Dhanada K Mishra, Hong Kong, 8 September 2023
Dubai was always in my mind as a destination that I had never been able to visit! The closest I had come to it was way back in 1989 during my maiden voyage to USA for higher studies, when a Gulf Air stop over at Bahrain gave me a glimpse of the region. Since then, I was always looking for an opportunity to explore that enchanting part of the world of Alladin and the the Magic lamp or Alibaba and the Forty Thieves from our childhood!
In July 2023, I had the opportunity to embark on a captivating adventure to the vibrant city of Dubai. On our way back from a conference we made a four day stop over combining some light work with holiday! Known for its iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and relentless pursuit of innovation, Dubai has proved to be a destination for millions. From breathtaking architecture to immersive cultural experiences, my visit to Dubai in July 2023 was a journey filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable memories. Rightly called the Hong Kong of the middle east, Dubai is certainly a paradise for a civil engineer like me in very different ways as compared to Hong Kong.
Modern Dubai has a relatively short history dating back to the late eighteenth century when it was a sleepy desert community known for pearls and trading and nomadic Bedouin communities. The British influence and development as a major trading port led to its emergence as an important location. The discovery of oil in the region in the early 1960d led to its transformation into a global hub of business and commerce that it is today!
Embracing the Modern Marvels:
As I arrived in Dubai, the first thing that caught my eye was the futuristic skyline dominated by architectural wonders. The Burj Khalifa, piercing the sky at 828 meters, stood as a testament to human ingenuity. Standing in front of it and watching the sea of humanity enjoying the sprawling Dubai mall left me marveling at the human ingenuity! The 32 floor room in my hotel already offeredus panoramic views of the city below, which sprawled out in a symphony of towering skyscrapers and glistening waterfronts.
Immerse in Cultural Richness:
Dubai’s cultural tapestry is a captivating blend of tradition and cosmopolitan influences. The historic Al Fahidi District, with its wind towers and narrow alleyways, offered a glimpse into the city’s humble past. Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates which consisted of seven emirates of which Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are the most well known! The Emirate’s rich history is a lesson in the study of the British empire’s strong influence in this region while the local culture has remained very much intact.
Dubai offers myriad experiences to suit every taste. Unfortunately we couldn’t experience the thrilling desert safari, venturing into the golden dunes aboard 4×4 vehicles before witnessing a mesmerizing sunset in the desert. This time of the year is not the best time to visit Dubai as sand storms and very hot temperatures make it for a very difficult environment outdoors. However, most of the built up spaces in the city, including busstops, being comfortably air conditioned makes up for the harsh climate. Sometime, it felt as if one were living in a futuristic Martian or lunar settlement
Dubai is renowned as a shopper’s paradise, and we immersed ourselves mostly in window shopping in its retail wonders. From luxury brands in the opulent Dubai Mall to traditional souvenirs in the vibrant markets, there was something to entice every shopper. We also witnessed the awe-inspiring Dubai Fountain show, where water danced in perfect synchronization with captivating music and colorful lights, leaving me spellbound.
Culinary Delights:
Middle Eastern cuisine has always been one my favourites alongside Mexican and Italian food. Dubai’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of flavors from around the world. I savoured mouthwatering Arabic delicacies, indulged in international cuisine at world-class restaurants, and explored the vibrant street food scene. From aromatic shawarmas to sumptuous Indian cuisine, each bite was a culinary journey that delighted my taste buds. The evenings were blissfully cooler and pleasant and I revelled in meeting friends and sampling delectable Arabian cuisine such as my favourite falafel and humus filled pita bread rolls!
Live and let live
Dubai has a minority of local residents or original Arab descent whereas the majority of the population (almost 85%) consist of immigrant workers from almost all countries of the world. Approximately 85% of the expatriate population (and 71% of the emirate’s total population) was Asian, chiefly Indian (51%) and Pakistani (16%); other significant Asian groups include Bangladeshis (9%) and Filipinos (3%). As of 2014, around 56% of Dubai residents were Muslims, while 25% of the Dubai residents were Christians and 16% were Hindus. Dubai is a great example of a tolerant society where people mind their own business and donot interfere in each other’s affairs. As a result of progressive government policies, it was wonderful to see a societywhich was a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, religions, dresses, cuisines, etc. The large Asian population works hard and makes a good living with much of the earnings repatriated back to their home country that is helping their respective domestic economies. The only eye sore is the wealth disparity and the working class migrant labour population living in spartan conditions yet providing all the labour that Dubai needs to thrive.
As we were concluding our visit, our Prime Minister Mr. Modi was in Abu Dhabi signing an agreement for setting up a campus of IIT Bombay in UAE. Earlier he had laid the foundation for what is going to be the largest Hindu temple anywhere in the world. Given the important historical relationship of India with this amazing country, it only pains one to think that we seem to be sliding in the reverse direction back home!
Conclusion:
My visit to Dubai in July 2023 was a whirlwind of enchanting experiences and captivating moments. The city’s blend of modernity and tradition, coupled with its warm hospitality, created an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable. From exploring architectural marvels to immersing myself in cultural richness, Dubai offered a kaleidoscope of experiences that left me in awe. As I bade farewell to this captivating city, I carried with me not just memories but a newfound appreciation for the vibrant spirit that defines Dubai.
The author is a civil engineer, academician and technologist. He is currently based in Hong Kong. He can be reached at dhanadam@gmail.com.
