Dubai, ultra modernity seeped in Arab charm
APRIL 2010
BY KALPANA ANN JACOB
CARNSTYLE
Stereotypes shape opinions. No? You’ve never made a snap judgment due to a stereotype you’ve heard? Asian people are smart? African Americans are all good at basketball? Women are neat and clean? All men like to take charge? Whether they are negative or positive, we’ve all let a stereotype take control of how we perceive something. Born and raised in California, state of so much diversity, I’ve come across so many stereotypes I could write a book about it. But especially after the 9/11 attacks, people have believed almost every negative stereotype about the Middle East, the Arab world, and the Muslim community. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t let at least a handful of those unfavorable opinions influence my outlook. So, when my parents announced that we were traveling to Dubai for vacation (and of course family visiting, because my parents believe vacation means visiting relatives…who I love dearly) I was excited, but at the same time I was really apprehensive. I didn’t know what to expect. Would I be hated for my American accent? What kinds of clothes are okay to wear? Was I going to be covered in sand 24/7? What?! After all that stressing and pondering I was finally in Dubai ready to have a conservative and traditional experience, but it seemed like Dubai was ready for my conventional ideas and me. Starting from my exit of the Emirate airplane, I was bombarded by ultramodern skylines, slick modernity, and luxury all with a hint of Arab charm.
The first night, driving from the airport, I was shocked to see a woman strolling about pushing a baby carriage. HELLOOO it’s midnight…. aren’t you worried about safety?? Well, turns out, crime rate is really low…like 19 to 1,000 low. Amazing isn’t it? How I would LOVE to walk around at the dead of night without getting harassed by either homeless people, random weirdoes on the street, or law enforcement asking me what I’m doing. I suppose the harsh penalties have people thinking twice.
Many buildings were being built left right and center. Some slim, some leaning, some spiraling, some like pyramids, all unique and classy. The architecture is amazing. Much of old Dubai’s architecture has been razed and while many would say the Emirates cash splashing is appalling, it isn’t. Rather, it is part of a well thought out plan for sustainability hatched by ruler, Sheik Mohammed, and his family. Unlike its neighbor and UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s oil is only 5% of their GDP and pearl diving is just a thing of the past. They’ve cleverly secured its future by creating a business and finance hub for IT and finance and establishing free zones all around the city. The city’s tourism is skyrocketing as well. I witnessed people of all different backgrounds, families, couples, students all milling around, taking in the sights. I don’t think I’ve seen so many tourists at once in such a huge venue. Moths to a flame!
The residents of Dubai impressed me. The diverse crowd, whether in western outfits or traditional Middle Eastern outfits, dressed as if they were ready for a summer soiree. Women sported brand name accessories and men were polished head to toe. Made everyone back in California look like shabby jobless people! I was a wee bit embarrassed to be walking around in ripped jeans, wild frizzy hair, and worn out keds. But I was amidst shopping galore territory, so I did get an opportunity to roam through various malls such as Mall of the Emirates, but even my American dollars weren’t enough for the pricey items on display. I did however get a glimpse of the famed Ski Dubai (2005), the indoor ski resort located inside the mall.
After a few days, tired of the opulence, my uncle took us to the Dubai Creek, the saltwater creek dividing the emirate into two parts: Deira and Bur Dubai. True I was still visually smacked with the modern buildings on the Deira side (Deira Twin Towers and National Bank to name a few), but the Bur Dubai side has textile and spice souks placed in a maze like manner. Very Raiders of the Lost Ark. Luckily we were able to weave in and out without getting lost. It was nice to soak in some live Dubai history, men hookahing on the side, calligraphers working passionately, and watching dhows float down the river filled with passengers or cargo. At night we ate dinner on the dhow as it floated up and down the creek, all while catching more mystical Arab scenery.
All in all it was an amazing experience. I didn’t get stoned for my American accent, experienced a bit of the modern and the old Dubai, ate excellent food, and spent quality time with family. It’s d
