DUBAI – A Chilled-out Experience at The Habibi Land

This year when we were thinking about where to go for a break, never imagined that we would find a perfect break just 3 hours away at DUBAI- The Habibi Land!!

When I told my folks back home that we are at Dubai the first thing they asked was why would you want to go all way to another country to see tall buildings!! Well, they didn’t know Dubai is not just about tall buildings anymore. It is beautiful, convenient and a safe place to stay and commute.

Dubai is a place where you will see more than something new every year. We were on an 8 day trip and we could not cover all the major spots. But the places we did cover were amazing. And yes, there is a lot to walk here!

We stayed at Marina which is a prime location and has less distance to some of the major spots. Simply walk or cycle through the pathway surrounding the lake at Marina with beautiful lightings. There are cruise rides available but if you like a little bit of adventure then do go for a speed boat ride(open). You will easily find the access at Marina. A little tip – Do Bargain.

You can find good hotel apartments or regular hotels for accommodation anywhere in Dubai. The pricing depends on the area you stay. A suggestion though – if you have any close friends or relatives with whom you  can stay until your vacation then you would be able to save a good amount of money which you can use it to enjoy other things in Dubai.

Food - Well you will find every possible cuisine here. And every major brand offering amazing food. Since I am fond of Desserts, I did a little too much digging for it. And, if you are in Dubai do not miss The Cheesecake Factory and their Cinnamon Cheesecake. If you are a cheesecake lover you will just love them. There are many food joints at JBR, every cuisine. Just walk around the beautiful view and enjoy the flying cup (joy ride). Order your food online through Talabat (like Zomato in India).

Shopping – This is known as a shopping hub. From cheap to expensive, from top quality to low quality, from pure original to 1-2-3 copy everything  is available here. You just have to know where. Just head to Bur Dubai and you will feel as if you never left India! There are some famous malls – Dubai Mall (you’ll be tired walking here), Mall of Emirites, Ebn-Batuta Mall. Some shopping lanes like Al-seef where you will also see some old building structure and few food joints. If you are visiting some time in between September to February definitely visit the Global Village where you will find special items from so many countries around the world.

Sights to see – Miracle Garden made of colourful original flowers widely spread and beautifully maintained. It is not just some garden but one with a dreamy view to enjoy and  experience. Do look at Palm like View of Dubai and it’s story from the scratch beautifully explained from the top at Nakeel Mall. Suggest you to book tickets in advance for any sightseeing or adventure sports especially the famous Burj Khalifa. Advance online booking saves money and gives you a good deal. Dune bashing or Desert safari as you call it, the fire show, traditional dance performances are a must do when you are here. You literally rub yourselves through the sand here. Though the food that comes with the Dune bashing package will just be an average. However, the experience is too good to be missed. I mean, where do we get this kind of experience in the city!

Commuting – The connectivity here is excellent. You can travel through tram, metro by simply buying a knol card and recharging it as and when needed. By the way, the metro here is driverless! You may also take a cab. Simply download Kareem’s app once you are there and just use it like an Uber or Ola. All the cab drivers were very polite and considerate.

Dubai is an experience. This break was something different than we usually prefer i.e. the pleasant greens and beauty of nature. But with the whole experience we feel a break like this is also needed. There is so much more to share about our experience we had everyday at every location. Sharing the detailed version of each soon.  And hoping to make another visit soon too.