New Dubai is really new only being built since the discovery of oil in the 1960's Up until then it was little more than a fishing village. The city appears to have been built in quite a rush if the road network is anything to go by. There are only two million people in the Dubai Emirate but there seemed to be ten million cars. Okay, Cairo still has the most chaotic drivers in the world but Dubai comes a close second. Only 20% of the population of Dubai are local (Emiratis) the remainder are foreign and considered so. You can't apply for or get citizenship here and even if you are born here but to foreign parents you remain a foreigner.
The tour took in much of the new city center.
Burj Al Arab will be recognised by most people as one of the few seven star hotels in the world. This is where the taps are gold plated and other unnecessary embellishments adorn the entire building. I think you actually have to be Arabic to appreciate the opulence. Shiny things seem to appeal to the Arabic taste. The hotel has its own fleet of Rolls Royce limousines but the really wealthy arrive by helicopter and land on the heli-pad at the top of the building (as you do). You can see more of this hotel in the video footage that I took while on our helicopter tour.
Old Dubai
This is far more interesting. Dubai was a very poor part of the world relying on a small amount of trade and fishing to earn a subsistence living. That is, until oil was discovered in the 60's. Suddenly everyone is reaping the benefits of this new found wealth. The old palace was built in the 50's by the then ruler of the area. We had the opportunity to visit and sit in the majalis (sitting room) of the palace.
This is the outside of the majalis.
Quite a humble building but it was where the ruler met with his male visitors (no women allowed).
Coffee and snacks were supplied continually by servants from the little room at the end of the majalis. To be polite, you must drink at least three cups of the coffee offered (whether you like it or not) or the host will be offended. The good news is that the cups are tiny and only filled part way up so that you fingers don't burn.
No air conditioning in those days so the room has lots of windows to allow every bit of air movement possible though the room.
No electricity either.
Possibly for decoration (or maybe to keep out wild camels).
The garden is in very poor condition today, however, I would expect it was quite lush in its hay-day.
This is the whole building as it remains today. The Majalis is on the first level.
Some of the old areas of the old city have been restored and preserved. The buildings are now mostly used for public entertainment such as restaurants. The architecture is fascinating and is quintessential "Arabian".
Meet Achmed the camel. (Specially inserted here for Imran Ali).
The two square towers are breeze catchers. The ancient and clever air conditioning of the time.
Inside and outside the original city wall.
The spice souk (market) in the old part of Dubai.
I really like the old city. Much more character. And the camel too!
ReplyDeleteI got the camel's phone number for you :)
DeleteImran
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