If the city also has color, Dubai must be golden. On this hot land, the golden light is the grains of yellow sand raised in the desert where the Bedouins have lived for generations; It is a historical past precipitated in the quaint buildings of the old town; It's the ambition that flows between cities. The lead is gone, and Dubai is still the same as it was at the beginning.
As we all know, Dubai is a modern metropolis with a high degree of internationalization. With a population of 3 million from more than 200 countries and regions, the world-famous Burj Khalifa, Burj AI Arab Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah and world-class universities, businesses and medical facilities, it is a city to visit, study and live.
Immersed in it, you can feel the warmth and charm of Dubai, but apart from it, Dubai is more than that. What many people don't know is that from the small fishing village of the past to the shining jewels of the Persian Gulf today, this modern metropolis actually has 190 years of human history.
Dubai's history dates back to around 3000 BC. With the establishment of a fishermen's settlement in Dubai by the Al Maktoum tribe in 1833, the ruling in Dubai officially began. Originally a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, in 1892 the pearl mining and seafaring business boomed, attracting merchants from all over the world to Dubai, profiting from large deals and offers. It wasn't until 1966 that oil was discovered in Dubai, attracting foreign trade to stimulate economic growth, and since then, the economy of the entire region has begun to prosper.
Today, Dubai's economy has long been transformed, and it does not intend to stand still, but actively innovates, constantly seeks opportunities, and shifts the direction of economic development to attract foreign trade, logistics trade, shipping, tourism, finance and other directions.
After His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, came to power, he said: No one remembers second, Dubai can only be first. Under the guidance of his forward-thinking ideas, countless "firsts" were born in this oasis.
Dubai's rapid development has made more people yearn for this ancient and prosperous land. In this prosperous urban scene, in addition to appreciating the diversified charm of the modern city, you can also feel the vicissitudes of this land, and witness the trajectory of Dubai's development in the collision of old and new.
And Bedouin is one of the most noteworthy places in this ancient land. The Bedouins were a nomadic Arabian tribe living in the desert, and the Bedouins were the earliest inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula desert. Resourceful and hospitable, they have been walking in the yellow sand and living a migratory life, and they have long developed the ability to discern directions with the sun and stars.
Today, the life of the Bedouin has changed dramatically, but if you want to travel back a century to the exotic century, the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience is a must.
Here, visitors can still follow in the footsteps of the Bedouins, cross the golden desert with traditional camels, enjoy a fascinating falconry show, watch live cooking of local dishes, enjoy traditional food with the Bedouins, listen to their stories passed down from generation to generation, and experience what the Arabian desert was like more than a hundred years ago.
After experiencing the exotic life of 100 years ago, why not explore the old world of Dubai along Dubai Creek? Unlike the majestic high-rise buildings made of reinforced concrete, the brick and wall of Old Dubai retain the fireworks and quietness unique to the old city.
Located on the shores of Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood brings to life in the old Dubai in the mid-19th century. Winding through narrow streets and alleys, walking through a maze of more than 50 old mansions, you will feel like stepping back in time to a fairy tale era with old-fashioned Arabic architecture just as described in fairy tales.
Exploring the past in historic Old Dubai, stop by Arabian Tea House Cafe for refreshing Emirati cuisine.
Walk deep along the block and meet the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).
Since its establishment, SMCCU has been committed to helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the UAE's culture and customs. Here, you can not only experience a variety of Arabic courses and cultural heritage tours, but also enjoy a variety of food from the comfort of Bedouin-style cushions and chat with locals about "Dubai home".
In the evening, why not enjoy a feast for the most impressive visual senses at Spice Souk. The lively market is a lively market where the world's most precious spices compete and exude fragrance.
The market is full of huge baskets filled with aromatic plants and spices, and the exotic corner laneways are filled with rich fragrances. Wander through the stalls and chat with vendors on how to use the exotic spices they sell. Some spices are more fragrant, while others have a faint pleasant aroma. Take some home from the souk and let the taste of Dubai linger.
Walking through the charming Old Town, we are greeted with modern buildings, city landmarks and countless "world firsts", as if entering a new world of the future.
The architecture in the new town is full of imagination and design. You can immerse yourself in the future changes of the world at the Museum of the Future, one of Dubai's famous landmarks; As the sun sets and the sunset, climb the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, to overlook the city gilded with sunset; The world-famous "seven-star" Burj AI Arab Jumeirah offers double freedom of gastronomy and sea views; Then take a speedboat ride at Palm Jumeirah and get up close to this man-made island that resembles palm trees... Between the endless blue sky and the towering buildings, a sci-fi film can be realized in one second.
The endless desert is intertwined with an oasis full of life, and the traditional old town is brewing ancient charm and romance. Ancient mystical religions and modern high-rise buildings, these seemingly incompatible elements can find harmonious coexistence in Dubai. Whether you're a Bedouin in the sand, strolling through the traditional Old Town, or overlooking Dubai from the high-rises of the New Town, the collision between old and new cultures attracts people from all over the world.
From the Al Fahidi Historic District to the Burj Khalifa, the soul of Dubai's history and culture flows in every neighbourhood of the city. When you approach Dubai and witness its sparkle, you will surely discover its ancient charm and enthusiasm. There is not only a modern metropolis, but also a fascinating Arabic culture. If you're lost in the hustle and bustle of the city and tired of life, take a literary journey in Dubai and feel the resonance between the old and the modern.
Image source: Dubai Tourism Authority