The Arab Lands of Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Abu Dhabi - A quick layover at Abu Dhabi turned out quite a delight. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Al Seef Resort & Spa by Andalus. Definite value for money. Lovely ambience, with rows of eateries, fashion boutiques and unique shops, and the whole place is decorated very nicely.

We only had time to visit one place in Abu Dhabi. And of course we can't not see the grand Mosque, the amazing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We loved each and every sight of the mosque. It was mesmerizing even from the entrance. The many variants of the domes in terms of sizes and designs, the floor layout, the building structures all contribute to the beautiful grandeur of the mosque.

If you're ever headed to Abu Dhabi, this one's not to be missed.

On to Dubai where we stayed for few days. We mistakenly thought it would be expensive all around. But no, it is actually quite affordable. Train to airport is so much cheaper compared to Malaysia. The locals are polite and very respectful.

It was April'2018 when we were there. It was the first month of spring, but some places went up to 40 degrees. We could feel the pangs of the heat anytime we stepped outside.

Dubai obviously has two facades to it, put simply. In a good way, i mean. It offers affordable places to stay in what we thought the cheaper areas such as Baniyas, where we stayed for few nights. But definitely won't be our spot next time we ever land in Dubai. It's full of migrants and workers from other neighboring countries as well as from other countries such as the Philippines, Nigeria and so on . Around Baniyas, you could get good bargains from stores the like of Day to Day as it's infamously called. You'll find pretty much everything here, from chocolates to coffee to shoes to household items to souvenirs. You'll end up doing quite a bit of shopping here. We were among the frequent visitors there. 

We managed to cramp in few tourist spots for our short stay in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, the world's tallest building and the largest mall in the world by total area that stand next to each other. The travellator walkway from the train station that leads to the Dubai Mall will have you gazing at the streets and buildings outside from the glass walls and sometimes you might just catch a glimpse of the skyrocketing Burj Khalifa.

You will enjoy the fountain show just outside the vicinity of the Dubai Mall where you can cross over and access into the Souk Al-Bahar, an arabic style shopping mall. Snap a few shots here and around the area, especially at points where you can get a nice angle of the Burj Khalifa from the outside.

We made a point to visit the Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood where we travelled back in time into the Dubai's heritage.The place is a mere 15minutes walk from the Al Fahidi Metro Station. Catch a glimpse of the old traditional way of living and buildings as you wander in the district taking in the historical sights. The best part is it is completely free of charge and there's an awful lot of spots for some IG worthy pictures!

Next we hopped into the van we booked for our Desert Safari adventure. This, in any occasion, is never to be missed, guys. You will be taken on a 4WD where the driver will make you scream as they professionally take you on a ride of a lifetime. The dune bashing is craaaaazzyyyy. But it was soooo fun you will want to go for it again and again. Watch in awe as the sands so amazingly splashed over the windows of your ride. Do remember to tighten your seat belt and hang onto the handles, though.

The next day, we had a chance to lounge around the Dubai Marina, the hallmark and signature of Dubai, one shall say. You see all things luxurious, from cars, restaurants, malls, and so on. It was a full moon tat night. We witnessed it amongst skyrocketing buildings and endless towers. Quite a sight to behold. I personally love the dinner at the Dubai Marina area as you get to witness ships and boats pass by as you dine in the ambience.

On a different day, we made it a point for a quick chillout at the beach called the La Mer beach. I was informed it was quite recently developed area. So you see a lot of modern, contemporary designs specifically targeted at young crowds and perhaps, families too. The sun was at a freakin' 43degrees temperature, no joke. We took few nice photos, even ones with the Burj Khalifa on landscape behind us from the beach. It is really majestic, seen from every corners of the great Dubai, really.

Lastly, but never the least, we hopped on the train and took quite a bit of walk to see the Dubai Frame. The entrance fee was approximately RM50 for adult. The whole building shines like old. It is sculpted like a big giant frame. You will be taken up to 45th floor and there's a glass walk where you could literally see the earth below on transparent mirrors. Try it. You get to see amazing views from many angles of Dubai once you get off the elevator at 45th floor.

That about sums up my experiences of the Arab lands of Abu Dhabi & Dubai. Will I go again? Not too soon, maybe. Perhaps, once is enough. I feel I have basically had a taste of what it's like in the UAE and I appreciate the experiences and sights.