Siaga Johnson
Staff Writer
Disembarking my Emirates jet presented me with a first time experience of what it is like to endure 90 degree weather at sunrise. As we walked down the boarding stairs of our aircraft, sand dunes, the city skyline, and the flagship of the Emirates fleet dominated the horizon. This was my first time stepping onto Middle Eastern soil, and while I had been exposed to the cuisine of various Middle Eastern countries as well as the music and bits of the culture, nothing could prepare me for the wonders that I was about to experience in what I like to call “The World’s Oasis,” or more accurately, Dubai.
The first thing that stood out to me was the importance that is placed on hospitality. This was shown by the fact that tourists are indeed treated like guests. Not only are you addressed by name by the flight crew en-route, served five star meals even in Economy Class, but a warm welcome was given to passengers with vouchers for the adventures available in Dubai, sponsored by the Marhaba tourism group located in Dubai International Airport. Upon welcome, I was taken to Le Meridien, a four star tourist hotel, which was to be my home in Dubai for the next three days.
The first activity that I was scheduled for was a trip to the Emirates mall. At first, I wondered how this was culturally unique as malls can be found globally, but the many attractions in the mall definitely showcased Dubai’s reputation for being culturally vibrant, as well as entertaining and memorable. The first activity I pursued at the mall was skiing. Yes; Indoor skiing at a mall in a country that remains hot all year. This is one of the most popular attractions at Emirates mall, as participants in this activity are able to rent skiing gear, and are taken up to the synthetic snow hills and are able to experience the chilling temperatures as well as the trees and snow that is kept so well at this mall. This is what cemented my understanding that Dubai is not only a city of flashing lights. It is a city of innovation, and this has allowed me to understand that a huge part of their economy is based on the innovative entertainment available for tourists.
Another striking thing I noticed was the diverse cultural landscape that makes Dubai the magical city that it is. A majority perception of Dubai, a city in the Middle East, would hold that it is merely an Arab nation with an Islamic culture and a desert everywhere. What is actually true is that Dubai is a community of people of various cultural backgrounds who mesh to create a tourist and living experience that is memorable and that is ever changing with innovation. Taking note of the multifaceted international community also enabled me to recall that various world-class athletes and celebrities frequently visit Dubai, not only for its entertainment options, but also for its lucrative businesses. Dubai hosts a variety of fashion shows where world class designers meet and showcase their creations, as well as network with other movers and shakers.
The variety of entertainment that I saw in Dubai therefore enabled me to understand that their economy is heavily based on the concept of innovation and integration; the integration of values and cultures to create entertainment and vocations for people who are dedicated to welcoming the world into this thriving Oasis. Dubai is therefore a place to wine and dine, to close some of the most lucrative business deals, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultures that make this haven a must see in tourism magazines and lifestyle shows.
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asiatraveltips.com
