Dubai is considered as one of the world’s top destinations, and for many an OFW, Dubai is considered a haven. One of the most beautiful and most progressive countries in the Middle East, Dubai is a go-to not just for Filipinos but for tourists from around the world.
I was onboard the now-scrapped MS Boudicca of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines when I first visited Dubai. As the ship approached the port at dawn, one can already clearly see the distinct, bold lines of the skyscrapers lining the horizon. I’m sure the view would have been more stunning in broad daylight, with the sun’s rays reflecting off the geometric designs and the glass-and-steel panels! That would have been a much more remarkable arrival!
The ship docked in Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid and that’s where my now Dubai-based high school classmates met me. I had invited them to visit the ship just weeks ahead of our Dubai call. I gave them a brief tour around the ship and thereafter I went with them ashore.
There’s no better way to get around a new place than with the locals! Fortunately, I have Dubai locals (my classmates) with me. They’re working in Dubai for so long so I considered them Dubai locals – fair enough 🙂 🙂 :).
I had long wanted to see the Burj Khalifa, the building dubbed the tallest in the world. Since the ship is in Dubai, of course, I would not be wasting this chance! I asked my friends to take me to the best spot they knew, which would let me get the most magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa. It turned out that was pretty easy. Simply head over to Dubai Mall! Aside from being a great shopping place, it also offers one of the best views of the world’s tallest building. I am indebted to my friends for taking time off their jobs to show me around town.
The Burj Khalifa, literally the “Khalifa Tower” has a total height of almost 830 feet. It has been hailed “the tallest” since 2009 and was named after the President of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was Khalifa who had the UAE lend money to Dubai when the country was struggling to pay its debts. Today, the Burj Khalifa has both commercial and residential amenities, with features such as a park and an observation deck. It also has a bustling community that has sprung up around it, generating a healthy profit from the tourism the skyscraper attracts.
After seeing Burj Khalifa, we had lunch in Dubai Mall. The restaurant was called Taza — it wasn’t fancy, but my friends said it was the best place in Dubai where one can get an authentic Arabic meal. And my, they were right! Their food was simply delicious, and not a pain in the pocket either. Of course, as we were enjoying the meal, we were also enjoying catching up with stories of each other throughout the years! And yes, I recommend Taza if you ever come by here. It’s fast food, yes, but it’s value for money.
Now, one thing I immediately learned was that a day was not enough to see Dubai’s splendor. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would not yet be able to experience the whole of Dubai, at least on this trip. My time was limited, and the areas where they can tour me were also limited. But that doesn’t matter — what matters isn’t just the destination, but the journey itself, right?
By the time the day was over, I had to board the ship with a lot of hesitation. The time was short, but I can say I was able to make the most out of the time I had. I had been able to tick another item off my bucket list, and I was also able to meet with old friends. That’s a combination you can’t beat!
