Our Uber driver has us tucked safely into the back seat of his Lexus. And within a few moments of navigating a terminal plugged with cabs, we finally emerge onto a freeway leaving this cities airport behind us.
From the back seat, I lean forward and eagerly (well, almost gushingly) inform our driver that we’re headed to Palm Island. It’s where we’ll call home for the next 7-days.
The 30-minute commute has us twisting in our seats as everything around us seems to grab our attention. But it’s the horizon that’s slowly revealing itself that inspires the most wow’s, oohs and awes. And within a moment this sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers begin to surround us, with the ominous Burj Khalifa taking center stage.
The enormous and absolutely stunning buildings are only part of what inspired this visit. Everything is over-the-top ‘lux’, (I once heard that Dubai is likened to Vegas on steroids).
Yes, Dubai has topped the world stage with everything massive, glitzy, luxurious, spectacular… and on and on. And if it’s all been designed to lure us to this corner of the world, it’s worked – at least for this couple. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Dubai, I’d encourage you to pencil it into your bucket list for 2017.
Here’s a random collection of photos that were taken in and around Dubai. Click the image to enlarge.
The world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa
Yes, those are men cleaning the windows at Burj Khalifa
Dhow Wharfage, Crew members
‘Man-made’ Palm Island beach with its warm, gulf water
The most luxurious ‘man-made’ Dubai Marina
Catching the sunset in the Dubai desert
Souk markets are still a part of daily life in Dubai
Juxtaposed images: Desert sunset and Burj Khalifa
Wooden dhows are loaded to the hilt with cargo
Deira fish market, Dubai creek
Dubai Dhow Wharfage, Deira
Mohammed Ahmed Almulla Mosque, Dubai Marina
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the world’s only seven-star hotel
The luxurious lobby at Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab lobby. Look up and this is what you’ll see
The world’s largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. With 1,200 stores
Photographs by Murray Sye: The top featured image was taken at the ‘uber’ luxurious Palace Resort in downtown Dubai – with all its Middle Eastern charm. All other images are a random collection shot in and around the surrounding areas of Dubai.
Don’t forget to join us on Instagram: @ciaomary for more of our travel photos.
Murray, your photos are absolutely stunning! They make me feel as if I’m really part of your adventure and a picture really can’t be any more perfect than that!