From Sand to Skyline: A City That Surprised Me

Dear Aanya,

I just got back from Dubai and honestly, it wasn’t at all what I expected.

You know how I usually lean toward quieter places—mountains, small towns, historic cities—but something about Dubai caught my eye this time. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe I just wanted something different. Whatever it was, I’m glad I went. The city surprised me—in the best way.

Why I Chose to Go

I remember you asked how I even began planning the trip. Dubai is massive, and it can feel overwhelming at first. Luckily, there are tons of Dubai tour packages out there, and I found one that covered most of the essentials—hotel pickup, city tour, a day in the desert, and even a dhow cruise dinner.

Honestly, it helped so much. I didn’t have to plan every single day from scratch, and it left me free to enjoy instead of stress. If you ever decide to go (and you really should!), I’d recommend doing the same.

Exploring What Everyone Talks About

Okay, let’s talk about the big names first. Yes, I went to the top of the Burj Khalifa—how could I not? The elevator ride alone was an experience, but the view from above? Unreal. The Dubai Mall was just as wild as people say—like a city inside a building. I even saw people ice skating while I had my coffee!

But there’s so much more. I made a list of places to visit in Dubai, and it was endless. I visited the Dubai Frame, which gives you a crazy perspective of old and new Dubai side by side. I spent an afternoon at Al Seef, walking beside the creek, and wandered through Al Fahidi Historical District. It felt like a world away from the shiny towers—and somehow even more special.

The Desert Evening I Didn’t Know I Needed

One of the best parts? The desert safari. It’s a bit touristy, yes, but it’s worth it. Riding through the dunes in a 4x4 felt like being in a movie. We stopped in the middle of nowhere for sunset and everything around us turned gold. Then, at the camp, there was food, music, dance, and the quiet of the desert stretching out in every direction.

That silence? You don’t realize how rare it is until you’re standing in it.

Food That Took Me Around the World

You’d love the food scene here. I tried Emirati food for the first time—machboos, harees, and these sweet dumplings called luqaimat. I even bought a bag of dates from a market near the Gold Souk. But it wasn’t just local flavors. There’s food from everywhere—India, Lebanon, Iran, the Philippines.

I ate at tiny places in Deira and sat down at rooftop restaurants in the Marina. Dubai really is a global city, and you taste that in every bite.

More Than Skyscrapers

What struck me most was how everything was so well-organized. Getting around was easy—even the metro was spotless. People were polite, signs were clear, and I never felt unsafe, even at night. It didn’t feel rushed either. You’d expect a city like this to move fast, but there was space to breathe.

The locals I met were incredibly proud of what Dubai has become. One young guy who served me coffee at a café near the museum said, “People come for the buildings. They stay for the energy.” He was right.

It’s the Small Things I’ll Remember

Like sitting by the beach at Kite Beach and watching kids play in the sand. Like the scent of oud drifting through the corridors of a mall. Like the sound of water during the Dubai Fountain show and how everyone just stopped and stared for a few minutes.

There’s this moment I keep going back to: sitting on a bench near the creek, sipping karak tea from a paper cup. Boats floated past slowly. It was quiet, but full of life. That’s the side of Dubai I hadn’t expected—the side that lets you slow down and take it in.

A City That Keeps Changing

One thing I realized—Dubai is never really done. There’s always something new being built. I visited the Museum of the Future and, wow, it’s like walking into the next century. They’ve built this loop-shaped structure covered in Arabic calligraphy, and inside are exhibits about AI, space, sustainability—things that actually make you think.

I asked someone if Dubai would ever stop growing. They laughed and said, “We’re just getting started.”

Would I Go Back?

I didn’t think I’d like it this much. But yes, I’d go back—maybe for the Global Village festival next time, or to explore more of the old neighborhoods. Dubai’s one of those rare places that gives you luxury and simplicity in equal parts. It lets you be a tourist, a dreamer, and a wanderer, all in the same day.

If you’re looking for a trip that’s exciting but easy, rich but welcoming, modern but rooted—this is it.

Come with me next time?
Love,
Meera