Desert Safari

As I mentioned in a previous article, Desert Safari in Dubai is something fun and a nice attraction that takes one full afternoon.

That said, the most interesting part is probably driving in the sand. All companies propose a full package including:

Pick up and drop off

4x4 drive in the desert

Diner + Belly Dancer at a camp

The first part is quite nice and I have to say that driving on the sand is quite impressive.

I find the second part (Dinner at the camp and belly dancer) to be deceiving. Indeed, it turns out to be a very "touristy" attraction where you can listen to David Guetta in the middle of the desert in a camp claiming to show the culture of the country...

There are more than 20 companies that propose the Desert Safari trip in Dubai and more than 10/15 camps in the desert. Many of them have good websites and can be found easily. Prices are relatively cheap (160AED per person) so it is definitely worth a try!

Sharjah Biennial

I was impressed! What can I say more :) 

I headed to Sharjah to see the biennial:

The atmosphere is great, and you can walk around in the city and see all kind of creations. Also, some of the artists are there and you can see them working! 

I have to admit that the exposition was great. There is a mix of cultures and visions reflected in every work I saw. It is also a pleasure to see great artists from the Arab world. 

This trip was also the first time for me to drive to Sharjah. I have to admit that before hearing about the biennal i wasn't very excited to go this very traditional Emirate. But once I arrived I found something very intersting and very attaching to the city. One can feel that family is in the center of everything. I also felt that there was some kind of positive energy there that changes from the tall and cold buildings and streets of Dubai. The Emirate is positionning itself as a place for arts and museums. It is definetely worth a visit! 

The Emirates Mall

By far the best and most interesting mall in Dubai. 

This is probably the most famous one in the city. The nice thing about it, is that it has choice.You can find restaurants and shops for all budgets. 

Add to that the ski slope which isn't that impressive from the outside. But it is interesting to have a coffee or dinner in front of it. 

Within the mall, you can find the very tasty Armani Cafe which serves Italian food and very nice salads.

Don't go shopping in Emirates Mall if you are in a rush! Not only it is huge, but you will miss many small shops that are worth a detour! 

10 Things to do in Dubai

I have prepared a list for you in case you are wondering what are the top things to do in Dubai.

1- Dubai creek and the Abraa (Water taxi). A very unique experience that changes from the modernism of the city. This mainly consist of doing a tour of the creek on a small boat.

2- The Gold souk: a very authentic and unique experience!

3- Desert Safari: Even though this attraction can seem to be very touristic it is still very interesting and fun! It is also a cheap way to do a tour in the desert and have a barbecue there. I wouldn't advise to do sand surfing as it is difficult and not fun for beginners.

4- Dubai creek (golf  and yacht club): where you can have a drink while looking at an amazing panoramic view.

5- Bab el shams: a more expensive experience then the rest. But this hotel situated in the middle of the desert is a wonderful place to have diner or to spend a week end. You can also enjoy the spa! If you decide to go there, try to arrive before the sunset as it is a unique experience to discover!

6- The Dubai Mall: Shopping in the biggest mall on earth can be quite amusing since they have one of the biggest aquariums in the world!

7- Ski Dubai: The world famous ski slope! If you are a huge ski fan, skying there won't give the best sensations of your life. The slope is quite small but it is fascinating to see in the middle of the summer! 

8- Atlantis: The brand new hotel of Dubai. It is very impressive to go and see this huge resort. It has a very big aquarium, an aquaventure park and a dolphin attraction. The water park is worth it if you have a day to spend there.

9- Dubai Museum, Al bastakiya and a tour in bur Dubai: The less sexy of all attractions but maybe one of the most interesting. You can discover Dubai under a new face. This will take you through the small old street of the city. The museum is very interesting and shows how Dubai went from a desert to what it is today. Here are two picture to illustrate the difference between this area and other parts of the city: 

10- Souk al bahar: Situated in the old town next to burj Dubai, this souk is perfect to have a walk and a coffee while looking at what will be the tallest tower in the world. Even though it can be tempting, prices are very expensive and you can always find the same things (or similar) cheaper in another souk or mall.

What About Sho Cho?

Sho Cho is a cool Japanese restaurant in Dubai Marine Beach on Jumeirah Road.

The food is good and expensive (as most of the Japanese restaurants are). You can enjoy having nice drinks outside in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. 

The best thing about the place is that it overlooks the sea. This definitely adds something to it. I have to say that the place used to be very trendy in the Dubai night life scene. Even though it isn't anymore, i strongly recommend to go there for relaxed outdoor drinks! And for the 80's lovers, you can enjoy a special 80's night there every Sunday! 

First Impression

As weird as this can appear I wasn't impressed by a "massive Dubai". Maybe this is due to a lack of scale or maybe because there isn't a concentration of buildings (skyscrapers) as you can see in other cities.

That said, the feeling is a bit different from any other place i visited. If I have to describe it in one word, I would say that Dubai is "New" :-) The first impression is nice as things are shiny. It doesnt give an idea that the city is outrageous and money focused.

In the (bit blurry) picture, is what i found to be the most attractive and classy towers in Dubai. The Emirates towers give you an impression of what French people would call "Grandiose"! 

The thought that goes with the first impression is that: All this used to be a desert !!

Welcome

Here I am, moving to Dubai after living in Ireland for nearly two years...

Quite an exciting change!

I have heard so many things about this city that i decided to create this blog and tell you more about what i see and experience everyday.

I hope this will help you plan your trip to Dubai, or just give a better idea of this fascinating city!