Dubai: A Fashionable Oasis in the Desert
Saying Goodbye to My Biannual Dubai Adventures Why I No Longer Plan on Returning
I no longer plan to return to Dubai, where I used to vacation twice a year.
Welcome, fashion lovers, to the captivating world of Dubai! Imagine strutting down the streets, radiating luxury like a diamond in the desert. Dubai, UAE, used to be my go-to vacation destination in my early 20s, but as my travel preferences evolved, I began to yearn for more unique experiences. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a lavish getaway, I still highly recommend this city of opulence.
Let me take you back to where it all began. Picture this: I was transiting through Dubai Airport on my way to India, and all I could think was, “If the airport is this good, I wonder what the city is like!” Little did I know, that thought would spark my love affair with Dubai. From that moment on, I became a frequent visitor, immersing myself in the grandeur and splendor that this dazzling city had to offer.
Oh, did I mention the weather? Dubai boasts a year-round warm embrace, making it the perfect destination for those seeking winter sun. However, let me warn you, the scorching summer heat can be as intense as a fiery runway show. I naively made the mistake of visiting in June, and the heat was simply unbearable. I tried to explore “The Walk,” an enchanting outdoor area with stores and restaurants, but I quickly retreated to the cool sanctuary of an indoor cafe. Luckily, the shopping malls in Dubai take their air conditioning game seriously – a lifesaver for fashion enthusiasts trying to keep their cool.
Now, let’s talk about safety. Dubai is a city that envelops you in a comforting embrace, making you feel secure no matter the time of day. It’s not your typical metropolis where you have to dodge persistent strangers or worry about roaming the streets at night. Families with small children frolic in malls, and movie theaters are abuzz even in the late hours. In fact, the UAE was crowned one of the safest countries in the world in 2020. But beware, my fashion-forward friends, Dubai’s strict laws can leave unsuspecting visitors on the wrong side of a fashion faux pas.
While Dubai offers a fair share of luxurious malls and Michelin-starred restaurants, it may not fulfill the craving for adventurous escapades beyond the desert sands. Sure, Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping extravaganza, enchanted me with its endless array of stores, food options, and even an aquarium. And let’s not forget the desert experiences, complete with dune buggies, camel rides, belly dancers, and henna tattoos – the embodiment of Arabian allure. Yet, once you’ve seen these marvels, the thirst for new frontiers begins to beckon.
Here’s a little tip for you spontaneous souls: Dubai isn’t a city built for leisurely strolls. Locals adore their luxury cars, which makes the perpetual heat and lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure a bit of a hurdle. Fear not, as Dubai has an impressive metro system that can transport you to destinations further afield. I must say, their metro is as spotless as a designer gown, and they even have a separate carriage for female travelers. Truly a stylish way to get around!
Dubai’s allure lies in its promise of a luxury experience that few cities can match. As a young fashion enthusiast from Glasgow, Scotland, I craved an escape from the ordinary, and Dubai surpassed my wildest dreams. However, as I matured as a traveler, my desires shifted towards new horizons, seeking hidden gems like Cappadocia’s mesmerizing hot air balloon spectacle or embarking on an interrail adventure through Italy.
Though Dubai may no longer be the destination that makes my fashionista heart skip a beat, I still cherish the memories created within its glamorous embrace. So, if you’re looking for a city that effortlessly caters to families and elderly travelers, Dubai has been meticulously designed with your convenience in mind.
Fashion lovers, while I bid adieu to Dubai, I encourage you to explore this dazzling oasis in the desert. Unleash your inner fashionista, indulge in the luxurious offerings, and maybe, just maybe, Dubai will become your fashion-forward paradise.
