Living my best life in Dubai
Updated | By Slindelo Masikane
Service with a smile - something of a rare experience in South Africa these days. But here in Dubai it's non-negotiable.
I have had the privilege to spend time outside the African continent for the first time in my life, and to spend it in one of the most luxurious and ultra-modern cities in the world. At least Dubai's unforgiving heat made me feel right at home!
ALSO READ: Inside the world's tallest building
My first stay was at the Dubai Lupita Resorts, a resort that has adopted a very Hawaiian style and feel. One almost doesn't feel like you are in the middle of a desert, but rather somewhere on a tropical island. The resort has everything you need to entertain families or single people, from theme parks to river rafting. Not to mention the time you can spend in the clear blue pools.
Dubai is known as an immigrant's paradise. Many of those I interacted with were from back in Mzansi, and others from Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India and Turkey. It was refreshing to be in a country that's not your own, but to somehow still feel at home.
One of the highlight of my trip to Dubai was a trip to the tallest man-made structure in the world. Towering at 830m, the Burj Khalifa is certainly one of a kind! Situated inside the Burj Khalifa. the Dubai Mall is also the biggest mall in the world. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
ALSO READ: Drone halts traffic at Dubai airport
The view from the top of the Burj Khalifa is awe-inspiring. There is simply nothing like it. 160 stories above the ground you can peer miles into the desert, as well as the sandy white beaches near the seemingly never-ending Arabian gulf.
But Dubai certainly is not all about luxury. The markets in the old city stands in stark contrast to the ultra-modern ones built in the new city. The retail markets reminded me of the markets back in South Africa, where you can always bargain with the vendor. This is my kind of shopping! In the old Dubai, the buildings are historic and worn-down but authentic and beautiful in their own way.
Of course I couldn't leave Dubai without going to the desert. Strapped into a 4x4 Land Cruiser, an instructor drives through the dunes, picking up speed and dropping my heart through to my stomach. What a thrill the dune bashing was.
My desert experience was topped off with by watching the sun set over the sand. A most beautiful sight and a wonderful end to my Dubai experience. One I will never forget.
Our reporter Slindelo Masikane is traveling with RwandAir
Show's Stories
-
April Fool's Day: Who will you be pranking today?
There's nothing like pranking your sibling...
The Workzone with Alex Jay an hour ago -
Young boy unimpressed by HBD song at popular restaurant
This traditional birthday song at one of SA's popular restaurants is not...
The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp an hour ago