Dubai, with its fantasy architecture!
Dubai architecture may be best known for its skyscrapers and glass buildings, but it has some attractions that could be considered pure fantasy. And, as far as I know, it still holds the record for having the highest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. Even though I did not queue in long lines to visit some of these museums, I passed them and took some pictures. This is my second post on Dubai. I am sure one could write several posts about this city, but this is what I managed to do in three days.
The Museum of the Future
This museum is top-rated and attractive for families with children. However, you will have difficulties getting in if you do not book long in advance. The architecture of this building is fantastic, and I am interested in how they have built up the floors and how to get around in the building. Still, I choose to give it a miss. Besides, I would have seen many of the same exhibits in the Oman Across Ages Museum just the week before.
Dubai Frame
This is perhaps one of the most significant landmarks and buildings in Dubai. The Dubai Fram has exhibitions on the top floor, and I am sure they are interesting. However, the queue was very long and full of families. I am undoubtedly a tourist, but I sometimes find this building built just for tourism dull. But, it is impressive with its 150 metres tall. I also guess the view over the skyscraper part of downtown and taking pictures is what one would do from the top. With the sun on your face, this won’t be easy in the afternoon.
Etihad Museum
I visited this museum and found it interesting. I had almost all of this waste museum to myself. If you look closely at its shape, it should depict a half-rolled piece of paper. The museum’s under-title is The Birth of a Nation. The museum encompasses the Union House, where the emirate’s founding fathers signed a declaration that marked the formation of the UAE in 1971—it is now part of the museum complex. I learned a lot from visiting this museum and learning about how the UAE was formed. Behind the building, you can also see the tallest flag pole in the country.
There are many things to put the finger on politically in this country, both with it being governed under Sharia laws and specific women’s rights and LGBT+ rights. But at least women do not have to cover their hair here if they choose not to. It is difficult to find any gay meeting points, but I did not feel that people were afraid to meet each other discretely. I will also credit the country: Not many times in history have seven rollers gone together and created one country. Initially, two more were invited, Bahrain and Qatar, but they thanked no. More than 50 years later, all the founding fathers have passed away. Still, their inheritance heirs are ruling their clans, and it seems to work pretty well.
Al Shindagha Historic District
This is a neighbourhood in the traditional centre of Dubai. It has undergone significant restoration to revive the historic area and its buildings. From 1912 to 1958, the then-ruler of Dubai lived in the area. His reconstructed residence in Al Shindagha is now open to the public as a museum. It was interesting to see, but you get the feeling that everything is new, with an old touch.
Two “must-see” markets
In all the city guides, it is recommended that you visit the area of markets, and the most famous are the Gold market and the Spice market. Since I was in the neighbourhood, I walked by where the tourists were. Much of it was pretty new, but I still like the atmosphere here more than in the waste shopping malls. Overall, I did not regret going to UAE, but I did not get any big surprises either. The last day I would go to Abi Dhabi.
