THROWBACK SERIES: DUBAI & ABU DHABI

SPRING TRIP 2024: March 29th – April 7th

Day 1: One of Frontier’s bucket list trips had always been the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The anticipation was high as the journey promised to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with opulence, culture, and natural wonders. The adventure began with a flight from New York’s JFK airport to Dubai on Emirates Airways, an airline renowned for its world-class service and luxury. The flight itself was long but enjoyable, offering all the comforts of modern air travel, making the hours in the sky pass smoothly.

Day 2: After landing in Dubai, the excitement truly set in. The city, even from the airport, radiated grandeur and modernity. Once checked into the hotel, we opted for a quiet evening, enjoying a delightful dinner that introduced us to Middle Eastern cuisine. The evening was a calm introduction to Dubai’s vibrant culture, and after the long flight, sleep came easily, preparing us for the upcoming days of exploration.

Day 3: The third day started early with a visit to one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks: the Burj Khalifa. Standing at the top of the world’s tallest building was a surreal experience. The view stretched out across the sprawling city and beyond to the desert, offering a unique perspective of Dubai’s blend of futuristic architecture and natural landscapes. From there, we headed to the Dubai Mall, which, in itself, felt like an attraction. The mall was massive, featuring an indoor ice rink, the Dubai Aquarium, and even a ski slope. Seeing snow inside a mall in the desert was remarkable, highlighting Dubai’s flair for the extraordinary. In the afternoon, we shifted from modernity to tradition by visiting the old city of Dubai. The historic Al Fahidi neighborhood with its traditional wind-tower houses and narrow alleyways transported us back in time, giving us a glimpse of what Dubai once was before its transformation into a global metropolis.

Day 4: The next day started with a visit to Palm Jumeirah, the artificial archipelago that showcases Dubai’s engineering prowess. The view of the palm-shaped island from the beach was breathtaking, and the luxury hotels lining its perimeter were testament to Dubai’s love for grandeur. In the afternoon, we ventured into the desert for a more traditional experience. After a thrilling dune-bashing session, where we were driven up and down massive sand dunes in a 4×4, we arrived at a desert oasis. Here, we were treated to a Bedouin-style camp under the stars. The night was magical, capped off with an Iftar dinner – the meal Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadan – which offered a variety of local delicacies. It was a night filled with cultural performances, traditional music, and the calm serenity of the desert, making it an evening to remember.

Day 5: Day five brought us back to the city for a tour of Dubai’s most scenic spots. The first stop was the Dubai Frame, a massive structure that frames the city’s skyline. From its observation deck, we could see old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other, highlighting the city’s rapid transformation. Afterward, we spent some time at Jumeirah Beach, where we took in the views of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. In the afternoon, we explored Dubai Marina, with its impressive skyscrapers and beautiful waterfront. The marina was lively, filled with cafes and luxury yachts, and offered a perfect end to our city tour.

Day 6: On the sixth day, we traveled to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Our first stop was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in the world. The mosque’s grand scale, intricate carvings, and pure white marble left us in awe. It was a peaceful and spiritual place, and the experience of being there was deeply moving. Afterward, we visited the Emirates Palace, a luxurious hotel that felt more like a palace than a place for lodging. Its grandeur, with gold-plated interiors and beautifully manicured gardens, epitomized the luxury for which the UAE is known.

Day 7: The next day was filled with adventure and culture. We started with Yas Island, a popular destination for thrill-seekers. At Ferrari World, we experienced the thrill of riding the world’s fastest roller coaster, which was both exhilarating and terrifying. For a change of pace, we visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the afternoon. The museum, with its innovative design and impressive collection of art from around the world, was a cultural highlight. It showcased works from various civilizations, emphasizing the UAE’s role as a hub for global culture and exchange.

Day 8: On our eighth day, we explored Saadiyat Island, another one of Abu Dhabi’s cultural hotspots. The island is home to numerous galleries and museums, and we spent the morning taking in its creative atmosphere. Later, we visited Heritage Village, which provided insight into traditional Emirati life. Walking through the reconstructed Bedouin village, we learned about the crafts, customs, and lifestyle of the people who lived in the region before the oil boom. It was a valuable experience that added historical depth to our understanding of the UAE.

Day 9: Our last full day in Dubai was spent at the Atlantis Resort, located on Palm Jumeirah. The resort was a world unto itself, with a massive waterpark, luxury amenities, and its own aquarium. It was a day of relaxation and fun.

Day 10: On the final day, we reluctantly made our way to the airport to fly home from Dubai to JFK. The trip had been a whirlwind of luxury, culture, and adventure. We had explored the UAE’s most iconic landmarks, experienced its rich traditions, and enjoyed its extravagant modernity. The memories of this journey would last a lifetime, and it was undoubtedly one of the most incredible trips we had ever taken.