Looking beyond skyscrapers

Places like the new Bollywood Park, amongst others, make Dubai more than just a shopping destination

KARACHI: Truth be told, I wasn’t too excited when asked to visit Dubai last December. Not only had I been there one too many times already but somehow, the city never really struck a chord with me, what with its steamy climate and penchant for having the biggest, tallest and fastest of everything.


In my mind, I had pretty much dismissed the city as being blandly efficient and unadventurous, unless one regards powering through a sale in Forever 21 as adventure. Nonetheless, with my trusted red suitcase and travel anxiety in tow, I made my way to the bustling Arabian metropolis, praying the next five days would pass by quick enough. And pass quickly they did, but not in the way I had wanted them to.
For those who don’t know, Dubai first emerged as a small fishing village back in the 1800s. Fast forward to the 20th century and the Maktoum tribe – having realised the significance of its waterway – had transmogrified it into a glittering oasis, bursting with life and trade opportunities.


Through the 80s and 90s, the rulers made an executive decision to turn Dubai into a hub of international tourism and even I must admit, their strategising and foresight is indeed, commendable.
They say time flies when you’re having fun and now, I agree wholeheartedly. There were five of us who had been invited to Dubai as guests of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). And each one of us will tell you that the week we spent in Dubai was truly, one of a kind.

Let me delve right into the high point of our trip: hot-air ballooning over the desert and that too, during sunrise. As it turns out, Dubai’s skyline has more to offer than shimmery skyscrapers and airplanes zooming by. Next time you go, make sure to step out of the main areas (and your comfort zones) to behold what must be one of the best views in the entire Middle Eastern region. That includes the views from Burj Khalifa.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

There is plenty more to satiate adrenaline junkies, of course. Let’s face it: we’re no strangers to Atlantis and Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World. But I’m certain you are yet to experience an amusement park like the new-fangled Dubai Parks and Resorts. It’s a bit of a drive out but well worth it. Imagine a Disney World and Universal Studio merging into one expansive attraction with something to offer for everyone.
We kicked things off with Legoland which – as its name suggests – brings the historic children’s building bricks to life. Boasting 40 interactive rides and some 15,000 structures, Legoland is sure to be a treat for your young ones. And should they tire of it, you can simply hop across to the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate to immerse yourself in the world of cinema.



PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Granted, both Disney and Universal pioneered these concept decades ago. But like I said, the parks have something for everyone so lo and behold: The world’s first Bollywood-themed amusement park.
At the risk of sounding a tad crazy, the Bollywood park is but a dream for Bollywood fanatics such as myself. The rides here are based on some of the most iconic films of the industry, including Sholay, Ra.One and Dabangg. There is even a veritable Bombay train station with a restaurant that serves a delightful butter chicken. And if you’re as lucky as we were, you’ll get to catch an impromptu dance show or two as well.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Food, it seems, is a national obsession in Dubai. It’s rich history of migration and year-round tourism has only added to the assortment of cuisines on offer here, rendering it one of the greatest food capitals of the world. The sheer variety of restaurants at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) alone lends credence to Dubai’s wonderful ethnic brew, unparalleled by any other city in Asia. And for the spendthrift, I can safely say that even the food courts in the malls will only give you the best of the best.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

All in all, let’s just say that Dubai is, indeed, a fascinating place. One just has to dig deeper into it. It’s a city well worthy of a pat in the back for the impeccable way in which it has built and promoted itself from scratch and outdone other cities in just a little over 30 years.

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