So We’re Back …

… from our gorgeous haveli in Mumbai …

… to the sand and glass of Dubai.

Not that I’m complaining.  I think I’ve seen enough green and rain to last me, well, at least 6 months *hint to the husband*

I’m so happy to be the U.A.E.  Why?  Because this is the time of the year to be here!  Clouds are starting to float in the sky.  I can see stars twinkling in the night.  The birds have begun to migrate from neighboring countries.  I can keep my windows open to cooler breeze.  I can finally plan BBQ with family and friends.  Masood and I can steal some time (an hour, for example) from work and go out for a walk.

I am geographically closer to my family.

And I can hear beautiful adhaan five times a day.

Dubai Metro: BurJuman Station

It has been renamed as  Khalid Bin Waleed Station after BurJuman mall’s big bosses refused to buy naming rights for it.

But since BurJuman – one of the oldest malls in Dubai with very high concentration of designer stores – is just next to it, everyone started calling it the BurJuman Station (which is also much easier to pronounce for a lot of people).

And this happens to be – to date – my favorite metro station ever.

The theme for this station is water.  As you enter the station, first thing you’ll notice is the blue ambiance.  Next, you’ll see a lot of pictures illustrating Dubai’s history in fishing and pearl diving.

It is the only station which has three levels and is also the deepest of the underground stations. It is 30 meters below ground level. The station has four entry and exit points, one on each corner of the intersection.

After paying for our tickets we went one floor deeper, where we were greeted by these gorgeous jelly-fish chandeliers that just took our breath away!  This station gave me the feeling of being underwater.

We stood and stared and marveled!

This is more than just a metro station;  it’s a museum of Dubai’s history.

Dubai Metro: Al Jafiliya and Mall of Emirates Stations

The Al Jafiliya Station is right across Dubai’s Department of Naturalization and Residency, where we went a few days ago to renew Mom’s residence visa.

The stations are designed to look like sea shells.

For a moment, I thought I was inside the airport! Then I saw the “To Trains” sign.

More of the “sea shell” effect.

We traveled Gold Class on our first trip.  You pay extra for two things:  comfortable seats and front view (since there is no driver, you get to sit right infront)

The Silver or Standard Class, which I personally think is much more fun than the Gold Class.  (Picture taken by cellphone)

View on our way to the Mall of Emirates

Mall of Emirates Station

Coming down from the train platform

The interior of the Mall of Emirates Station:  this was around 2 pm on a working day, hence the peace and quiet.

Dubai Metro Rolls Tonight!

Dubai Metro will make its maiden run tonight at 9 pm, making it the world’s longest automated driverless train system built in just four years.  But only VIPs will get to ride it tonight, and will be opened to public starting tomorrow.  The trains will offer first class ‘Gold’ section, standard ‘Silver’ class, plus a women and children only section.

FAQ about the Metro answered here, here and here.

How to use the Metro illustrated here.

There will be the mandatory fireworks at Dubai Creek and Mall of Emirates tonight.

Warning:

Motorists who slow down their vehicles or stop completely to watch the Metro run will be fined for obstructing traffic.

Image taken from Khaleej Times.

Sailing Through Madinat Jumeirah

When Mezba and Haleem wrote about their recent adventures in Italy – particularly the Gondola ride in Venice – I thought, “Hey, we have that here in Dubai!”  Of course it’s not like Venice, but it’s a unique and beautiful experience, nevertheless.  Credit to the following gorgeous pictures goes to my husband, who rarely holds the camera.  But when he does, he takes better pictures than me.

Madinat Jumeirah - which translates into the 'City of Jumeirah' - is one of the most beautiful resorts in Dubai.

The abra ride costs 50 dirhams, and takes you around Madinat Jumeirah, a ride that takes about 20 minutes.

Dining here is highly recommended, but very expensive.

When you check into the hotel, you get complimentary fresh fruit, cold towels and ice lollies - to help you cool down.

I love how they recreated the entire resort!

There is also a souk - or traditional market - nearby. But pictures of that will be on another post.

Oh, and of course, you get to see the Burj al Arab up close.