Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I found myself rediscovering the old, the new, the opulent, the real, the surreal all from different angles.

The heat during this visit appeared as oppressive as when I previously visited Dubai in June; the only differences being a strong hot wind and even more haze, dulling the sky. The day before I arrived there were warnings issued due to a devilish sandstorm. Perhaps the strong winds were the remnants of the storm.

Resistance was futile when it came to photographing more of the impressive skyscrapers along the Sheikh Zayed Road.

Friday night I visited the Dubai Fountain along with just about every tourist and resident in Dubai. I couldn’t believe the hoards of people patiently waiting for the dancing fountain, all vying for prime viewing spots. The surrounding restaurants were buzzing, and while walking through Dubai Mall, sidestepping families, I expected the mall to be empty, everyone at the fountain, but no, it too was heaving.

Back at Dubai Creek, we started off at the Deira side, wandered through the Gold Souk and caught a Abra (water taxi) for 1 dirham (£0.18) each to Bur Dubai where two of us dined at Lahori Gate, Meeda Bazaar for under £2, which included 2 x bottles of mineral water. I couldn’t finish the huge portion of spicy lentils and massive round of crispy puffy nan-style bread. What a tasty experience; and I was the only one who didn’t look like a local…

I desired to photograph Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the hotel that looks like a sail, at sunset; unfortunately, we couldn’t get close to it – access for hotel guests only. An impressive looking hotel even from a distance – “Welcome to the world’s most luxurious hotel.” – with a tag like that I suppose it’s no wonder the public-plebs aren’t permitted anywhere near it.

Of course I strolled around a shopping mall, relief from the heat, I’d not visited previously: City Centre Mirdif. A unique design but filled with all the usual famous luxury brands you’d find in Dubai Mall and other malls amidst the city.