Only in Dubai

travelogue

Holidays give you a nice break from your mundane routine, especially when you travel outside the country. And when you get a chance to go to Dubai on a trip, your excitement goes to the next level. So, when I was invited by Dubai Tourism via their PR agency, I wasted no time in saying yes to the offer. Being a journalist, I have had many opportunities to go to different countries and explore their culture and lifestyle. However, I have never seen such a diversified place like Dubai, capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE). What I really like about Dubai is that this city is constantly evolving – thanks to the vision of its ruler Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum who has transformed Dubai from a humble town into a progressive city. In the past decade, Dubai has stunned the world with its mind-boggling growth and its ambitious developments. Year-round sunshine, pristine and yet expanding beaches, safe environs, inspirational lifestyles and modern infrastructure have put Dubai in a league of its own. Offering varied attractions, and world-class cuisine, Dubai is clearly a favourite tourist spot. Read on…

A happy beginning…

As soon as you land on Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest and enormous airports of the world, you feel a modern vibe – a far cry from Karachi International Airport. Only a two-hour long flight transports you from a dull and closed environment to a lively and open milieu. Seeing the spotless roads of Dubai is like a breath of fresh air for us, Karachiites – who are immune to see heaps of garbage on metropolitan’s broken roads.

When we (I was accompanied by three fellow journalists and one PR person) arrived in Dubai it was already afternoon, we had our stay at Hotel Indigo, situated in downtown Dubai. We were all famished, so we decided to have lunch first. After a scrumptious lunch we headed to our rooms to get some rest and to freshen up. After a short nap in my cosy and comfortable room, I was recharged to enjoy my first evening in Dubai on a cruise.

A balmy evening…

Upon reaching Dubai Marina Yacht Club, set in the heart of Dubai Marina, we were taken to 125ft glass houseboat, obtained by Xclusive Yachts, one of Dubai’s most popular Yacht rental company. The cruise started sailing at 8:30pm and we were booked for two hours of a scenic journey filled with stunning views, delectable cuisine, and live entertainment along the Dubai Marina. The decor on the boat was lavish. One could spot happy shinny people enjoying the fresh breeze and amazing view of Dubai Marina. There was good music on board. The DJ knew how to keep all the guests engaged – some couples also danced on their favourite tunes. We were first served juices followed with the buffet including starters, main course and yummy desserts. There was also a bread and soup corner along with live pasta corner. The two-hour cruise ended with happy memories on our minds. By the time we reached to our hotel it was 11:30pm. Our first day in Dubai was definitely a memorable one.

A chocolate morning…

It was a bright morning in Dubai and after a delectable breakfast, we were all set to visit the first of its kind chocolate factory in UAE – Mizram Chocolate factory, located in Al Quoz, Dubai. We were expecting to visit a run-of-the-mill kind of factory but we were pleasantly surprised when we entered a quaint shop. The spacious and comfortable setting, along with friendly staff, adds to the overall experience. Visitors are greeted with the enticing aroma of cocoa beans and treated to a tour of the manufacturing process. The factory tour allows for a glimpse into the chocolate-making process, culminating in a delightful tasting session where visitors can sample various types of chocolates before making their selections. The entire production is in full view through the shop’s glass windows, taking you through every intricate detail, from roasting the cocoa beans to hand wrapping each bar.

It’s interesting to note that Mizram Chocolate makers started their operation in Dubai only in 2016 and in a span of few years, Mizram has emerged as one of the finest chocolates in Dubai. Mizram Chocolates is the brainchild of Kathy Johnston who likes to call herself as ‘Chief Chocolate Officer’. For nearly two hours we were indulged in chocolates - its history, its making, its wrapping and of course eating. What a wonderful treat!

A foodie afternoon

After having so much sweet, it was time to have something savoury. Our next stop was Bombay Borough, a fine-dining Indian restaurant at DIFC. With stylish interior, spacious seating and an elaborate menu, Bombay Borough promises a curated dining experience designed for every discerning traveller. Its chic interiors are inspired by a fusion of the modern French and British-era old bungalows of India, which infuses the west with India in a space where people can gather over good conversation and great food.

We were offered ‘Chef’s Tasting Menu’ which was simply wow. Their froyo papdi chaat with crunchy papdi was tasty and crispy, whereas their Manipuri singju salad with tamarind chilli dressing was a salad lover’s bliss. Next, we were served chicken tikka butter masala, a typical Indian delicacy. However, their lamb chop nihari was quite different from what we have in Karachi. Their kerala fish curry was something you would like to try more and more and their tikka kebab dum biryani was clearly a gourmet’s delight. Their selection of deserts was also mouth-watering. Though we were all full, we couldn’t resist the luscious saffron-pistachio mousse and salted caramel ice cream. All in all, we had a relaxed afternoon complemented with delectable food in a cool ambiance.

A night adventure – exploring old souks

After tasting some exotic chocolates and fine dining, we were on our way to explore souks and street food in Deira. Also called old Dubai, this amazing place houses centuries-old gold and spice souks. Our tour was arranged by Frying Pan Adventures. When we reached Deira, we were greeted by our vivacious guide who seemed more enthusiastic than us to take us to narrow alleys of old gold and spice souks. Small utilitarian cafeterias are an integral part of the Old Dubai belly. These closet-sized spaces do brisk business in sandwiches, burgers, snacks and most importantly, chai. While roaming around, we stopped at a street style cafeteria for a quintessential Dubai wrap that we all thoroughly enjoyed.

The spice souk is located just steps away from the Deira creek and predates the modern-day supermarket in Dubai. The Souk, as we know it today, began in the 1850s and grew in the early 1900s. Traditionally, the Spice Souk served a far broader purpose than selling culinary spices. The shopkeepers were well-versed with medicinal herbs and these hakims would serve as the predecessors of modern-day pharmacists.

Tucked away in corners of old Dubai, small bakeries offer an economical option, selling One-dirham bread, ideal for pairing with homemade stews and lentils. Shaiba Bakery, one of the bakeries, uses a traditional tandoori (or ‘tanoor’ in Arabic) oven. The bread, stretched over a cushion, is then slapped against the oven’s hot walls and cooks within minutes.

Besides plain tandoori naan, they also offer stuffed breads with various fillings like zaatar with cream cheese, labneh, potato, minced meat, and sweet options like honey and cheese. We tried their signature zaatar and cheese bread and were simply blown away by its unique flavour.

Then we visited the gold souk followed by textile souk. True to its name, the textile souk stocks reel of fabric as well as ready-made garments and scarves.

We also got an opportunity to sit in Abra, the traditional wooden boat that was the sole means of transport across the creek before Maktoum Bridge connected Deira and Bur Dubai in 1963.

Today, the abra is powered by a diesel engine and passengers pay 1 dirham to cross the creek. Visiting Deira was a cherished experience, something that should not be missed.

Watch this space for more adventures in Dubai, next week!

Erum Noor Muzaffar is the editor of You! magazine. She can be reached at iram29@hotmail.com