The NYT has their travel column, "36 hours in...," this time about Dubai, and it reminded me of the trip we took in December. It was our first time in Dubai, and the first thing anyone would notice is the sheer amount of construction. Crazy construction. Even though Bahrain has more construction than I've ever seen, Dubai by far tops it because it is bigger and denser. Everything about Dubai is about being big and tall. Nothing is "old," everything is shiny and new.
It was very exciting to explore Dubai- the streets are extremely clean, the malls are huge and pristine, the restaurants are trendy and stylish- but at the conclusion of our 6 days there, I realized I couldn't really recommend Dubai was a destination to anybody. Having lived in the Middle East (what I really mean is being deprived in the Middle East), Dubai is a spectacular break from the drab, brown and tan environment I'm usually surrounded by. It's sleek, modern, colorful...but not much else.
Dubai almost makes you forget you are in Muslim country, but then you see the sign posted at the entrance of the Mall of the Emirates stating "ladies no bare arms, appropriate dress required" and it brings you all back to the oppressing culture and norms of the religion. Not that anybody really adheres to the rules, I'm pretty sure I saw cleavage and skin while there, but you won't find any Vegas cocktail waitress/swimsuit silhouette type outfits in Dubai.
People call Dubai, Vegas of the Middle East (Vegas without the gambling). In a way, the spectacle aspect is there, but it's not nearly as fun or exciting. Dubai shopping is not any better than Vegas or New York. Dubai food is severely lacking. Dubai has not yet attracted those celebrity chefs that have made Vegas one of the best places for eating. Dubai restaurants use the same old peasant workers in the kitchens of their finest restaurants, just like Bahrain and Saudi- people from other 3rd world countries who work cheap and don't ask questions.
We stayed in a hotel condo on the beach, and in December it was still warm enough to spend the day on the beach. The water was cold, but I saw other people swimming. We booked a one-room condo, but were upgraded to a two-room, and I found out that most people visiting Dubai get the free upgrade. Our condo really had three rooms, as these places all have an extra room and bathroom built-in for the maid. Please.
I think Dubai is just beginning and I'd like to visit again in 10 years to see how much it's progressed. The thing about Dubai is that they are not averse to bringing in outsiders, ie Europeans, to design and build their city. When Dubai is determined to push to #1, it has the money to make it happen (see Emirates Airlines).
Overall, as an American I would never, ever spend all the time and money to vacation in Dubai. I would stop in Dubai for a couple of days on my way to somewhere else, but never make Dubai my final destination. But as an American living in the Middle East, I would definitely visit Dubai again for its huge water park, waterfront strolls, and escape from the litter and general dirtiness of Bahrain.
Reading over what I wrote, it sounds like a negative review of Dubai, but we had a great time in there (not counting having the flu while we were there), since it really is about the company you keep and I happen to really like my family! We would definitely visit again but only while we're over in this part of the world. For a true shopping experience, or dining experience, or theme park experience, there are many other superior choices a lot closer in proximity to the United States.
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