Wandering Raine

In March 2013, I boarded a plane with my mom, about to create an unforgettable journey to the UAE. And it all began with Emirates Airlines. From the moment we stepped onto the Emirates flight, it felt different. There was this quiet sense of luxury – soft lighting, warm smiles, and that unmistakable feeling of being taken care of before the journey even began. The service, the food, the tiny details – it wasn’t just transportation. It felt like the trip had already started in the sky.

And then… Dubai.

Dubai hits you instantly. Skyscrapers rising out of the desert, perfectly clean streets, and this fascinating blend of modern luxury and deep-rooted tradition. It didn’t feel like anywhere I had been before.

Walking through the city with my mom, I kept thinking—how is this even real?

No Dubai trip feels complete without stepping into a traditional souk – it’s where the city’s soul really shows. Walking through the narrow alleys of the Souks felt like stepping into another time, surrounded by the shimmer of gold jewelry in dazzling window displays and the rich scent of saffron, cinnamon, and oud in the air. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable – the kind of place where you’re not just shopping, you’re experiencing a piece of Dubai’s heritage.

The first glimpse of the Burj Al Arab felt almost unreal – like spotting a sail floating on the horizon, perfectly framed against the bright blue sky. We caught sight of it from a distance, just long enough to take it in and exchange that look of “is that really it?” Iconic and untouchable, a symbol of everything extravagant and dreamlike about Dubai. I knew we’d be coming back for a much closer look after our time in Abu Dhabi – but somehow, that brief first sight made it even more special, like the beginning of something still waiting to unfold.

The Dubai skyline rose out of the desert like something imagined rather than built—sleek, shimmering, almost too perfect to be real. Glass towers stretched endlessly toward the sky, each one more striking than the last…

… until suddenly there it was – the Burj Khalifa. At first, it didn’t even seem possible to grasp its height; it just kept going, higher and higher, disappearing into the haze above. We both stopped to take it in, a little surprised by just how tall it really is. It’s one of those sights that instantly makes you realize – you’re really in Dubai.

Wafi Mall felt like a quiet contrast to the rest of Dubai – less overwhelming, but still full of character. The Egyptian-inspired design, with its pyramid shapes and intricate details, made it feel a little more atmospheric than your typical shopping stop. We wandered through at an easy pace, taking it in without rushing, enjoying that brief pause in the middle of such a fast-moving city.

And then, just like that, we were on our way to Abu Dhabi—ready to see a different side of the UAE.

Our first stop in Abu Dhabi was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – and nothing quite prepares you for it. It truly felt out of this world. The bright white marble, the perfectly symmetrical arches, and the sheer scale of it all created this quiet, almost surreal atmosphere. Before entering, we were required to wear long black robes with hoods, which added to the sense of stepping into a different culture and experience.

Despite its size, the Mosque felt calm and peaceful, inviting you to slow down and take it in. Walking through the courtyard with my mom, dressed for the visit and surrounded by such beauty and stillness, was one of those moments that stays with you long after you leave.

One of the unexpected sights in Abu Dhabi was the Dallah monument—a large sculpture of the traditional Arabic coffee pot, symbolizing hospitality and welcome. Set against a backdrop of modern high-rises, it perfectly captured the blend of tradition and progress that defines the city. Seeing the Dallah monument up close made it even more striking. Standing beside it, I realized just how massive it actually was, turning something as simple as a coffee pot into a bold cultural statement. Surrounded by tall buildings and ongoing construction, it felt like a snapshot of Abu Dhabi in transition—honoring tradition while constantly building toward the future.

Driving past Emirates Palace, it honestly felt like something out of a fairytale. The grand structure, with its domes and warm golden tones, looked more like a royal residence than a hotel. Surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and palm trees, it was a glimpse into the luxury Abu Dhabi is known for—elegant, impressive, and a little bit surreal. And just when you think it couldn’t get more over-the-top, there’s even a gold ATM inside, dispensing actual gold bars—a detail that perfectly captures the city’s bold take on luxury.

Then we headed back to Dubai, and back to the Burj Khalifa to see it up close. Somehow, it was even more impressive than that first glimpse. Standing at its base, looking all the way up, it felt almost impossible to take in just how tall it really is. Photos don’t quite capture that feeling of scale. Then we went all the way up to admire the sweeping views of Dubai. Looking out over the city from above, everything felt both vast and perfectly organized, with highways, skyscrapers, and desert stretching out in every direction.

After all the sightseeing, we paused for a quieter moment as my mom took a break, sitting on the steps and writing her notes. Surrounded by palm trees and sleek modern buildings, it felt like a small pocket of calm in the middle of the city. It was a simple moment, but one that made the trip feel even more meaningful.

One of the most unexpected experiences in Dubai was visiting the Mall of the Emirates, home to Ski Dubai—an indoor ski resort right in the middle of the desert. Walking inside and seeing real snow, ski slopes, and even people bundled up in winter gear felt completely surreal. It’s one of those places that perfectly captures Dubai’s ability to turn bold ideas into reality, blending luxury, innovation, and a bit of playful extravagance all under one roof.

Madinat Jumeirah felt like stepping into a more traditional, peaceful side of Dubai, with its winding waterways, sandy-colored buildings, and palm-lined walkways. Sitting by the water, with the Burj Al Arab rising in the distance, it was one of those moments where everything just felt calm and beautifully balanced—modern luxury blending seamlessly with Arabian-inspired design.

And then came the biggest highlight of our trip—visiting the Burj Al Arab. I had booked it well in advance to make sure we wouldn’t miss the opportunity, and it was absolutely worth it. Walking into one of the most iconic hotels in the world felt surreal, with its stunning interiors and unmistakable sense of luxury. It was one of those moments where everything you’ve seen from afar suddenly becomes real—and even more impressive up close.

Right nearby, we also saw the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, instantly recognizable by its unique wave-like shape. Set along the beach with rows of sun loungers and palm trees, it felt relaxed yet still very much part of Dubai’s signature style. With the Burj Al Arab close by, the whole area had this perfect mix of iconic architecture and laid-back coastal vibes.

And then it was time to go inside Burj Al Arab, and all the way up to the restaurant, where we enjoyed fabulous snacks and drinks while taking in the amazing nighttime views. It was the perfect way to experience the Burj Al Arab from the inside, turning a dream visit into a truly special moment.

And for the grand finale, we watched the powerful fountains by the Burj Khalifa come to life, dancing gracefully to the voice of Andrea Bocelli. The water moved in perfect rhythm with the music, rising and falling against the backdrop of the towering skyline. It was absolutely breathtaking—one of those moments where you forget everything else, and just stand there, completely captivated.

And while we didn’t get to experience the Arabian desert—our time was limited before continuing on to Thailand—we still came away with a really good sense of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From the modern skyline to cultural landmarks and unforgettable moments, the trip gave us a well-rounded glimpse of the UAE—and left us wanting to come back someday to see even more.