Hello from Dubai. The weather is over 100°F, but Dubai is one cool city–and it is making me feel like I am back in the States.
It is my first time in the United Arab Emirates and I am amazed at how Americanized, in some respects, the culture is in Dubai. I spent some time today in Dubai’s biggest malls and although the dress and appearance of men and (especially) women remains conservative, it felt like I was in South Coast Plaza or the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
And the restaurants: Applebees, Tony Roma’s, Cocos, Chili’s, Sizzler, Taco Bell, Ruby Tuesday, Fatburger, etc… I don’t particularly miss them in Germany, but you certainly do not see American restaurant chains like that in Europe.
I am traveling with a colleague from work and his former colleauge at Emirates has been a wonderful host. Tomorrow we are going to attempt a trip to Kish Island, though we were told tonight the flights are sold out.
Driving through Palm Jumrieh to the Atlantis Palm Hotel today, I was simply awed by the fact that I was on a man-made island.
I am staying at the Park Hyatt and really enjoying the property. If I don’t make it to Kish tomorrow, I am just going to lounge around the hotel in the afternoon and evening.
Dubai is certainly quite a place!
Just discovered your blog; am really enjoying reading your past posts. I’m new to the mileage game, just recently having joined United’s Mileage Plus. It all seems so confusing: the booking codes, qualifying for status, the upgrade procedures. Have you ever considered doing a post for beginners? Like a primer to the frequent flyer world? Keep up the great posts.
Dubai is definitely on my list. Glad you’re enjoying it so far. Going up in the world’s tallest building? Amazing about the American restaurants!
I have had friends living and working in Dubai for years now and I know there are quite a few American expats in Dubai so it doesn’t surprise me to see a ton of American Chains there. It is on my travel list as well.
Interesting that you feel at home in Dubai. I’ve never been but multiple people who have have told me that the place sucks and they generally can’t wait to get out. Granted, these are mostly ex-pat types who do actually have to make their home there.
I had to admit I’m not particularly eager to go visit. It’s like the Vegas of the Middle East, right? Meh.
Convince me I’m wrong, Matthew! 🙂
Space opened up in business and first on Lufty, so at least I’ll get C tonight!
-27.5K miles rather than +7… 🙁