Dubai: Man-made paradise

MANILA, Philippines - From the tallest, the biggest, the grandest, Dubai keeps on building its way to the top. This city of superlatives has created an oasis of luxury in the middle of the desert – and in record time, too – evolving from a pearl diving village to a bustling international business and tourism hub.

The best way to see the full view of Dubai’s grandeur is from the top – literally – at the observation deck on the 124th  floor of Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world. Spiraling upwards at 2,722.4 feet, the tower’s viewing deck gives a sweeping 360-degree take on the city.

When you are able to claim your own place among the many photo-snapping tourists, you can see the skyscrapers, highways and metro system of the progressive city. From afar, at the horizon, are the oil rigs – a reminder of the power that backs the city’s rapid development.

Among the interesting features of Burj Khalifa’s observation deck are the interactive telescopes which not only zoom in and out in real time, but also give the option of seeing the street view in the “historical” setting – desert sands that go on for days, which was Dubai only some 50 years ago.

At the foot of the tower is the Dubai Mall, which is, of course, the world’s largest mall based on total area at 5,400,000 square feet. With enough shopping malls in the Philippines (SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia actually exceed Dubai Mall in terms of gross leasable space), the non-retail offerings of the mall had more appeal.

Dubai Mall houses the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which has a viewing panel that holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest acrylic panel.

Dubai Mall also houses SEGA World, an indoor theme park; and Candylicious, which at 10,000 square feet is the world’s largest candy store.

Another alternative to shopping, this time at the Mall of Emirates, is Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort and snow park in the Middle East. Kept at a constant -4ºC, the world’s largest indoor snow park is a sharp contrast to the hot and dry desert climate outside. Here, visitors can try out skiing on five different slopes or interacting with cute and friendly penguins.

But to actually experience the real Dubai heat, a desert safari is a must. Organized by Arabian Adventures and many other tour companies, visitors go on a wild “sand bashing” ride in a 4x4, on the way to a Bedouin-style camp where a sumptuous traditional dinner is served. There are also camel rides, henna tattoo stations, a shisha corner, and a belly dance performance.

Viewing the desert sunset gives one a feeling of inner peace, and the festivities at the camp are quieted for a few minutes of silence and almost pitch darkness to gaze at the vast blanket of stars before we head back to the city.

Taking the desert safari gives you an idea of how the early Emiratis traveled and set up camp in the desert – which, even then, was in luxury and style.

Going even deeper into Dubai’s history and culture, Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)  – which is located just across the Dubai Creek from the gold, textile, and spice souks – offers heritage tours and cultural meals.

The center is found in one of the oldest Emirati neighborhoods in Bur Dubai and has preserved its old architecture. Here, a host first serves visitors Arabic coffee and dates, then goes on to explain highlights of Arab culture and history over an overflowing lunch spread of traditional fare.

With its motto “Open Doors, Open Minds,” the center encourages visitors from around the world to ask any questions they have on the culture – from the traditional outfits and Sharia law, to how and why Dubai is tax-free, and more.

After lunch, a guide can also bring visitors to the Jumeirah Mosque, which is within the center’s complex and is one of the few mosques open to non-muslims.

Spending time at the SMCCU gives visitors a deeper understanding of Arab and Muslim culture. The center definitely succeeds in being a platform for learning and cultural understanding.

Being a cosmopolitan city, however, today’s Dubai is a mix of many different cultures and beliefs. In fact, more than 80 percent of Dubai’s population is made up of expatriates.

French native Pierre, who is a spa therapist at The Palm Jumeirah (a man-made island in the shape of its eponymous tree), says that he has not even had to adjust to being in a foreign country – “I can eat the same food as I do in France, I can speak the same language, I can do the same things,” he says. Already in Dubai for two years, he says he decided to go to the city because “it is the place to be.”

Asians make up a large majority of the expatriate population, and Filipinos are a significant percentage. Kababayans can be found working in the posh hotels, in almost every restaurant, manning booths at the souk or in the mall, assisting at the airport, and filling St. Mary’s church to the brim on Sundays. There are Filipino musicians, receptionists, nurses, cooks, photographers, cashiers.

Some have been working in Dubai for 16 years or more, some have been there for only a few months. When they find out you are Filipino, they always are ready and eager to give a brighter smile, a larger portion, and more personal care to people from home.

Dubai may be completely man-made – a display of engineering feats and economic prowess – but what makes it feel more welcoming to visitors is the people from all over the world who have made Dubai their own, as well.

As the city gears up as early as now for the World Expo in 2020, Dubai will surely continue to outdo itself in building taller and bigger structures and becoming even better and brighter.