Summary

The website content is a personal travelogue detailing the author's experiences in Dubai, highlighting the city's opulence, cultural contrasts, and rapid development.

Abstract

The author, a solopreneur and writer, shares their journey through Dubai, painting a vivid picture of a city that epitomizes indulgence and luxury. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the lavish Dubai Mall, the narrative captures the essence of a metropolis that thrives on its cosmopolitan nature and the wealth derived from its oil reserves. The piece reflects on the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity, its religious tolerance, and the grandeur of its man-made attractions. Despite the allure of Dubai's extravagance, the author expresses a deep appreciation for the comforts of home and the simple pleasures that await upon return.

Opinions

The author views Dubai as a city of contrasts, where traditional and futuristic elements coexist.
Dubai is described as a place of "unapologetic indulgence," with luxury being a prominent theme throughout the city.
The author appreciates the religious tolerance in Dubai, noting the ability to dress freely without scrutiny in certain areas.
The city's wealth and investment in infrastructure are acknowledged, with the author noting the man-made water canal and the partnership with Lionel Messi as examples of its prosperity.
Despite the grandeur of Dubai, the author cherishes the prospect of returning home to family and the simple joys of life.
The author enjoys the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai, observing the diverse population that includes locals, expatriates, and tourists.
The piece concludes with the author's anticipation for their next travel destination, Singapore, suggesting a continuous pursuit of exploration and inspiration.

Dubai Extravaganza: A City Full Of Money

The city of indulgence

Indulging in Dubai

Since becoming a solopreneur, I have been traveling the world. As a writer, traveling is my ultimate source of inspiration. I feel like a character placed into a movie set where the décor is always new, the smells are different, and the culture changes colors.

This week, the movie takes you to Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the title is ‘Unapologetic Indulgence.’

You press ‘Play,’ and the contrast is the first thing you notice getting out of Dubai Airport. You are stepping into a cosmopolitan desert, an exotic combination of heat and lights, tradition and future, old and new, conservative and progressive, modesty and exuberance.

My husband and I went for a run at sunrise. As an amateur runner, it’s my favorite way of exploring a city. After a few km of jogging, we found ourselves in front of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, an impressive 800m tower. You only appreciate its magnitude by comparing it to the skyscrapers next to it and how tiny they look.

Then we ran towards the other side and discovered that Dubai is ‘work in progress.’ The city is expanding at a vertiginous pace. Coming back for breakfast and after demolishing the pastry buffet (talk about indulgence), this futuristic landscape prompted me to read about Dubai and learn more about its culture and history.

Looking from my hotel window, all I can see and breathe is money (unfortunately not mine): the average car is a Lambo, and Dubai Mall is the epitome of luxury, with elegant women queuing up in from of Hermès store, Saudis carrying CHANEL shopping bags and Russian models inviting customers to flagship stores. Only 15% of the population are local Emiratis. The rest is a blend: Indians and Pakistanis mostly, South East Asians in hospitality, and many tourists and business people heading to conferences in suits. It’s the Babel Tower on steroids.

I love the contrast. Although UAE is a Muslim country, and you see Mosques and Burkas all around, there’s a surprisingly high tolerance. Many Western women wear miniskirts and revealing tops, and no one blinks an eye. Of course, I’m staying at an international quarter in an expat area, and things might look different in local neighborhoods, but it’s still refreshing to dress how you please without feeling scrutinized.

The SEO keyword for Dubai is indulgence. You are surrounded by luxury, 5-star Michelin restaurants, and exuberance. Even though it’s 40C outside, the malls are freezing, and you can go skiing or ice-skating inside futuristic malls, go diving in the world’s deepest diving center, rent a yacht for the day, or relax in the only 7 stars hotel in the world. If you have a Ferris wheel fetish, it’s your lucky day, you can find the world’s largest one here.

How did this city become so wealthy? Where does all the money come from? Of course, you guessed it: in the 1960s, they found petrol underground, and the liquid gold catapulted the region into unprecedented wealth and prosperity. The government has so much money that they don’t know what to do with it. No wonder the income tax rate is zero.

They invest vast amounts of money in infrastructure, urban design, irrigation, and services, making Emirates a beacon of luxury and a magnet for tourists. The water canal you see above is manmade, and they even have a deal with football superstar Lionel Messi to promote Dubai worldwide.

It’s been a great movie. I have enjoyed lavish breakfasts, lazy mornings in the pool, world-class service, and Middle Eastern hospitality. Extravaganza is a perfect title and summary of what you can expect in Dubai.

Now, I can’t wait to go back home, kiss my little girls, who will be sound asleep when I arrive, and wake up in my own bed. One of my favorite parts about traveling is, ironically, the feeling of coming back home and savoring the simple things, the cuddle with my dog and homemade anything. Home sweet home.

The next movie set will be in Singapore! Get the popcorn ready, I’m coming back :) 🍿🎬

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