Dubai – according to many writers and under informed travel blogs it’s a place that is good for beaches, sun and shopping; I don’t think people expect much else.
Dubai is soulless and lacks charm and culture, but I also agree that there is something snobby about Western writers bashing it for those reasons. Germain Greer writing in the Guardian earlier this year triggered heated debate from the readers after she rubbished the city following a four hour visit.
Dubai is tacky for sure, the construction insane and it’s future, when all high-earning western expats have returned home, is shaky at best. But, like all teenagers (Dubai is still in that difficult period) one day it will wake and with an appropriate sense of embarrassment clean up it’s act and get on with it.
So, sneer at the tallest building, yes, but what has the UK got to offer back? What have you got that stacks up against the beauty of Dubai Mall or the world class vision of the Burj al Arab? Exactly. Squat Diddly. You look at the iconic vision and world class ambition of the leaders there – who give a hell of a lot to charity – and you see these are great men who could teach Gordon Brown and his mob a thing or two about running a country.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are fast becoming international hubs for airline travel – their airports offering service and standards second to none. As a result flights to Dubai are frequent and affordable so if the opportunity arises it is a city that should be visited and your own opinions formed.
What are your thoughts on Dubai – please leave your comments
Dubai has a lot more to offer than any UK city for sure. Whilst the shopping malls aren’t spectacular, they have all got their twists. Where else can you go skiing or take a boat back to your hotel for instance?
Like any city it has its down sides, but for the most part, Dubai is a destination not to be missed.
I’ve been reading your blog as much as you’ve written but I’ve never gotten a chance to say. You’re an inspiration
i always prefer to travel using those budget Airline travel, they seem to have some good service too.,*”
The budget airlines do have their place I suppose, but I think the old adage “you get what you pay for” seems to hold true just as much with airlines as it does with other things.