United Arab Emirates (UAE)

📍Dubai

🗓️ April 2018

Dubai was a fun 3 day stopover on the way home from The Maldives. It was one of the connecting airports to and from so figured why not take the opportunity to explore?

I loved my time there. I felt very connected and at home. I often feel drawn to the Middle East. I’m guessing because of my grandmother and the Syrian blood that runs through me. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve had a past life there though, too (IYKYK).

My favorite experience was venturing into the desert to visit a Bedouin camp at sunset (camel ride included) before spending the evening out beneath the stars. It’s wild how big a sunset can be and how many stars you can see when there’s nothing else around. I also really enjoyed going to see the older, original part of the city before it was all glitz, glam and skyscrapers. The mosques covered in intricately designed tiles. And, of course, eating my weight in Emirati and Levantine food 🤤

One thing I regret is not taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi. I have to do that next time.

I also shamelessly wanted to cross the Persian Gulf into Iran, but didn’t have a visa. So, that was a no go. One day…

Oh, Dubai is also freakishly clean. Like, Virgo clean lol. I appreciated that.