Dubai: The weather is sizzling but for tourists coming to the UAE during the Eid holidays, the heat is not an impediment.
Nathan Bell and Jenavieve, a New Zealander couple, are in the UAE for four days to visit family members.
“We were at the Burj Khalifa this morning … which was amazing. The architecture is incredible,” Jenavieve told Gulf News on Wednesday.
Coming from 4 degree Celsius in New Zealand, she said the heat here was overwhelming.
“The malls are massive ... so big … they tire us out,” Jenavieve, a medical student said with a laugh.
A builder by profession, Bell is amazed at the variety of cuisines on offer. “We are yet to try the Arabic food.”
Taking in the sights at the Mall of the Emirates with their relative Jasmine, a kindergarten teacher in Al Ain, the couple said they would come back to explore the emirates again, but perhaps during winter.
Lawyer Matthew Nasralla and financial adviser Alexis Oujani from Sydney are part of a group of four Australians spending a seven-nights-eight-days package holiday in Dubai.
“We were interested to know about the [UAE] culture ... food, local customs,” said Nasralla.
Four days into the trip, Oujani said the group has already had a fair bit of enjoyment, especially during the desert safari. “We went to the desert, had an eagle on our shoulders, rode the camel and enjoyed shisha in the middle of the desert. It was thrilling. The food is delicious … and I especially enjoy the dates.”
Nasralla found experience of Ramadan interesting. “ ... it was a very good experience and I enjoyed adapting to it,” he said.
Oujani was all praise for His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Emiratis.
“It’s great to see how he looks after the people and how they love him back … People from everywhere are able to dress themselves in their traditional dresses ….It is quite impressive.”
Nasralla said he was impressed with the balance Dubai has achieved between modernity and Arab culture. “That is what fascinates me and makes me want to return.”
Jamie Ku, a music professor from St John’s University in New York, was found shopping at the Mall of the Emirates while her husband and son went to watch a movie.
Originally from Taiwan, Ku and her family have made a four-day stopover in Dubai on their way from Europe to Taiwan. “It (Dubai) is beautiful, modern and very high-tech,” she said.
She found the desert safari experience exciting. “We would love to come back and learn more about the culture here … but we will come in winter time, probably for Christmas.”
Fraser Keith from Scotland is visiting Dubai for 10 days with his family. It is his first visit. “We visited the Burj Khalifa, did some shopping, and we hope to go on a desert safari too,” he said.
Olia Mactchopa, from Ukraine, decided to visit her sister, who is working in Dubai, over the Eid holidays. She is hoping to go on a desert safari, visit the Burj Khalifa and indulge in shopping during her visit.
