Arabian Dreams [Part 3/3]: Trip to Dubai

The journey to the United Arab Emirates comes to an end, as we depart for Dubai, which is spectacular all by itself. Dubai is the second largest emirate by territorial size after the capital, Abu Dhabi, which you saw in part one. There are many things to see and explore here, and Amer and Jasmina went actually a couple of times to Dubai during their stay in the Emirates. Out of all those images I have collected and edited the best ones, to show in this finale. So enjoy!

This is a multi-part travel series. Other parts include:

Part One: Visiting Abu Dhabi

Part Two: A Desert Safari

Part Three: Trip to Dubai

Photos taken by: Jasmina Donko and Amer Cemalovic

Photos edited by: Mersad Donko

click on the images for a bigger view

Traveling to Dubai

From Abu Dhabi you can take regularly scheduled bus lines to Dubai and vice versa. Arriving by car is of course, also an option, and you can park in the Dubai Mall for free, and take the public transport system from there to explore the rest of the city. Within the city you can use the Metro (above ground) system to get around.

The Burj Khalifa Skyscraper

This is the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m (2,722 ft). The tower was designed by "Skidmore, Owings and Merrill", who also designed the Willis Tower in Chicago and the new One World Trade Center in New York City. The design of Burj Khalifa is derived from patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture, like the minaret, that spirals and grows slender as it rises

Window Cleaning

One thing that immediately entered my mind, when I was editing the images, was: who cleans all of these windows? To wash the 24,348 windows, totaling 120,000 m2 (1,290,000 sq ft) of glass, a horizontal track has been installed on the exterior of Burj Khalifa at levels 40, 73, and 109. Above level 109 traditional window cradles are used. But the astonishing thing is the top of the spire. It is reserved for specialist window cleaners, who brave the heights and high winds, dangling on ropes to clean and inspect the top of the pinnacle.

Soul Al Bahar

The aforementioned Dubai Mall, with a more modern collection of stores is nearby as well, but at the feet of the Burj Khalifa tower you will also find the more traditional Soul Al Bahar (bazaar). Souk Al Bahar (which translated means ‘market of the sailor’) is an Arabesque shopping, entertainment and dining destination and is easily accessible through a walkway from modern Dubai Mall. It's right next to the stunning waterfront, and you can enjoy the sights as you shop or simply stop for coffee.

The Dubai Fountain

Outside of the Burj Khalifa, you will find a fountain system that is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water 150 m (490 ft) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. Some of these next sunset shots, lack the lights from the elaborate system mentioned above, but you will see the water piercing into the air.

Atlantis Hotel, The Palm

This is a luxurious resort, located on the Palm island, next to the shore of Dubai. You can visit it inside as well, for a steep entrance fee. There is a Aquaventure water park and a dolphinarium in the premises of the hotel. You can reach it by car or monorail.

Sandstorm in the City

The whole region is known for massive sandstorms that hit the lands and cities. During their stay at the Tower, which was supposed to be a sunset visit, a huge sandstorm came from the desert, and colored everything in an apocalyptic orange tone. The sea couldn't not be seen, but the views that were there, were equally fascinating.

The Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa

There are two observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, called "At the Top" and "At the Sky". You have to pay entrance to visit them, with "At the Top" being more affordable then the more costly "At the Sky" deck. The prices also vary depending on the time of day you visit, sunset being the more expensive time of day to visit. You can find prices and entrance fees here.

 
The End


I hope you have enjoyed this excursion into Arabia, and I wish you a great weekend ahead!


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