Wednesday February 01, 2023
Dubai is the second most important of the Emirates after Abu Dhabi although it is the most populous with 3.9 Million. Most foreign countries have their embassies in the Capital Abu Dhabi and Consulates in Dubai. The sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Head of State of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE since 2006. He is the owner of the Burj Al Arab (our first stop) as well as many other commercial enterprises. Dubai, almost since the start of the finding of oil has been diligent in using those funds to create a multi faceted economy. Today only 2-3% of the economy is based on oil. Finance, Tourism and Investments are the key economic drivers. The philosophy “If you build it, they will come” and “build the biggest” and that will attract tourism are key to the success. As one of our guides, probably the best of our trip so far, always pointed out that in Dubai we have the tallest, the biggest and best of everything. We have to be Number 1, no other place is acceptable. The tallest building, the tallest “Eye” (250 meters /820 feet) (viewing wheel like London eye) the biggest frame, the longest subway that does not have operators driving the cars etc. Architects have a field day as the more exaggerated the concept of building skyscrapers (there are 250 now) and other structures, the more they want to have it built. The two most famous buildings are the iconic Burj (tower) Al Arab, shaped like a sailboat and the tallest building – Burj Khalifa (after the former ruler). Burj Khalifa is:- A) The tallest building in the world (828 Meters / 2,716 feet); B) Tallest fountains (modeled after the Belaggio in Las Vegas) but much taller; C) Tallest Free Standing structure in the World (previously the CN Tower in Toronto); D) Highest number of floors (204); E) Highest occupied floor; F) Highest outdoor observation deck; G) Tallest service elevator and H) Elevator with the longest travel distance. Another building – A Golden frame with a high speed lift up the sides, an observation deck, with partial glass floor across the top is the largest in the world. The Palm Island is the largest man made group of island which has hotels, villas and such all over the branches. A new “LEGO like” hotel is soon to be completed on the Palm and the Atlantis Hotel with it’s signature hollow center, now boasts the most expensive and largest “presidential Suite” which comes at a cost of US$35,000 per night. Two other Palm islands are planned, one is well on it’s way. Also a group of islands are being constructed to resemble a map of the world, with the only access being by helicopter or yacht. So if you like big things and all types of architecture, Dubai is the place to be.
The morning tour left early and we were whisked off to the Burj Al Arab opened in 1999. It is the famous building that looks like a sail, built by the Sheikh and owned by him on a reclaimed island. Only if you have a reservation can you get onto the causeway that leads you to the island. It took 3 years to build the island and 5 years to build the all “2-floor suite” hotel. Two white Rolls Royces are at the door for the use of the occupants of the presidential suite. The coach dropped us at the Jumeirah hotel, which is next to the Al Arab, also owned by the Sheikh as is the one next to that, under construction, shaped like two cruise ships. We transferred to 18 passenger “golf carts” to be driven over to the causeway and through the side entrance of the Burj Al Arab. Unfortunately the over anxious driver took off as one gentleman was attempting to get into the transport and the vehicle smashed his foot which remained under one of the tire until a mad call for reverse was heeded. He ended up in a wheel chair and returned early to the ship for medical treatment. We were whisked up to the 28th floor where there is an exhibit of one of the suites that has 4 rooms on 2 floors, but now more of a museum showing the construction, facts and figures and great views. We were then taken on a special visit to the Royal Suite (which costs US$25,000 per night with a 4 night minimum) which has seen many famous people like President Clinton, Nelson Mandela as well as stars of the screen and sports. It is opulent in a classic Arabic style. A central staircase leads to the two bedrooms. On one side, denominated the Queen’s bedroom has pink tones throughout, with its rounded canopy bed, two sitting areas, large bathroom with jacuzzi and gold walled shower. The “king’s bedroom is smaller, all in deep red and gold, with more closet space and similar bathroom, but no sitting area. Downstairs is the living room with it’s gold TV, and on the other side is the private circular dining table of 8-10 people, with private chef. A smaller study / office is off the dining room which can be converted into a third bedroom. After getting pictures not only of the rooms but the amazing views of the Palm, the city etc, we returned to the ground floor where we were served drinks at the outside bar overlooking the harbor. Of note is the famous tennis match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on the helicopter landing pad as well as Tiger Woods teeing off a golf ball from the helicopter pad on the top floor. We saw the rackets and clubs which were used as they are in the exhibit room.
Views of Dubai from top floor of Burj Al Arab
Entering the exhibition room and like one if the regular suites.
Burj Khalid from top of Burj Al Arab
Overlooking the islands that form the map of the world
Overlooking the Palm group of islands
The Royal suite that rents for US$25,000 a night
Finally a drink at the outside bar.
We then took a boat ride on a large two floor catamaran around the harbor and over to the Palm island. It was nice to go through the Marina district with it’s different skyscrapers and mosques, coffee shops and different businesses, while we enjoyed our 2 Corona Beers per person! We went out into the bay past “The Eye” (250 Meters high) and sailed passed the “enormous” Queen Mary 2, which was fun to see from a small vessel, to the Palm. We returned to the marina past the private airport – a fun morning. We returned to the dock and here it should be mentioned that the new dock for cruise ships has been recently built and is right by the Marina district. When we sailed into Dubai 7 years ago we were in a totally different area at the other end of the city and not too far from the Queen Elizabeth which has now been opened as a Hotel. We never got to see that part of town.
The Catamaran ride through the Marina district.
As soon as we arrived back to the modern marine terminal, we took off in another coach to a “pub crawl” – going from one bar to another having an alcoholic drink in each one. The charm was seeing the city from different locations while enjoying a drink. This was not what we had planned which was High Tea at the top of the Burj Kahlif, but that tour was cancelled a few days ago. Either way we ended drinking! The guide is from the country of Georgia – Diana, a short competent woman and very good. Fortunately Ruth, the Port Lecturer and Tour organizer decided to join the tour as there were a couple of grumpy people, one female British passenger in particular who was attempting to make the entire evening a sour experience for all. Ruth was able to talk to her and calm things down a bit. The first bar – The Marriott Dubai Harbor where the bar is on the 52nd floor and we enjoyed a great view of the Palm and Marina district while enjoying a passion fruit Caipirinha, served in a pint tumbler! We then went to the older part of town to the top floor of The Canopy by Hilton Hotel, which had a bar next to the infinity swimming pool overlooking the Dubai Creek. This creek used to be a flowing freshwater river but overtime it has become a sea water inlet. Again a couple of glasses of wine and a few peanuts while we saw the sunset over the city was a terrific experience. The last stop was at the Crown Plaza Festival City Cafe which was also on the creek overlooking the old city, but this was on a large patio on the ground floor. Here we saw the Dhows sailing by as natural daylight was taken over by electric lights. Here the Whiskey Sours were flowing and greatly enjoyed, albeit mixing beer, caçhasa, wine and whiskey! All in all, a very different experience but very enjoyable and good to do once.
views of Dubai from the bars of the hotels
We ended up getting back to the ship at 9PM to have “lunch” on a liquid stomach! We were glad not to be driving as there is no way we would have passed even the most liberal of breathalyzer tests!!
Roger & Anne Travels 