Highlights of the Day
Dubai had always felt like a myth to me—a futuristic oasis rising from sand and stories. I didn’t expect my first visit to land right in the middle of Ramadan but what unfolded turned out to be full of contrasts, warmth, and unexpected delight. Here’s how our first day in Dubai unfolded, one iconic moment at a time.
Logistics
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf Dubai
Transportation: Rental Car
🌆 Morning Window Surprise: Burj Khalifa at Dawn
Waking up to a stunning view of Burj Khalifa was something I’ll never forget. There it was—Dubai’s most iconic structure, piercing the early lavender sky. The spire stood tall and serene, surrounded by a forest of skyscrapers, forming a peaceful yet powerful cityscape. A reminder that Dubai is truly a miracle risen from the desert.
🥐 Breakfast with Arabian Charm
Our hotel’s breakfast room had a distinctly Middle Eastern vibe—wooden beams, curved lighting, and a cozy ambiance. The buffet was generous, offering Western, Chinese, and Indian fare. The star of the meal? Their freshly made egg wrap—crispy, tender, and fragrant. I nearly devoured the whole thing myself.
🐉 Dragon Mart: China in the Middle East
Next, we visited Dragon Mart, the largest Chinese wholesale market in Dubai. The two-story mall was filled with shops bearing Chinese signage—though, curiously, most of the staff weren’t Chinese.
From clothing and toys to lighting and home goods, the variety was staggering. We chatted with the owner of a massive lighting store, who confirmed everything was imported from China. It was a striking reminder of just how far China’s manufacturing influence reaches.
🍽️ Eating During Ramadan: A Surprising Discovery
Before our trip, I had done my homework on Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and most restaurants close during the day. Out of respect, we packed snacks and brought car shades, planning to eat discreetly.
But Dragon Mart surprised us—several food stalls were open during the day. We found an ice cream stand and asked if we could eat there. The vendor replied with a cheerful, “Of course!” That small moment felt oddly liberating. Our nervousness faded, replaced by warmth. It reminded me that not all rules are as rigid as they seem.
🥠 Familiar Flavors at Din Tai Fung
For lunch, we made our way to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. It was luxurious, packed with every brand imaginable, and right on time for lunch.
We noticed most restaurants were open. Only one was curtained off—likely run by Muslims observing fasting customs. We dined at Din Tai Fung, where lamb-filled xiaolongbao replaced the usual pork. Still, they were juicy and flavorful. Paired with classic Shanghainese dishes, it felt like a taste of home in a faraway place.
🏫 Wandering Through Dubai Mall
After lunch, we strolled through the vast interior of Dubai Mall. From designer boutiques to art installations, every corner had something eye-catching.
What caught us off guard was the vibrant Chinatown-themed section—complete with lanterns, pandas, and Chinese surname walls. It was playful and immersive, a fun cultural mashup in the heart of Dubai.
Prices, however, were steep. Compared to the U.S., many items were noticeably more expensive, so we opted to window shop and admire the design instead.
☕️ Afternoon Break at Armani/Caffè
Tired from walking, we paused at Armani/Caffè, a chic café inside the mall. We confirmed with the staff—it’s truly a collaboration between the Armani brand and the mall developers.
We sipped on coffee and a mixed fruit drink while nibbling on cookies. Pricey? Yes. But relaxing in a space this elegant was worth every dirham. Later, we picked up a quirky local treat—Dubai Pistachio Chocolate—as a little edible souvenir.
🌇 The Majesty of Burj Khalifa Up Close
We stepped outside to view Burj Khalifa from ground level. Seeing it up close is a different experience altogether. Sunlight danced off the glass exterior, turning it into a silver needle aimed at the sky. Every angle offered a new kind of beauty, and every photo looked like a postcard.
🌅 Sunset at the Top of the World
As the day drew to a close, we ascended to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa. We had pre-booked the 5:30 PM slot to catch the sunset—highly recommended.
Despite some haze and ongoing construction in the city, the view was breathtaking. The sun eventually broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow across the skyline. It was everything we hoped for—and more.
🌃 A Surprise Ending at the Dubai Fountain
Our last stop was dinner by the Dubai Fountain, ideally positioned in front of a KFC (yes, really!). We grabbed a seat with a view and waited for the show.
The crowd had gathered early, and we were told the show would start at 6 PM. But 6 came and went… then 7. Just as we were finishing our meal and losing hope, the music began, the lights flickered, and water soared into the air.
It was dazzling. The fountain danced in sync with the music and lighting, and everyone around us erupted in applause. It was the perfect end to a day full of surprises, contrasts, and quiet awe.
🌍 What’s Next?
Stay tuned for Day 2 when we experienced an exciting Desert Safari …..
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