It’s very easy to ignore the tourist attraction of a city when you reside there. A lot of people see Dubai as a holiday destination but I merely see it as a city I live and work in, the tourist attraction are basically weekend activities we engage in just to pass time.
Recently, I was having conversation with a friend who was planning a visit here and they mentioned all the exciting things that they would like to do, it then dawned on me that the last time I made grand plans around any of those activities was when I newly relocated here a couple of years ago.
Leaving Dubai for a while during the pandemic made me miss all the beautiful things I would normally take for granted so I decided that whenever I return, I will take a week off to explore Dubai as a tourist and held up to that promise.
Booking my hotel was pretty easy as I already had a place in mind. At the top of my list was the Al Seef heritage hotel (Owned by Hilton) where I had the most original, traditional and local Arab experience. I had been to this hotel for a promotion shoot about two years ago and always wanted to stay with them but I just never go around to it.
On my arrival, it was exactly how I remembered it, original and authentic. I felt like I had travelled back in time and it dod reminded me of Aladdin which is why this was my Jasmin dream. My room was overlooking the Dubai creek with the beautiful Abras sailing on the sea. Some of my evenings were spent watching the Dhow sailing with tourist onboard.
Also, at night there were indistinct chatter of people around which added to the undiluted rural experience. I absolutely loved it! There were a lot of things that reminded me of the part of my childhood spent living with my grandmother. I cannot help but wonder how far we have come in terms of advancement and technology. I was initially supposed to stay for five days, I ended up extending my stay for another five days which attests to how much I really enjoyed my stay there.
I would definitely recommend it anyone that wants to enjoy the authentic Arab experience prior to civilisation.
My itinerary also included other activities such as visits to Will Wadi, Museum of Illusions, Dubai frame and the Opera.
Wild Wadi
I have a love hate relationship with Wild Wadi, I’m not such an adrenaline junkie and the rides are pretty intense but at the same time I love waterparks especially at this time of the month when it is over 40 degrees. It is actually one of the best way to spend a day off during the summer. I went with my very good friend who made sure that we participated in all the fantastic rides, I screamed through it all. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done these rides, i still get thrilled and scared at the same time. It was really fun and i enjoyed every bit of it. Definately worth it.
Museum of Illusion
This was a random discovery while I was staying at Al seef so I thought I check it out. It was such a brilliant concept and the images actually distort the regular pattern of how the brain works. It was both entertaining and educating at the same time.
Dubai frame
My mom and I had visited the Dubai frame when it initially opened but I thought it would be nice to visit again. The architecture is phenomenal and depict the perfect view of the Old and New Dubai. It shows how Dubai has transformed over the years and just another example of dreams that come true when you have a clear vision.
Dubai Opera
Everyone that knows me can attest to how I love a good show. This time I watched the Mama Mia which is a classic jukebox musical, It was sold out everyday and it was indeed a miracle that I was able to get my friend to find me a ticket. It was totally a different experience and enjoyed every bit of it. Of course, I had to dress up for the occasion too 🙂
Other days were spent chilling by the pool and evenings are for eating out and enjoying different cuisines around the city. Overall, it was a refreshing experience before settling back to work and I’m indeed grateful for the opportunity to experience this again.
