump or two!!!!

In this shopping centre there was also an indoor ski resort where should you feel like it and the heat is too much you can go skiing and pretend that you are somewhere colder like Switzerland - as these too little Arabs are.............

The building in the background is the Burj Dubai, at over 2000 feet tall is already the tallest structure in the world and when complete, it is rumoured that it will exceed a height of almost 3000 feet.

Now you can see why they call it the ' Manhattan' of Dubai - tall glass sky-scrapers in every direction.

This building is called the Golf Ball Building because of its circular top - looking like a golf ball!
It is interesting to note that everywhere you look in Dubai there are wonderfully green lawns accompanied by brightly planted flower beds. The flower beds are changed on a monthly basis so at whatever time of year you choose to visit Dubai you will always be greeted by flowers. They have a highly sophisticated irrigation system to ensure that everything is always green and lush.

Fountains galore, Fly overs and wide roads always bordered by verdant lawns.

We took a shot drive to the twin city of Deira via an underwater tunnel to visit the most famous landmark of Dubai - the Gold Souk. This is one of the two entrances to the Souk. Nearby you can find its equally fascinating neighbour the Spice Souk.....................

A view in the Gold Souk.......................................go on treat yourself and many did!

You can bargain for everything - no one expects you pay the first price. The displays of gold were amazing and the workmanship was marvellous - although designs might not always be to western tastes.

You can even buy shoes - like Aladdin's slippers - in all sizes and colours - didn't see Cinderella's slipper but there were many oil lamps to buy - and you never know one of them might have had a Genie inside!!!.......................

Good Bye from Dubai!!

James.

He shall live, and unto him shall be given of the gold of Arabia.

Ps 72 v 15.