1. Dubai was once a fishing village dependent on pearl trade from the late 16th century until the mid-20th century. Key political events occurred during that period. In 1793, Dubai became a dependency under the rule established by the Bani Yas tribe in Abu Dhabi. In 1833, Maktoum bin Butti of the same tribe declared independence from the rulers in Abu Dhabi, but the Dubai economy remained largely the same. The invention of artificial pearls in Japan devastated the city’s economy until it struck oil in 1966. This newfound fortune completely changed Dubai’s trajectory. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then ruler of Dubai from the Maktoum family, led its transformation into a modern city and port.

2. Tourism significantly contributes to the city’s economy and prestige, fostering some of the world’s highest service standards. Beyond mere professionalism, there is a genuine warmth, a rarity in today’s world. While Dubai may be known for its expensive offerings, the accompanying service expectations are met. Interestingly, in comparison to several Western countries, where expenses are high but service quality is lacking, the Emiratis seem to have mastered the balance, though the exact explanation eludes me.

3. Big is better in Dubai, where every building is meant to be a statement. While it’s impressive to see Dubai pushing the boundaries of modern architecture, it’s hard to ignore the profligacy. The Palm Islands, one such undertaking, put Dubai on the luxury tourism map. Constructing almost 56 km of net new coastline, equivalent to the city’s natural coastline, takes courage. For a breathtaking view of these man-made islands, the observation deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower is unparalleled. Despite hefty entry fees, the spectacular views make it a top attraction, often bustling with visitors. Consider an upgrade for access to the 54th floor to escape the crowds. However, the awe of such grandeur is accompanied by a lingering question of whether this excess can be justified. Unlike infrastructure projects aimed at improving the living standards of millions, these developments seem more like trophy assets for the elite of the elite. For a close-up experience, the Palm monorail is the ideal way to explore both the island and the popular Atlantis resort.

View of Palm Islands

4. The Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. As the tallest man-made structure globally at 2,722 feet, it is an engineering marvel. Developed to anchor tourist entertainment in downtown Dubai and part of the country’s diversification from oil, it was named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, then ruler of the UAE. The building was designed was by the same architects as that of the Sears tower and built by the Samsung C&T which also built other tall buildings like Taipei 101 and Petronas Towers. The design is itself is inspired from the Great Mosque of Samarrah in Iraq as well as the Tower Palace III in South Korea. There are a few observatories –  on the 124th floor, 148th and 152th floor with the cheapest tickets starting at $170 AED (~50 USD). The tower looks its dazzling best when the sun goes down.

5. Mall culture in Dubai is not just a trend but a lifestyle necessity, especially due to the extreme weather. The Dubai Mall, boasting an impressive 1,200 stores and an exclusive zone for ultra-luxury brands known as Fashion Avenue, is akin to a city within itself. Adjacent to it, the Dubai Fountains add to its allure, making it a must-visit destination. Each major mall in Dubai comes with its own distinctive attraction. For instance, the Mall of the Emirates features a full-scale indoor ski slope, providing a unique recreational experience. On the other hand, the Nakheel Mall offers access to The Palm viewing deck, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of this iconic man-made marvel.

6. The neighborhoods of Al Karama and Deira offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of migrants and the secondary economy that caters to their needs. Al Karama, a more developed area, stands as a foodie paradise for the South Asian community. In contrast, Deira, situated across the creek, preserves original fishing village features with its narrow, meandering streets adorned with spice shops. Deira is also home to the Gold Souk, an extended alleyway boasting numerous jewelry stores. While most establishments are small-scale, family-run businesses, they might not warrant a detour for every visitor. However, for those seeking an authentic experience, the 1 AED Abra ferry from Deira to Bur Dubai is worth considering, especially if the weather is conducive.

7. Dubai is now a cosmopolitan city with world-class cuisine. High-end restaurants from New York, London, and Paris coexist with excellent Lebanese and Indian food scenes. Emirati cuisine, unfortunately, remains in the shadows. A staple in Emirati cuisine is Macboos, a rice and meat dish akin to its close cousin, biriyani. The use of an Arabic spice blend called Baharat, along with preserved limes, imparts a distinct flavor to this dish. Nashef, a curry made with tomato sauce and the same spice blend, features variations with chicken, lamb, or preserved fish (Maleh). Thareed, a classic dish, involves simmering bread with a meat stew, reminiscent of a one-pot wonder, rooted in the nomadic lifestyles of ancient Arabs. For dessert, the sweet indulgence of Luqaimat, mini donuts served with date syrup, adds a perfect finishing touch. While Emirati restaurants are scarce, Al Fanar stands tall among them. The Emirati breakfast is a true delight, featuring a spiced vermicelli dish topped with an omelet (Balateet), an assortment of breads (Chebab, Khameer, and Tannour), date molasses, local cheeses, and baked beans—a culinary journey reflecting the rich flavors of Emirati traditions. Indulge in Karak tea, a pocket-friendly and ubiquitous milk tea akin to Indian chai. In contrast, Arabic coffee, a drip coffee scented with cardamom, is more of a sit-down experience.