About twenty years ago, leaders in the UAE realized they could not rely solely on the finite reserve of oil for the source of their economic development. They decided to venture into tourism, medical tourism, and construction, thinking that wealthy retirees and business-people might want to live full- or, perhaps, part-time in the UAE. Leaders envisioned Abu Dhabi as the locale for families and Dubai as the place for wealthy entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Very quickly, buildings – including the tallest building in the world – sprang up in downtown Dubai, Palm Island, and the Marina District. Our tour took us to New Dubai, with Faheem as our guide. Faheem left Pakistan ten years ago when his family wanted him to marry his first cousin, a woman he felt was similar to a sister. He left Pakistan, wrote his parents that he refused to marry his cousin (who later married his younger brother), and created a life for himself in Dubai.
Built in 1999, the Burj Al Arab is a luxury seven-star hotel
On Palm Island, a completely human-made island reclaimed with sea sand and rocks from the mountains of northern UAE, sits luxury villas – all with waterfront access – and several high class hotels. This hotel, the Royal Atlantis, boasts over 90 swimming pools.
Dhow Cruise Creek in the Marinia District with newly built and currently being built skyscrapers
Community mosque in the Marina District
Opened in 2010, the 163 story tall Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. We did not plan ahead and book tickets to the top (about $200 each). The line for the elevator, without the VIP tickets, was three hours long.
Another view of Burj Khalifa
Dubai Marina
Dubai Mall Waterfall, 24 meters tall, celebrates the history of pearl diving, important to the founding of Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Oops! I forgot the name of this building!
Cool pictures! I love learning about the places that you are visiting!
Thanks! Google assists my memory! I often wish I could remember details more. It does help to write about what I saw soon after seeing it.
Enjoyed seeing Dubai again, this time through your lens. I’m glad it’s clear for you. When we were there construction was everywhere and the dust/blowing sand prevented us from seeing clearly. Hope you get to see the amazing shopping malls including the one with the skiing area (really!). BTW, the Indian food we had there was amazing!!
It seems like Dubai is always under construction! We were lucky with the weather. No wind or dust! The Dubai Mall with the skating rink and waterfall were cool.