Flying from Chengdu to Dubai takes over 8 hours, covering a distance of more than 4,000 kilometers. When we landed, it was midnight in China, but here, dusk had just settled. Stepping out of the cabin, the hot and humid air of the tropical desert hit us, a stark contrast to the cool night in Chengdu. The airport buzzed with people of different skin tones, and for a moment, it felt like we had stepped into another dimension.
First Impressions of Dubai: A Night in Sharjah
After a long wait, we boarded a bus to our hotel in Sharjah. The tour guide casually mentioned that parking fees at the airport cost nearly 500 RMB for just over ten minutes, giving us our first taste of the opulence of this "golden city in the desert."
For the next few days, we stayed at the same hotel in Sharjah. As one of the seven emirates of the UAE, Sharjah's tranquility complements Dubai's bustling energy, saving us from the hassle of constant travel.
Dubai: Half Desert, Half Ocean
【Day 1】Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Our first day began at a magnificent mosque, next to which stood a huge Quran sculpture. We took photos to commemorate the occasion before continuing our journey.
Along the Persian Gulf coast, seagulls circled around old wooden boats, painting a leisurely coastal scene. We then visited the Train Station Market and took an abra (water taxi) to the Gold and Spice Souk. The air was filled with the rich scent of spices, and the giant gold ornaments in the shop windows were truly eye-catching.
In the old town with its gray-white earthen walls, we wandered through traditional clothing stores and restaurants, enjoying a lazy afternoon. The Arabian dinner was full of exotic flavors, but luckily, Lao Gan Ma came to the rescue. In the evening, we cruised along Dubai Creek on a dhow boat, with the city's lights twinkling on both sides, and the day's fatigue gradually dissipated in the warm sea breeze.
【Day 2】From the Beach to the Top of the World
The morning of the second day was spent shopping, and in the afternoon, we headed to Jumeirah Beach. The water was crystal clear, the sand soft and fine, and the Burj Al Arab peeked out from behind the buildings. The nearby market was filled with Christmas cheer, with red and green decorations and lively music filling the square.
Driving through Dubai's city center, we marveled at the towering skyscrapers, including the Museum of the Future with its unique architecture. In the evening, we set sail on a yacht, and the sunset behind the Ferris wheel created a breathtaking scene.
At night, we rushed to the Burj Khalifa light show. While the show was slightly less spectacular than expected, the musical fountain in front of the tower wowed tourists from around the world. As the lights of the world's tallest building danced with the fountain, Dubai's opulence became tangible before our eyes.
【Day 3】Desert Adventures
The third day was full of wild charm. We first visited a camel ranch and saw the unique dromedary camels. Then, we boarded 4x4 vehicles for desert safari. At first, we told the driver to go "slow," but by the end, we regretted not experiencing more thrills.
The red sand dunes rolled on endlessly, and the sand was as fine as powder. When the sunset painted the sky red, we took photos on the dunes, each shot looking like a scene from a movie.
The night desert camp was full of surprises. After an Arabian-style dinner, we watched traditional dance performances. The "DUBAI" sign lit up on the sand dunes, and a camel caravan slowly passed by, accompanied by haunting music, as if we were in an ancient Middle Eastern legend. The final fire show was the highlight, with the fire dancers' amazing skills wowing the audience.
【Day 4】Abu Dhabi: The Dignity of a Capital
On the fourth day, we traveled to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Known to many Chinese through Liu Yifei's The Name of the Rose, this city exudes a sense of dignity and grandeur that sets it apart from Dubai.
We visited five iconic sites: the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Most of these buildings feature white exteriors, blending Islamic domes, minarets, and intricate patterns, creating a powerful visual impact.
The Presidential Palace and mosque have strict dress codes, especially for female visitors. In these solemn spaces, we deeply felt the unique charm of Middle Eastern culture.
The last day's itinerary was relatively relaxed. We climbed the Dubai Frame to overlook the city's skyline and wandered through the world's largest shopping mall, where the aquarium's marine life coexisted with luxury brand stores, creating a dazzling spectacle.
As we returned to Dubai International Airport, this cross-continental journey came to a close. From desert to ocean, from tradition to modernity, the unique allure of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will forever stay in our memories.
Having traveled thousands of miles, we woke up from this dreamlike adventure, carrying with us rich experiences and hopes for the future, as we embarked on our journey home.