Dubai.

Inside the metropolis.

We all know that familiar feeling of stepping off the aeroplane and instantly having that sheet of hot air hit you right in the face as you take a sigh of relief and finally start to relax because you’re on holiday. Well picture that exact same sheet of hot air, times the heat by two and now picture it every time you leave any form of shelter. Yes, even bus stops. This is how you know you are in the City of Gold, Dubai.

The taxi ride from the airport gives you a great opportunity to admire the architecture and structure of Dubai and if you look carefully you can see the World’s Tallest Building the Burj Khalifa. You can see this architectural masterpiece from up to eight miles away.

The most recognisable thing about Dubai, other that the huge buildings, is the huge prices. It’s hard to buy a good meal without spending a huge amount of money and for that reason fast food became the saviour as the prices are definitely some of the most reasonable in Dubai.

One thing that tourists will immediately notice about the people of Dubai is how kind they all are. This is because Dubai’s future depends on tourism. As most people know, Dubai only exists because of oil but oil is limited and running out so tourism is the answer and for that reason being a tourist really enhances the experience because you are always smiled at no matter who you look at. When I was on a tour bus, I looked around and saw a man picking up litter in the streets and he immediately smiled at me, much unlike the awkward looks I have gotten from locals in various other places. A young man who looked like he was no older than 25 moved out of the way on the pavement insisting we go first, even though there was probably enough room for all of us to walk at the same time.

An attraction that you certainly won’t want to miss, is Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. (There will be a completely separate article on Atlantis) but to summarise, it is like every waterpark you have ever been to times 10. It is enormous and full of fun for people of all ages.

The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and is definitely one of the most incredible pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Going to the viewing platforms at the very top of the Burj Khalifa gives you a 360 degree view of Dubai. If you go in the evening then you will be able to see a gorgeous sunset when the sun has already set below you.

FACT: If you watch the sunset from the ground and enjoy it so much that you wish you could see it again, then guess what. You can. When the sun has set completely, go to the viewing deck inside the Burj Khalifa and admire it all over again.

When next to The Burj Khalifa, you will definitely see The Dubai Mall. Of course you will, you have to go inside it to get to The Burj Khalifa entrance. Here you will see the incredible Dubai Mall aquarium, I would recommend going inside because it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

One of the opportunities I had, came on a boat tour and the captain offered to let me have a go a driving the boat. This was much harder than I expected because when you are steering a boat, it is very different than driving any other vehicle as all of the turns you make are delayed by 30 seconds. You can’t turn immediately so you constantly need to think ahead.

On one of the days that we went on the tour bus, we went to a place in Dubai called Dubai Marina. This place was extremely strange as it was completely empty. Salford Quays was busier than Dubai Marina, even in the mall, there was nobody else around. Just stunning architecture. This gives you a chance to really take it all in without people in the way. It is also a chance to get some great pictures of buildings like we did.

An essential part of Dubai is going on the Desert Safari and after party. The safari was great but certainly isn’t one for the queasy as going up and down the sand dunes can be quite nauseating. One of the other passengers in the car had to be taken out and left at the base camp where she was taken care of. Just before the actual safari however, you’re taken to a quad bike area where you can ride around the desert within a range of course. It was an amazing moment and this was the second time I’d ridden a quad bike but first time in the desert and I definitely did not crash the quad bike and left completely unscathed. Of course I didn’t but it didn’t change the fact that it was still one of the best things I’ve done whilst travellin

After the safari, we were taken to a traditional desert camp. Here, there were complimentary camel rides or if you could be bothered forking out more Dirhams, there was an extended camel ride that took you further. We took the complimentary ride and went into the venue. This place had some brilliant acts including belly dancers and fire eaters. Personally, I don’t think it beats the Greek nightclub but it definitely comes close, the only difference between the two (apart from the small matter of being in the middle of a desert) is the lack of atmosphere in the Dubai desert camp. The acts tried getting the crowd engaged but they only cheered on command rather than when they felt like it. This didn’t take away from the impeccable talent that was performing. The food was very substantial and the arrangements were well organised - watch your plate though because there are lots of stray cats around! As we were leaving, all of the drivers started their engines and the place looked like the opening scene to an action movie because all of the drivers were driving very fast out of the desert. I could see that in Hollywood “Walkfkywalk - Escape From The Desert”. All in all, it was a great way to end the trip and I would definitely recommend going on a desert safari.

TRAVELLER’S TIPS

• Always use regular taxis and if you’re offered anything other than a regular taxi then decline to avoid outrageous prices for a very minor upgrade. It may seem like a great idea to zoom around Dubai in a Tesla, that is until you see the price.

• Buy a tour bus pass. We recommend City Sightseeing Dubai. With this, you get air conditioning even at the top of the bus. As well as this, you can have as many complimentary bottles of water as you’d like. This really helped out a lot.

• Spend wisely because Dubai is VERY expensive and VERY tempting but think smart.

• Use fast food restaurants when possible as this is the best prices you’re getting on food.

Overall, Dubai is easily one of the best cities I’ve ever visited but it is hard to decide which is better out if New York City or Dubai. Dubai has the nicest people but New York has more to do within walking distance. But many thanks to the people of Dubai for presenting me with first time ever opportunities. Keep watch for our next article on Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.