DUBAI..."where there's a way, there's a light"

Where in the world can I be "on top of the world", experience a white Christmas, make a snow man and ski? In the evening, indulge in a sundowner and dinner under a starry desert night.  In the morning, don on a bikini, spread on sun lotion and bask on white sandy beaches....only in Dubai.

The word for Dubai, the second-largest among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is Transformation. That's the only way I can describe the change I have witnessed in the last two decades. Being easily accessible both from Europe and the Middle East, Dubai is a convenient stop-over for anyone who is looking for a multitude of modern, desert-themed travel adventures. Be ready to experience the grandest, most memorable travel escapades that you'll ever have in a lifetime.


What used to be a sleepy trading port in the Middle East has now transformed into a mega modern city. In 1894, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum declared UAE's second largest emirate as a free port – where all tariffs are abolished. Constructions and city developments were built turning Dubai into the mega-city that it is today boasting of extensive road and rail networks, malls, sky scrapers and impressive man-made landscapes curved out of the open ocean.

Christmas festivities are evident in all the mega malls and fancy restaurants. The mood is celebratory, filled with laughter, cheer and goodwill. Shoppers, diners, families and friends are living it up. All known and unknown Western and European name brands are here. American
 and European mega artists are lined up to usher in the 
year in all major hot spots across the city. Dubai hosts 
10 million tourists annually and you would think with so much western influence, the people would
lose their culture. This is not the case, the people of Dubai are proud of their culture. It's evident in their food, religion and style with the likes of the burka, though more styled, has still maintained much of its originality and full purpose, to cover up the woman. There’s so much wealth, the locals don't work. A liter of oil is cheaper than water. 80% of workers are Asian, the rest come from around the world.

Must Visits

Burj Khalifa

The tallest standing structure in the world, at 828m(2,716.5 feet) high with 124 floors. It receives 4,000 tourists daily. You access the building through the Dubai Mall and it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance online. The city wakes up at midday, so avoid the

evening rush when waiting time can be up to an hour and half. However, I had the privilege of going up the Burj Khalifa twice; day time and night. Both views are spectacular but very different.
During the day you get to see the lush deserts in view of the ultra-modern cityscape of Dubai.  On one side, the impressive road network presses like tendons in between a tightly neat jungle of sky scrapers. Far beyond, the pale desert sand stretches endlessly into nothingness while on the other side, the deep blue ocean, is equally endless. In the distance, you get to see the largest man made sand Palm Islands, where the elite have acquired and live on the "fronds".  Make a trip to Atlantis Hotel for high tea, and you will get an up close glimpse of these man made sand palm leaves.

Ski Dubai

You have read about it, you have watched documentaries on it, but nothing can prepare you for the real experience at Ski Dubai. There is entertainment and activities for the entire family. It's amazing watching the professional skiers glide effortlessly down the snow peaks. You can take a ride on the cable car to join them at the top. Half way up you’ll find Avalanche Cafe where you can break off for hot chocolate, thaw under the heaters and watch the skiers up and below. It's amazing. When you get to the peak and
you can't ski down, you have 2 options. One, take the cable car back down for a serene experience. Or, if you are a thrill seeker like me, take the tube slide to the bottom. You are guaranteed to scream all the way to the bottom, and then you’ll say "let's go again!"
The temperature is between -1 and -2 degrees. You can also visit the St. Moritz Café at the bottom, which also comes in handy in the chilly weather. Buy the "all access" ticket to allow you unlimited and unrestricted access. The clothing and shoes are provided but you are required to buy your own gloves and hat. Do buy them including ear muffs for your ears.

Dune Bashing
Not for the faint hearted. Imagine the thrill of a rollercoaster, except now you are in a four wheel drive, in the open desert, riding up 10m high dunes. Buckle your seatbelt, grab something for support and prepare to scream and laugh in the same breath. You ride up the dunes at 120 km/hr speeds, then suddenly, the dune is over and you go tumbling down on the other side at hair rising speeds! Awesome!
The fun has just begun! A convoy of 150 four wheel drive vehicles stops in the middle of nowhere, just before sunset. Tourists spill onto the dunes with bare feet to feel the grains of sand in between our toes. Like children we play, racing up and down the dunes. In the horizon, the sun turns into a huge orange glow as it begins to set. We are transfixed in time, as we soak in this moment of a sundowner. Magical!
The night has just begun! We get back into our vehicles and ride deeper into the desert to our camp; to have dinner under a starry night. At the camp, we enjoy camel rides, shisha, Arabic coffee with dates, alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages, finger foods, henna and cultural art. Dinner is soon served. We sit comfortably on floor cushions, around low tables for our meals. Carry a jacket or sweater; it gets pretty windy in the desert. Do not forget your camera and if you do, buy one immediately on arrival. For the grand finale, a talented, beautiful, graceful and sensual belly dancer will captivate your senses. A great way to close your night with the most memorable experience.

Beach
You have been on top of the world, experienced a white Christmas, the thrill of dune bashing and dinner in the desert, what next? The beach! December is certainly my favourite time to be in Dubai. The temperatures during the day average 26 degrees, perfect for summer wear, bikinis and sun bathing. Public beaches are very popular with both locals and tourist.

Shopping
A debit card will not do in Dubai, you may want to buy a yacht! That's how the wealthy move around here. The shopping is sinfully insane. Use the strategically located touch screens to navigate your way in the malls.  In the

evening as you eat your dinner, watch in awe as well as listen to the tallest and longest musical fountain in the world, the Dubai Fountain. One of the nights, it danced to "Baba yetu uliye mbinguni, jina lako litukuzwe." I rest my case.

Old town, Gold Souk, & Water taxis
Take a tour to see where Dubai has come from. Its history and culture, it's all very enlightening and very much still an active part of the city. The people from Dubai are proud of their culture and rich past – traces of which you are bound to see when you venture out into the Shindagha district. Go to the museums, historic bazaars, heritage villages and ancient wind towers. Take a walk through the Gold Souk; lines of glass shops all shimmering with yellow gold, though they also sell white gold, diamonds and precious stone. Take a water taxi to the Spice Souk and experience the original mode of transport. Spices from Asia and the Far East are very popular. Ignore the hawkers who will relentlessly offer to sell you 'original fake' Prada and Gucci.

Others
Burj Al Arab- Opened in 1999 and rated a 7 star hotel.
Al Farooq Mosque and Islamic Centre- Blue mosque.
JW Marriot Marquis Dubai- Highest hotel in the world with two towers, each with 800 rooms.
Royal birds- At the King’s palace.
Global village- Seasonal cultural shopping and entertainment open air theme park.



 
As, the saying goes, in Dubai  
"where there's a way, there's a light."

Written by: Nana Wanjau