Dubai does Dallas

I don't know what I was expecting from Dubai, but it certainly wasn't Dallas.  And yet so much of Dubai reminds me of Dallas in the the building boom years of the 70's.  Modern shopping malls, modern roads, lots of new building going on, lots of oil money.  And much like Dallas, the main things to do in Dubai seem to be shopping and eating , so let's start with those first.  

Probably the most well-known shopping mall in Dubai these days is the Dubai Mall  It is located right next to the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.  You can take a taxi and you'll know you're there when you see the dancing waters.  You can watch nightly shows with lights and music.  And priced at "free", you can't beat the cost! 

Dancing waters at Dubai Mall

Inside you will find a giant aquarium.  Purchase a ticket for admission, or just have a nice view from behind the stanchions.  I saw all sorts of fish swimming by from my viewing spot on the second floor, but you can get much closer.

And be sure to look for this cool wall sculpture, which features a dozen or more divers plunging down a waterfall.

Dubai has all the American chain restaurants--Chili's, P F Chang, Cheesecake Factory, but my favorite meal was at Wafi Gourmet at the Dubai Mall.  It features succulent grilled meats and other Lebanese fare, along with gourmet deli items like olive oil, olives, and spices.  I still remember it as the best Lebanese food I've ever eaten.  (I reserve the right to change that if I ever make it to Lebanon!)

Another mall that doesn't seem to get as much attention as the Dubai Mall, but one I thought was really impressive was the Ibn Battuta Mall .  Ibn Battuta was an early African explorer and the mall has sections themed from the places of Battuta's many travels.  Lots of fun just wandering around and looking at the sections, it also has a food court, some excellent shopping, and a cinema.

Chinese section of Ibn Battuta mall

Starbucks in the Moroccan section of Ibn Battuta mall

And let's not forget Dubai's roots, before the oil and building boom.  Dubai still has its old souks--the Derai Spice Souk, and of course the Gold Souk, where you can buy a few bobbles if you've got the cash.

Burj Al Arab

And when you're tired of all that shopping, you can enjoy some of the things Dallas *doesn't* have--air conditioned bus stops, and the sea!  You can enjoy a boat ride at the old port, or go to the beach and admire the Burj al Arab in the background.  This sailboat-shaped hotel is apparently so luxurious that 5 stars were too few and it's called the world's only 7 Star hotel!

To sum it all up, Dubai seems a bit like home for me, along with desert sands, long flowing caftans and headscarves, and a melting pot of cultures.  Apparently when you strike oil in your country, no one needs to work and you can import your labor from all over the world.  The locals seem to keep to themselves, and much like any country, as long as you follow the law you won't have any trouble.