Half Sea, Half Desert: Experience the Sizzling 40°C Desert and Gaze at the Light Rain of the Sea Museum
First travelogue, I'd like to write about my summer 2019 trip to the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
[5 nights, 6 days: Watch the stunning sunset at the Burj Al Arab, experience the fiery heat of the desert at 40°C, bathe in the light rain of the Sea Museum, wait for magical lights to come on at the mosque at dusk, and enjoy a rain that won’t get you wet in Sharjah.]
Why is Dubai called a desert miracle? After striking oil in 1966 and becoming immensely wealthy overnight, it vigorously developed its ports, aviation, and tourism industries, transforming itself into a tourist city and global landmark, doing business with the whole world. In just a few decades, it rose rapidly through globalization. If you see those unique buildings, countless world records, and the order within prosperity, you will understand the meaning of a miracle.
While I admired Dubai's rise, what truly made me drop everything and go was the Louvre Abu Dhabi. At the time, I was researching the museum industry, and this sea museum amazed me. As soon as I had a vacation, I went to see it.
I departed at the end of June with a customized tour for two, traveling with my mother. The local temperature was around 40°C. Staying outdoors for more than half an hour during the day was unbearable, so I customized a summer itinerary to the UAE, focusing on hotels and indoor activities, as a reference for friends visiting in summer.
Since Dubai had just conducted artificial rain the day before I arrived, the daytime sky was hazy. Therefore, during this trip to three emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah), I chose many night views, sunsets, and unique indoor activities, discovering the serene and moving side of the UAE.
[Day 1: First Glimpse of Dubai, Prosperous Yet Quiet]
Arrived at the airport at 6:00 PM Dubai time, watched a 3D water show, then checked into the hotel. First night chose Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, enjoying an unbeatable night view of order and tranquility amidst prosperity, all visible from the hotel's rooftop terrace.
[Day 2: Abu Dhabi – See How the Big Brother of the UAE Plays Understated Luxury]
In the movie, Abu Dhabi is said to be the future. During this trip, I visited three places, all of which were breathtaking.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: The highlight of this trip, came to see this breathing sea museum.
Abu Dhabi's elder brother flaunts wealth differently from Dubai. Ten years of effort, with the French Louvre brand licensed for 30 years, a dome built with the same weight of materials as the Eiffel Tower, forming 8,000 metal stars. Sunlight scatters down as light rain. Birds nest and sing under the dome, and the introduced Persian Gulf seawater gives the museum a sense of floating on the sea. Since each falling light rain has a different color, the entire area under the dome is incredibly gentle, making it hard to leave.
Spending 1-2 hours in the collection area is enough; photographing the dome was the main focus of this trip. With temperatures over 40°C outside the museum, under this semi-outdoor dome, there was actually some coolness. Bathing in the 'Light Rain' was extremely romantic. We spent over an hour photographing this area alone.
At dusk, we rushed to the mosque, just in time to see both daytime and nighttime views.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The most luxurious mosque in the world. The white marble architecture is holy and dazzling in daytime, and at night, under the lights, it's magical and enchanting. It has the world's largest Arabic dome, the world's largest crystal chandelier made of over 11,000 Swarovski crystals, and the world's largest handmade carpet (over 5,600 square meters). Everything in sight is exquisitely crafted.
Upon entering the mosque, staff hand out robes. You can choose colors yourself. You can bring your own scarf to match for photos. This time I specially chose a large blue scarf; it looked great in photos at the mosque and in the desert.
Emirates Palace Hotel: Stayed the second night at Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi. This is truly a place worth experiencing slowly; just viewing the exterior cannot capture the meaning of its '8-star' rating. Since it was summer, the price was much cheaper than in winter. This is the only palace hotel that uses gold as decoration so tastefully and elegantly. What impressed me most was the excellent service. Upon check-in, an Arabian butler showed us around and explained everything, with a gentle and polite manner.
The hotel has a 1km private beach. The next morning, my mother and I went for a walk along the sea.
[Day 3: Sunset at the Sail, as Dreamy as Versace]
Passed by the RV town, where you can take photos. Then went to 'The Lost Chambers' aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm.
The RV town is also a man-made attraction. It was too hot at noon; we got out to take photos for 5 minutes and then ran back to the car for air conditioning.
Third night stayed at Palazzo Versace Dubai, another hotel worth savoring. Corridors are lined with Versace fashion sketches, and all items in the room are custom-themed. The restaurant is unbelievably beautiful, with exquisite desserts. Had a dreamy breakfast in the morning.
Had to rush to see the sunset at Burj Al Arab, so I took a few quick photos, only to find that the bedspread had been taken away when I returned. Cried.
The room was full of LOGOs.
The hotel's environment is stylish, with photo opportunities everywhere. The hallways have hand-drawn sketches. Fashion lovers should come to experience it.
In the evening, went to the seaside and captured the sunset over the Burj Al Arab. The seawater was emerald green against the orange glow of the setting sun, creating a magnificent scene of sailing hopefulness.
[Day 4: Desert Flower, Serene and Touching]
On the fourth day, because we were heading into the desert, we strolled around the old town of Dubai, visiting 'Iran Town', the 'Gold and Spice Souk', and then headed to the desert hotel BAB AL SHAMS Desert Resort & Spa.
Iran Town is great for photos. The trendy restaurant didn't open until 11 am, so we just took a photo at the entrance as a souvenir. Bought two pairs of handmade shoes at the gold souk, then headed into the desert.
Gold products in the gold souk are displayed like this for sale. When I posted on social media, everyone asked if they were fake and how they weren't stolen. Our tour guide told us that a few years ago, someone grabbed some and ran, but the police caught him within two hours.
Iran Town is worth visiting for photos. Although it's a newly built tourist town, it looks rustic and ancient. Many shops were not open in the morning.
There are some handicraft shops in the town to browse. The following popular photo spot is actually an outdoor dining area of a restaurant.
The driver was also our guide; along the way, he took group photos for us and shared local history and culture. It was very pleasant.
Finally arrived at the long-awaited desert hotel.
From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, there was a free camel ride and falconry activity to join.
After the activity, the sun set, and we could start taking photos at the hotel.
The hotel restaurant was good, with a rich breakfast and many fruits.
[Day 5: Watch the Stars in Sharjah, Enjoy Rain That Won't Get You Wet]
This trip to Sharjah was added on the spur of the moment. Watching stars in the dome screen of the 'Planetarium' was extremely romantic.
Also, the 'Rain Room', which had toured the world, is now permanently located in Sharjah. It requires booking: 6 people per session for 15 minutes. Walk slowly, and the rain won't touch you. Experiencing the Rain Room in a desert area makes it even more precious than anywhere else.
Stayed at SHERATON SHARJAH BEACH RESORT & SPA in Sharjah. It was recommended by the travel agency. Room facilities were average, but the sea view was good, and we watched another perfect sunset.
[Day 6: Explore the World Without Leaving Home]
The world's largest mall, Dubai Mall, is worth a visit. During the day, the musical fountain even played 'Kiss Goodbye'. If you don't want to shop, the indoor aquarium is enough to keep you busy for two hours. I particularly liked the unique 'artificial waterfall' and stood there watching it for a long time.
Then bought some Patchi chocolate, the 'Hermès of chocolates', as gifts for friends.
When we were there, Dubai was building a new tallest building in the world, another miracle in the making.
This land of half sea and half desert made my heart flutter in that summer.
Note: Written by Xiaoxin in June 2019, photos organized and reposted in February 2021, hoping to be helpful for future travelers.
[Tips]
1. Visa: In 2019, Dubai was still visa-free for Chinese citizens; now a visa is required. Conditions may vary by location, so please inquire in advance.
2. Transportation: In Dubai, we chartered a car throughout – a 7-seater minivan. Dubai cost 500 AED/day, Abu Dhabi 600 AED/day. Splitting among more people makes it more cost-effective.
3. Currency: The local currency is Dirham. Some merchants accept US dollars. Credit cards (UnionPay and VISA) are accepted. We brought US dollars and could exchange for Dirham at malls.
4. Hotels: I arranged a customized tour for two through a travel agency in my origin city. They contacted local guides to book hotels. Actual amounts depend on the day of booking. Generally, hotel prices in Dubai during summer are quite reasonable; the above hotels averaged under 2,000 RMB per night.
5. Food: With multi-ethnic integration, the cuisine is diverse. Try Arabian food, mostly based on roasting, grilling, and frying, served with raw vegetables, flatbread, and dipping sauces. Find a clean restaurant to taste. Our schedule was a bit tight, and the heat made us lose appetite, so we bought bread, fried chicken, and drinks at malls as snacks on the go.
6. Clothing/Photo Shoots: At 40°C, thin long-sleeved clothes, pants, and long skirts can block some heat. Direct sun is unbearable. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, you need to wear a robe; staff will provide one. Choose a color. You can bring a nice scarf for photos.
7. If you have other questions, leave a comment for discussion.
