DUBAI, UAE: Tourist Discovery

What started as an unexpected twist turned into a thrilling adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY), the plane stayed grounded for nearly an hour due to “technical hiccups.” Two hours later, we took off, but by the time we landed in Dubai, I had missed my connecting flight to KLIA. With nothing to do but wait for the next flight the following day, the airline arranged a one-day stay at the Copthorne Hotel Dubai, including meals.

While waiting, I befriended other passengers and booked a half-day city tour of Dubai, followed by the famous Sunset Desert Safari. By 11:30 AM, we were off on our city tour, buzzing with energy as we passed towering skyscrapers, six-lane highways, and countless BMWs. Our first stop? The Blue Mosque.

The Blue Mosque Beauty

The Blue Mosque, also known as Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, is a stunning architectural gem inspired by Istanbul's iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It beautifully blends Ottoman and Andalusian styles, featuring grand domes, towering minarets, and intricate blue tile work. Located in Al Safa, this mosque is not just a place of worship; it welcomes visitors for cultural tours, offering insights into Islamic traditions and its rich design heritage. We didn’t enter the mosque, opting to admire its beauty from the outside - what a sight.

Burj Khalifa: A Towering Marvel

Next, we made our way to the Burj Khalifa. At the junction of the road, we were told to hop off and take a look at this jaw-dropping structure. Towering at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a testament to Dubai's architectural prowess. While I wished I could take in the breathtaking panoramic views from its observation decks, it wasn’t in the cards for our half-day tour. But hey, I had my moments in Japan  (OSAKA: FROM SACRED DEERT TO SKY-HIGH SUNSETS) for that kind of view. 

Jumeirah: The Coastal Gem

Our final stop was Jumeirah, a vibrant coastal district known for its stunning beaches and the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This blue-glass marvel, with its wave-shaped structure, offers breathtaking views of the nearby Burj Al Arab, enhancing the area's allure. Beyond its luxurious resorts, Jumeirah boasts the beautifully designed Jumeirah Mosque, which opens its doors for guided tours, and the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex, famous for its traditional Arabian architecture, serene canals, and bustling souk. It’s a high-end haven where the rich come to linger, and we had our moments of fun exploring the nearby spots.

Sunset Desert Safari Dubai

Back at the hotel, around 6 PM, the jeeps rolled in for the much-anticipated Sunset Desert Safari Dubai. We had some time to explore the desert area, where extreme sports activities took place on the sand. Then it was our turn for the jeep ride - a wild rock and roll experience (JOGYAKARTA MOUNT MERAPI  JEEP TOUR). We bounced up and down through the soft brown sand, gripping tight and letting out screams of exhilaration. Bang! Pow-wow! At the heart of the desert, we had the freedom to snap photos as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

We opted out of the free camel ride- those camels had already done their share of carrying the bulldozing tourists! Instead, we strolled further and found a cozy bench to relax on. As we tucked into our food, we were entertained by sultry belly dancers.

Afterwards, it was back to the hotel for checkout, then off to the airport before taking to the skies, heading back to Malaysia. Reflecting on this unexpected one-day tour of Dubai, I genuinely cherish every moment.

(Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to).