Akanksha Maker experiences the flavours of Dubai, from great heights
The tallest, the biggest and the most opulent — Dubai and superlative adjectives go well-together, I had heard. It was now easy to understand why. As my plane descended over the deserts of the middle-east, emerged a shimmering stretch of sky-scrapers that dazzled on my window-pane on that toasty November afternoon. In the distance appeared a unique building that was evidently taller than the rest. The bewitching Burj Khalifa peaking at 830-metre stood amongst the cotton-candy skies and silently announced our arrival into this state of the United Arab Emirates.
I travelled to my hotel alongside a dramatic skyline of sky-scraping silhouettes all around me. Driving passed Sheikh Rashid Road, emerged a construction in progress that resembled a massive window-frame in a large expanse. It was interesting to learn that this 150-metre high structure is an offering by Dubai tourism board to offer its visitors a perspective on the city’s transformation. Costing about AED 120 million, the project is designed like a picture-frame and lets tourists follow a path depicting Dubai’s journey, until they take the elevator to the top of the structure for some panoramic views.
The discovery of oil in the emirates in 1966 catalysed the metamorphosis of Dubai, once a desert, into a futuristic hub that now serves as an attractive destination for both, business and leisure travellers. Its welcoming weather, hotel glitz, glamour and accessible location on the globe are a few reasons why it appeals so much to tourists, especially Indian travellers.
It is also lined with international chains of restaurants and bars, and a number of home-grown F&B offerings that attract both food connoisseurs and culinary experimenters. The idyllic and strategic locations of these outlets is perhaps what makes them even more attractive to cultured travellers. Not a bad way to indulge in this snazzy city, I thought as I began my sojourn that took me to some of the most exclusive dining outlets of this middle-eastern metropolis.
Early that evening, downtown Dubai was bustling. The Burj Khalifa was at a closer distance now, and its glimmering lights made it difficult not to stop and stare. The 30-acre Burj Lake glistened in front of the structure and the throngs of tourists moved in and out of the Dubai mall. Rest of them waited patiently to watch the choreographed aqua show at the Dubai Fountain, which took place every 15-minutes.
Unable to catch even a glimpse of the performance because of the crowd, dinner at Thiptara was a good idea. The Thai restaurant that translates to “magic at the water” is located at the ground-level of the Palace Hotel (managed by Address Hotels & Restaurants), adjacent to the Burj Lake. Sitting in its outside section if the weather permits is advisable, as the Dubai Fountain can be admired without any disturbance. The satay gai (grilled chicken thigh skewers, marinated with yellow curry and peanut sauce) and chor muang sai talay (steamed Thai dim sum, scallop, prawn, cuttlefish, shiracha sauce) were quite enjoyable, as I watched frequent shows of the Dubai Fountain — quite the play of all five senses.
The sun played hide and seek with the clouds the next day, and a chill in the air balanced the warmth. The Burj Khalifa looked different in the day, but still quite magnificent. It was overwhelming to enter the building and take what claims to be the world’s fastest elevator at 64 kmph to the 124th level of the building. The lift “sky-rocketed” and in less than two minutes, I arrived “At the top” — a glassed observatory that offers eagle-eye views of the city and its skyline.
Lunch followed on level 122 of the Khalifa at At.mosphere, which is the world’s highest restaurant from ground level as per the Guinness World Records. I was told that the panache with which Dubai entertains is singular; my dining experience at At.mosphere showed me how. Skyscrapers looked like lego pieces and the the sandy wilderness of the Arabian gulf sharply contrasted to the cityscape. The organic egg parfait (foie grass, asparagus and truffle French toast) as an appetiser and the volaille des landes (corn fed chicken breast with black truffles) as a main complimented the view perfectly. Not sure what looked better, the tonka-chocolate feuilantine (black currant sorbet and Chantilly) or the view. It definitely tasted as good as it looked, though.
Crossing the Jumeirah road that evening, my taxi passed a number of premium residences that almost looked identical to each other. Soon I reached the Jumeirah beach, where the aquamarine colours of the sky and Arabian sea matched the white sand to create a picturesque setting. The beach seemed to be preferred by expats and international tourists, more than locals. Definitely the more broad-minded emirate, it was interesting to spot burkha-clad women soak in some sun.
At the corner stood probably the most symbolic structure of Dubai, for me personally. The third tallest building in the world, the Burj Al Arab is world renowned for its futuristic architecture. The seven-star hotel built under the vision of architect Tom Wright reflects the nautical heritage of the city and is designed to look like the spinnaker sail of a J class yacht. The interiors of the “Arab Tower” (Arab translation of Burj Al Arab) mesmerised effortlessly. A plethora of colours through patterns and symmetry resembled a modern Arab fantasy come to life.
Dinner at the sea-inspired Al-Mahara, with its ceiling to floor aquarium circling the restaurant, was an interesting choice. It was hard not to follow the trails of the vivid sea-animals, that made for some unparalleled company while I enjoyed some amuse bouche (marinated wild sea-bass topped with white sturgeon caviar and scallops) and fish “pot eu feu” (poached fish in bouillabaisse consommé). Quite the finale to my fanciful jaunt in the middle-east, I thought as I struck off “something blue” from my Dubai check-list.
Where to eat (luxuriously)?
Thiptara
Opening hours: 6pm to 11:30pm
Ground Level, The Palace Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
[email protected]; +971 48883444
At.mosphere
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 4:30pm, 6:30pm to 11pm
122nd Floor, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
[email protected]; +971 48883838
Al-Mahara
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 12am
Ground Floor,Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
[email protected]; +971 43017600
