In June 2006, on my way back from London, I decided to stop over in Dubai for 4 days. Dubai then and Dubai Now. Woah, what a massive difference!
Its almost like entering into a brand new city. Not that it was any bad then, but after having spent 15 days in the land of goras, the wheatish faces and the scorching heat gets to you ;-) {PS: I am not racist by nature :p}
We know Dubai is hit by a huge crisis and all. Quite obviously, if the Sheikh decides to spend so much the looks (of Dubai) and the real estate market, how would the poor guy recover! But do we care? The good looks of Dubai only make it a better holiday experience for us tourists.
From roads to malls to buildings or the air-conditioned bus stops! How I wish Mumbai was half as organised as Dubai. Nonetheless, the city is only two hours away from home.
Let me warn you. Do not plan your trip during the summers. You will not like anything about Dubai. December, January and February - best time to enjoy the belly dancing at Desert safari or an evening date at the Dhow cruise.
Talking about shopping, most malls have great discounts on BIG brands during the festival but even the discounted price is more expensive than the stuff you get in India. Though, be assure you will get great variety and good quality. The choice is yours!
And yes, this land of gold has a shopping place called Gold Souk. Here, gold is sold like how vegetables are sold in Mumbai's sabzi market. It's got the best quality gold along with the most creative designs.
Its been almost a month since I have got back from Dubai but the smell of clean roads and the clean breeze doesn’t leave me. If someone would give me an option to relocate myself to Dubai, I will jump at the opportunity!
