The treasures of Dubai

Twenty-four hours in Dubai and I hadn’t even seen the Burj Khalifa.

I have memories of it, of course, from the last time. The silver needle stretching up impossibly high, the bright sunlight reflecting from its mirrored surface so I couldn’t stare at it for long.

We had walked through Dubai Mall to reach the building, an endless stream of women draped in beautiful black abayas passing through bright, white boutiques layered like a tiered cake. We wound our way through the maze of high-end shops and odd entertainments – an ice rink here, an aquarium there – until we were out in the dusty heat again, with fountains bouncing high. Across the road and down in the souk were more shops filled with silken Persian rugs and heady perfumes which added to my dreamlike, jet-lagged state.

efesenko / depositphotos.com

The next day we had stayed clear of malls, walking the roads and making our way to the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort. A fleeting overview of Dubai’s history followed – pearls, nomad tribes, small icons of mother goddesses and the dhow (old boat) in the courtyard all stick in my mind. Leaving the Fort we found the Old Souk in Ber Dubai, famous for textiles. We left without any purchases, taking an abra (water taxi) to Deira, feeling far removed from the excesses of the day before.

This time is different, a short unexpected stop due to flight delays. Necessity draws us to the Wafi Mall (there was a suspiciously convenient shuttle bus from our hotel) where we see the reconstructed pyramids in their empty, isolated splendor. Below the few, scant shops is a souq, its floors inlaid with marbles and gems. Covering three floors, it's dark and mercifully cool inside, filled first with furniture and carpets, then clothes, perfume and jewellery – the treasures of Dubai – many exorbitantly priced.

Back outside the heat is stifling; inside the hotel, the air-conditioning is so cold I shiver constantly.

As the sun begins to disappear, shade finally makes its way to the hotel pool. The water is gently heated, and in the twilight the outside temperature is slowly cooling, hovering just under forty degrees. Shifting between the warm air and barely cool water, I find a wonderful equilibrium as I'm softly kissed by the desert breeze.

Planning trip to Dubai? Read our guide on where to stay.