Dubai Travel Photos: futuristic space alien city! Famous skyscrapers, skyline, Arabian spice souk.
Decisions, decisions. Shall I head towards Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Don’t worry: my travel filmmakers and I went to both Middle Eastern cities, and will be sharing the footage with you soon.
I’ve been fascinated by Dubai for a long time. The Arabian emirate (one of the seven making up the UAE) is like a Jetsons space-age city rising out of the desert. The city is oil-rich, and invests in ritzy building projects to keep tourism and finances flowing.
What’s emerged from the sand? A city of the future, with skyscrapers straight out of a science fiction novel. Everywhere we went, we saw more mega-towers under construction.
The Dubai Metro stations resemble gold alien pods, and the subway stops have names like “Internet City” and “Business Bay.”
There’s a feeling of possibility in Dubai; the sense that anything you imagine — a peninsula shaped like a map of the world, a mall that resembles an Egyptian pyramid — can be brought to life. I can’t thank Fairmont The Palm Jumeirah hotel enough for hosting us here.
Cat tshirt and leopard print skirt: Banana Fish, from Closet Child Tokyo
White rabbit clock bag: Amavel, from Shinjuku Lumine
Not all of Dubai is high-tech and touristy. You can relax on the beach, or drive about an hour out to experience the sand dunes. (Think Lawrence of Arabia.) Some tourists try “dune bashing,” or speeding up and down the mounds in a thrilling car ride.
My crew wanted to capture Dubai’s traditional side, so we rode the green metro line to Al Ras station, and walked a few blocks to the spice and gold souk (market).
Above: Japanese kawaii is everywhere! While we were filming, the store owner came out and demanded five dirhams (about $1.50) for the privilege.
Travel filmmakers Eric Bergemann and Melissa Rundle were enthralled by the marketplace lights and action. When I saw the shop sign for “Nirmals,” I couldn’t help but think of Garfield sending Nermal to Abu Dhabi. (Apparently, there are lots of stray cats in the United Arab Emirates…)
Shop windows glittered with gold jewelry. At every step, local vendors called out to us: “Sir, would you like to buy a gold watch?”
The spice souk is one of the least touristy parts of the city. In other areas, such as Dubai Marina, you feel like you’re in Times Square.
One of the vendors spoke to me in excellent Japanese! I was intrigued by the black kohl eyeliner, herbal teas, and bizarre remedies for sale (like a yellow rub for eczema).
The spelling may be off, but the spice selection is spot on. On the shelves, you can see shisha (or hookah): a traditional waterpipe for smoking flavored tobacco.
What’s the dress code for Dubai? The city’s cosmopolitan, and there’s no need to wear a headscarf. However, it’s a good idea to dress on the conservative side (cover your arms and legs), especially in traditional neighborhoods.
This mannequin is wrapped in a keffiyeh, or headscarf worn by Arab men. The colors and meanings vary; you can read more about male headscarves in this Wiki article.
I wish our photos could convey the scents and energy of the Arabian market!
Coming up next: we dive into the modern side of Dubai, with photos inside our Fairmont hotel (located on Palm Island), the Burj Al Arab, and one of the world’s largest malls.
Doesn’t Dubai remind you of an alien city? Do you have questions about traveling here? Leave me a comment, and I’ll try to help you out.
37 Comments
Great article once again! And I love the Garfield Abu Dhabi song! ;)
Abu Dhabbiiii!!
Love the buildings!
yes the architecture is insane!!
OMG SQUEEEE! I so MUST visit!
yum & fun
mmmm
There’s a certain type of Kohl that cleanses the eyes– it removes the yellowness from the scelera. : ^ ; It’s amazing.
that’s amazing! have you tried it, does it work? never heard of.
<3
so cool
ohmygod crazy stuff!
yup!!
Cute outfit! Love, Brenda
thanks Brenda
awesome city, especially at night
nicetrip
I loved your article! Makes me want to go to Dubai even more than I already did! Thank you!
aww I’m so glad to hear! it’s an eye-opening place, I hope you will visit.
Careful. Cover up.
haha i pulled down my skirt there
Be careful of the virus out there!
What virus
Awesome
Love the photos and it looks like a really amazing place!
it was!!
Beautiful photography.
What a great blog on your visit to Dubai! I always thought that someday I’d like to go there, and your peek into the city only reaffirms that. Plus, gorgeous photos! Can’t wait for more on your trip.
Yes you must visit, I would go back in a heartbeat!! More pics very soon.
Gorgeous photos! I wanna go there so badly!
I totally LOVE your hair gurl!
Go to dubai….thats a great city<3 ^^
Must be nice to be you
wow wow, very nice. Thank your photos, I think I will come dubai once
If you say that you should cover your arms and legs in Dubai, why are you wearing a t-shirt and a short skirt?
Hi! I mean that when you visit certain traditional areas and mosques, you should cover up. However, at hotels , tourist attractions and malls like these places I am visiting in this post, there is no need to cover up. Later I’ll do a post about a mosque in Abu Dhabi, where I wear a traditional black robe :)
This is such an amazing article I really appreciate your great efforts. I would like to share an amazing platform or an agency where everyone can buy packages for Dubai Tourism that are pocket friendly.
Wow! I really liked you article and after seeing these images I feel like visiting Dubai. Hope I can visit Dubai someday.