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Dubai Dreams

By Joseph W. Small

Driving in from the airport at 4 a.m., my first impression was amazement at the late-night vibrancy of Dubai. People were out and about in the cool heat of the night. I had expected a modern city, but clearly something more was going on. As we cruised the streets heading toward my hotel I began to sense the tremendous energy of the Dubai emirate.

After checking into the Hotel Kempinski at the Mall of the Emirates, I went to my room. Instead of a city view or a desert view, there was a ski slope. Snow machines were blowing in a new layer. A man was riding a snowmobile up the slope. Time to sleep, no need to dream.

My initial impressions were confirmed over the next few days as we discovered Dubai. First, the building frenzy. Clearly, this is a land of great vision, vivid imagination and the commitment and resources to turn vision into reality. We were told that, at one point, half of the world’s cranes were in Dubai. There is a building mania going on that only oil money could muster.

As a long-time resident in the Chicago area, I am always proud of our architectural heritage. To me, Chicago has always been the preeminent bastion of modern architecture. But Dubai is quickly becoming, if it is not already, the leading repository of post-modern buildings. The most famous is the Burj Al Arab whose glass and steel is shaped like a dhow with a full sail and gives the impression of an old tradition sailing off into a new future. This self-proclaimed seven-star property is a story unto itself.

But the buildings are just a part of it. We were fortunate to have had the chance to visit Nakheel, which is managing the building of the now famous Palm Islands and World developments. We learned that Sheikh Mohammed had a wish for more waterfront property. The firm presented an idea for an artificial island with seven kilometers of additional waterfront property. Sheikh Mohammed was not impressed and asked for at least ten times that. Out of this was born the idea of palm-shaped islands. The initial Palm added more than 70 kilometers and two more are on their way, plus the world. And even the universe is coming.

They are adding dozens of luxury hotels, properties and entertainment and shopping complexes. Shopping is a way of life in Dubai. There are malls and souks of enormous scale and variety. This is a shopper’s paradise.

Best of all are the people of Dubai. In this war-torn world filled with misunderstandings and fear, especially between Middle Eastern Islam and the West, Dubai is a place for all to experience. Everyone we met was warm, friendly, and open. We had the chance to discuss everything from government to dress to lifestyle. All along the way we encountered sincerity and openness. Travel is the best way to breakdown the stereotypes and Dubai is a great Middle Eastern destination to begin that process.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the excellence of the service we enjoyed. Everywhere we went we were met with smiles and the desire to please.

Culture, cuisine, fantastic hotel properties, sites and excursions, the expat populations from the Philippines, India, Indonesia and elsewhere...there is much to add. My recommendation: go and experience it all for yourself.

Joe Small is President of AHI International, a Chicago-based tour operator specializing in alumni and non-profit affinity travel. He is a member of the ETC Executive Advisory Council.

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