Habibi Come to Dubai
Dubai, Doobz, Du-Bye, Dil-Dooba.
No matter how you call it, the city has a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. It's a place that many love or hate, however.
For me, I veer closer to the love end of the scale, a city wherein you feel as safe walking on the streets as you would chilling at home with your family.
A city where the adhan echoes through the world’s largest mall - a feeling which brings you back to earth despite shopping and being consumed by goods/services which make you feel like a capitalist.
My attachment with Dubai has grown over the past few years, having visited a couple of times now. Beyond the safety, cleanliness, hospitality and community sense, Dubai offers opportunities, new networks and a shift in mindset which perhaps having been born & raised in the UK I was not exposed to.
The first time visiting, we planned it around the Expo 2022 Dubai (which didn’t end up happening until 2021/22 due to COVID).
That day was incredibly hot, around 36 degrees, I decided to wear a thobe (as I have an attachment to wearing middle-eastern outfits when out there) - thobe designers hit me up. Every 10 minutes getting stopped by people asking if I knew where X,Y,Z country stand was located, I was like ‘huna, hunaka, alaa tool’ - translating to here, there or straight ahead.
I should have been a paid tour guide for the Expo, no joke.
We headed for Pakistan first - as you should. Reading up on the rich history, manufacturing capabilities and scenic areas that many people are not aware Pakistan possess.
Some other itinerary items included, FIVE for dinner, Hookah for dessert, Five Guys for quick bites and lounging by the pool.
The Museum of the Future was another cool and futuristic (duh) themed outing I would recommend, as it exhibits advancements in science, technology, and innovation. If you’re not into any of these things you can just go Jet-skiing around the burj instead.
Some pictures from our trip.
Returning from Dubai that month back to England, realising there was no adhan widely played (except in mosques) , halal food was only in a selection of restaurants and the weather was well, average. Definitely did make going back to work that week any easier.
It wasn’t until 2 years later that I went back to Dubai, with the same crew, but two extra nephews this time. As mentioned above Dubai’s safety element and cleanliness makes it ideal for a child growing up. At-least that’s what I’ve heard.
Honestly as a person who is about the vibes, no where comes close to Dubai - LA, Doha, London, Paris, these places have elements of it, but Dubai raises the bar and continue to everytime I visit.
New restaurants, hotels, activities, even Islands that they build.
The Emirati city welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors, registering a 9% year-over-year (YoY) increase, surpassing the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023 - World Travel & Tourism Council.
This puts them 7th on the list globally - and considering how small Dubai is, is pretty remarkable.
Where to Stay in Dubai:
Downtown Dubai is ideal for travelers who want to be at the heart of the city's action, with iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain just steps away. It's perfect for luxury shopping, fine dining, and easy access to major attractions.
Palm Jumeirah offers a more resort-like experience, with stunning beachfront hotels, upscale restaurants, and a relaxed, exclusive atmosphere — ideal for those seeking a luxurious, tranquil escape.
Dubai Marina is great for visitors who enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe, featuring waterfront dining, nightlife, and easy access to the beach, while still being well-connected to the rest of the city via the Metro.
I’ve stayed in Downtown and the Palm and both have good vibes for different reasons.
I will leave you with some advice for those who despise traffic. if you’re planning on leaving your accommodation/hotel at 7pm on Friday/Saturday night from Downtown and are heading to the Palm (vice-verse) - don’t do it, or at-least book your dinner reservation for 40 minutes later than expected.
Ma’a Salama!
