Our first family visit to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and I fell in love with the gentle, welcoming atmosphere of the Emirates everything felt sophisticated without being distant. As a traveler, nothing feels rushed; everything moves at a calm, steady pace, the real luxury of discovering a new destination, with new experiences
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: Experience a Rain of Light
The iconic dome at the Louvre Abu Dhabi creates the sensation of standing beneath a “rain of light”, as it is called & and it is the museum’s most striking feature. Designed to filter sunlight with precision, it offers an open-air feel while maintaining a sense of calm. Set against the very blue waters, the museum doesn’t demand admiration; it invites reflection on the stories of human creativity across civilizations. As someone who loves photography, I often put my camera down just to absorb the tranquility of the space.
Golden hour at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Golden hour here is breathtaking. The white marble glows, gold details shimmer softly, and the sheer scale leaves you in awe. Inside, the blue tones create a calm, meditative atmosphere.
What moved me most was something subtle. Despite the crowds, officials gently noticed anyone out of alignment with the mosque’s rules and quietly guided them. It reflected a culture deeply rooted in respect,. You don’t just visit this place; you honor it.
Playful Yas Island – Ferrari World
At Ferrari World, adrenaline took over. After the famous Formula Rossa, I could almost feel Ara’s heartbeat and the less adventurous me found joy elsewhere—go-karting, wandering through beautifully displayed Ferraris, soaking in the excitement without surrendering to fear.
Playful Yas Island – Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. World surprised me even more. I didn’t grow up immersed in these characters, yet I felt an unexpected childlike excitement. The Green Lantern 4D show was pure magic. For a moment, age disappeared. That’s the beauty of joy, it makes time irrelevant when done right.
The meal at Namak Mandi – Restaurant
The moment we stepped into Namak Mandi-Restaurant, the experience began. Wooden panels were gently placed around our table, creating a private cocoon that felt almost ceremonial. It was a ritual, a journey through flavors and traditions, a kind of dining experience I will remember for years, not only for its taste but for the way it made me feel, warm, happy, and content.
Dubai: The Art of Becoming
Dubai doesn’t ease you in—it meets you head-on. Skyscrapers rise boldly, each one making a statement. From a trading port to a global city, Dubai’s story is about reinvention driven by vision, not just wealth. And beneath all the glass and steel, there’s something deeply human.
The Desert
The desert reminded me of vast stillness as the sunset spilled gold over the dunes. Camels appeared like quiet witnesses, and long roads stretched endlessly forward. A little dune bashing brought laughter and thrill. Plan your desert safari to arrive before the sunset, for the best photography experience.
Khorfakkan: An Unexpected Pause
The drive to Khorfakkan felt like turning a page. Mountains rose straight from the sea, limestone cliffs meeting turquoise waters. The beauty here was raw and honest. A speedboat ride added a dash of fun, followed by a simple yet flavorful lunch. Just 1.5 hours from Dubai, this coastal town offers a refreshing escape and a taste of quiet luxury.
Burj Khalifa – Symbol of Ambition and Global Identity
Burj Khalifa is like the moon, the more you see it, the more you admire its brilliance. An engineering marvel, a landmark that showcases Dubai’s ability to “think big” and redefine limit. For Ara, visiting Burj Khalifa was the highlight of her Dubai experience complemented by the mesmerizing fountain show and a vibrant spree of brand hopping at the Dubai Mall.
Old Dubai at Al Seef
Morning walks reveal a city’s soul. At Al Seef, the winter sun warmed mud walls and heritage lanes. Artefacts, murals, and quiet courtyards whispered stories of old Dubai. Starbucks blended seamlessly into the setting, redesigned in Emirati style, a perfect example of modernity paying homage to tradition.
We wandered into small shops selling Dubai artefacts. That’s where we found our camel—our Habibi and brought it home!
A culinary paradise
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are culinary paradise where every dish tells a story and every flavor lingers long after the meal ends. From baklava paired with ice cream at Hafiz Mustafa, complemented by fragrant Turkish tea, to keema pav at Raju Omelet, to frozen yogurt to freshly baked breads served with rich, aromatic gravies, and finally the succulent mutton from Ajman—every meal was a celebration of taste and uncompromising quality. Honestly, my mouth is watering as I write this part of my blog!
A reunion that felt like a deep breath, long overdue.
The heart of this journey was meeting my friends after years—friends who have built lives here, far from their homeland, their warmth, purpose-driven hustle, and generosity inspired me deeply. Cooking Ajman-style mutton together, walking Kite Beach, lingering over college memories at the sisha bar, like time never passed…
The echoes of the Emirates will forever speak of elegance and the quiet charm of casual luxury. Until we meet again, with new adventures to share!
Wonders of Aparajita 
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