The Arab nations have always fascinated me. They have a rich history, tradition, and culture and the few individuals from Middle East whom I was fortunate to befriend, were genuinely passionate and proud of their heritage.

October 8th to 15th in 2005 was an interesting week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I thought I was adequately prepared when I set out from London, but I utterly missed one very important detail: the ninth month of the Islamic calendar- the holy month of Ramadan! It was a gross oversight on my part. I was already en route when I realized it. Fasting, prayers, reflection, and sense of community is not alien to me. However, had I known beforehand, I would have waited until after Ramadan to visit, simply out of sheer respect. I took a few university courses in world religions, but those only brushed the surface. I was definitely not well educated in Islamic religions, but I was advised that in the Middle East, I need to be mindful of making eye contact with any one of the opposite gender and that if I had to visit a mosque, I needed to wear appropriate clothing accordingly. Sometimes, traveling without a detailed plan or in-depth research of one’s destination is how wonderful adventures begin and how lessons are learned.

Noor Ali, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dubai was once a small fishing village on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Historically, it had close ties with the British government dating as far back as 1820 when Dubai, along with the other Emirates, signed the General Maritime Treaty—the purpose of which was to stop piracy and some form of slavery. Dubai was also known for pearl trade and, approximately two and a half centuries later, it started trading gold. I knew one week would not be sufficient to immerse myself in Arab culture, but one week was all I could afford especially when I just spent the week prior in the Far East.

Although the people were polite to non-muslims, I did not wish to offend anyone unintentionally especially during a time, I personally thought, was somewhat similar to Lent season for Christians. I felt like I went to church on a Sunday night in beachwear. Anyhow, I knew their observance of Ramadan did not apply to me. Still, I made a conscious effort to be mindful; not to disrupt their religious practices and activities.

Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai

Construction abounded when I visited. Apparently, Dubai at the time aimed at diversifying their oil-based economy which included making it into a tourist hub, so 2004 to 2007 was characterized as a construction boom. I stayed in a hotel in Deira situated in the Deira Corniche — a waterfront community bordered on the North by the Persian gulf. It has a paved walkway that extends all the way to the Dubai Creek which allowed me to enjoy leisurely strolls.

Food was served at the hotel, but it became a concern as I ventured out along with the other guests. My day commenced by joining a bus tour to get a feel of what the area was like. We made a stop at the bustling Gold Souk. I hopped off and started to feast my eyes on the extensive collection of jewelry. I was interested in getting a few pair of earrings as presents to my mom and my younger sister. I picked out three pairs of dangling ones with intricate filigree design. The vendor took them and placed them, one piece at a time, on a scale. It was the first time I ever bought gold jewelry that were sold by weight, literally, according to the current market price. As the others continued to shop, I took the time to look around and imagined how it was like back in the olden days. I imagined it to be just as vibrant and bustling. I then realized that I probably need to read up more of its history upon my return to London.

The Egyptian Court inside the ibn Battuta Mall

Back on the bus with the other passengers, we were taken to a mall —Ibn Battuta Mall. It consisted of six themed courts. I only managed to lay eyes on two: the Egyptian-themed court and the Chinese-themed Court as this was one massive shopping mall. At that point, it was lunchtime and the passengers, mostly Europeans, started asking each other about the possibility of getting food. The bus driver pointed out that we could either go back to the hotel to eat or we could get food from the mall, but would not be allowed to eat in public. No one wanted to go back to the hotel as there were still a few stops in our itinerary. So, off we went to scout for food places in the mall that would actually sell us any — it was Ramadan after all. The one place that was open and sold food was Burger King! I was a little peeved because I usually opt for the local cuisine when traveling to new places. However, I was parched and famished, so this was some sustenance and better than not having anything at all. The dilemma of where to consume our fast-food treat ensued soon after. Thanks to our accommodating bus driver who allowed us to eat our lunch on the bus with the proviso that we enjoy our lunch out of sight of any bystanders and definitely not to eat facing the windows. Everyone happily obliged.

Madinat Jumeirah Resort and the Burj Al Arab Hotel

After lunch, the next stop was at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah Resort. I was in awe as our bus approached the resort. It was undeniably grand, but the traditional wind towers that jutted out competing attention with the date palm trees which dotted the surrounding area took me to a time and place in the past. The design and architecture of this resort was inspired to resemble a traditional Arabian town. It has shaded courtyard and as I wandered around, exotic aroma and titillating scents welcomed me and woken up my senses. The souk (market) offered traditional and modern merchandise. It was one impressive resort and I wished I had more time to explore, but my body was craving for much needed rest especially when I was about to explore the red-sand desert the following day.

Sundown at the hotel, and probably everywhere else in the Islamic communities, turned into a feast of sight, sound, and food. Traditional Emirati and other cuisine were in abundance and served outdoors. I am a bit of a foodie, so I tried dishes, familiar and new to me. The beauty of traveling is trying out local cuisine and new experiences.

Reading on Jumeirah Beach with camels chilling out on the shore

The following morning I headed towards the water with a book and drink on hand. Time to test the water, literally! I have been to many beach resorts, but the scene at Jumeirah Beach was surely unique. I walked up to one of the straw huts and sat myself on a lounge chair. As I settled in, two camels sat on the sand caught my eyes. They were chilling by the shore. I supposed they were trying to cool off in the hot Arabian weather.

When I first arrived at the hotel, I observed wild grasses and date palms adorning part of the hotel grounds. Sandy desert also surrounded the city, so going to a Desert Safari was an absolute must experience. I, along with other hotel guests, were picked up late in the afternoon that day and, after a short ride, were asked to transfer to an SUV.

Desert Safari Ride

It started calm enough, but the driver, without a word of warning to us passengers suddenly took a turn somewhere. The next thing I knew, the sharp left and right turns, and up and down motion reminded me why I don’t get on roller coaster rides . . . and this was my introduction to dune bashing! What was I thinking? The SUV hit the dunes in varying speeds! I was mildly nauseous throughout the thrill ride and knew that as soon as I get off the car, headache would ensue. And it did. The experience was well worth it though. The other passengers and I had a good laugh about it. Soon after, our guide took us to a campsite.

Dinner with new friends at the Bedouin camp

My nausea and headache dissipated as dusk set in lending for a serene mood. The campsite resembled ancient Bedouin camps and provided us a peek to traditional camp life. There was something charming about the experience: getting a henna tattoo; drinking traditional tea or Arabic coffee; sampling a combination of Emirati cuisine and Continental food; being entertained by a belly dancer and a Tanoura dancer. I met a couple of people — a woman who was in the United States Marines and her lovely mother. We shared a table, food, jokes, and stories of our travels. We went for a short camel ride after dinner.

Evening Camel ride

There was also an opportunity to be photographed wearing the traditional Arab clothing with traditional abaya (cloak), hijab (head covering), and a niqab (face covering).

Trying on traditional Arab clothing

The beauty of being in the desert is the silence. A pause from the hustle and bustle of concrete jungles. And in keeping with the holy month, I took a short moment to self-reflect; to quietly pray and give thanks, wholeheartedly, for being able to travel, for getting a glimpse of the beauty of Middle East, of its passionate people and rich culture, as the stars sparkled in the sky in that vast Arabian night.

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For other photos of my Dubai visit, check out Captured Images - Dubai

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