From Sand to Skyline: A City That Surprised Me

Dear Aanya,

I just got back from Dubai and honestly, it wasnt at all what I expected.

You know how I usually lean toward quieter placesmountains, small towns, historic citiesbut something about Dubai caught my eye this time. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe I just wanted something different. Whatever it was, Im glad I went. The city surprised mein 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 essentialshotel pickup, city tour, a day in the desert, and even a dhow cruise dinner.

Honestly, it helped so much. I didnt 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!), Id recommend doing the same.

Exploring What Everyone Talks About

Okay, lets talk about the big names first. Yes, I went to the top of the Burj Khalifahow 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 saylike a city inside a building. I even saw people ice skating while I had my coffee!

But theres 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 towersand somehow even more special.

The Desert Evening I Didnt Know I Needed

One of the best parts? The desert safari. Its a bit touristy, yes, but its 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 dont realize how rare it is until youre standing in it.

Food That Took Me Around the World

Youd love the food scene here. I tried Emirati food for the first timemachboos, harees, and these sweet dumplings called luqaimat. I even bought a bag of dates from a market near the Gold Souk. But it wasnt just local flavors. Theres food from everywhereIndia, 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 easyeven the metro was spotless. People were polite, signs were clear, and I never felt unsafe, even at night. It didnt feel rushed either. Youd 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 caf near the museum said, People come for the buildings. They stay for the energy. He was right.

Its the Small Things Ill 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.

Theres 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. Thats the side of Dubai I hadnt expectedthe side that lets you slow down and take it in.

A City That Keeps Changing

One thing I realizedDubai is never really done. Theres always something new being built. I visited the Museum of the Future and, wow, its like walking into the next century. Theyve built this loop-shaped structure covered in Arabic calligraphy, and inside are exhibits about AI, space, sustainabilitythings that actually make you think.

I asked someone if Dubai would ever stop growing. They laughed and said, Were just getting started.

Would I Go Back?

I didnt think Id like it this much. But yes, Id go backmaybe for the Global Village festival next time, or to explore more of the old neighborhoods. Dubais 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 youre looking for a trip thats exciting but easy, rich but welcoming, modern but rootedthis is it.

Come with me next time?
Love,
Meera