You may have heard of the philosophy of Feng Shui. In simple terms, it is an ancient Chinese teaching that goes back five thousand years. It aims to activate the natural life energy that already exists in nature and bring it into the spaces where we live.

A place is said to have good Feng Shui when it is in harmony with nature. When it is not in harmony with nature, it is believed to have bad Feng Shui. This philosophy suggests that by arranging our living spaces in a way that respects nature, we can live more healthily, feel better, and build happier relationships.

The Feng Shui approach is actually based on horizontal settlements, agricultural societies, direct contact with nature, and a slow and calm rhythm of life. It supports living close to the ground and in harmony with the natural flow around us.

But Dubai, one of the shining stars of the modern world, has been shaped not naturally but artificially. Like many big cities, it grows vertically rather than horizontally, and it grows very aggressively. For example, construction in the sea is still going full speed for the new Palm Island that is planned to be completed by 2030. In some areas, huge clouds of dust hang in the air because of ongoing construction. Public transport is still not well developed, and the speed of building construction has already passed the speed of road building. The city is not trying to adapt to the climate. Honestly, it sometimes feels like it is trying to control the climate instead.

In other words, the natural energy flow that Feng Shui talks about is mostly replaced in Dubai by mechanical systems, technological infrastructure, and artificial environments. It feels like a giant Truman Show set where money speaks and you can easily reach any pleasure you want.

In one of my courses, a very valuable teacher once said something I never forgot. If the whole world consumed resources like Dubai, we would need twelve more planets like Earth. Can you imagine such consumption? But the new slogan of our time seems to be “after me, the flood.” Many people do not try to slow down this hyper consumption. Instead, they move from one shopping mall to another, waste more, and keep the system running at full speed.

I want to be clear that I am not writing this to criticize. I just want to share my observations. I am also aware that this world works by its own rules. Still, when you think about the future, it is surprising to see that in a country we often associate with strict religious rules, you can be on a beach in a tourist city and get gifts from Santa Claus and elves. It really shows how far capitalism can go and what it can make people do.

So, did I like Dubai?

My answer is simple. Some parts of it very much, some parts only a little.

Despite all its artificial side, the city still has a living and breathing coastline. The beach is full of beautiful seashells. The sky is bright blue almost every day. There are clean walking and running paths where you can spend hours outside. The variety of food is amazing. You can find cuisine from all around the world, and the quality and taste are surprisingly good. There are also lovely coffee shops, beautiful views, unforgettable sunsets in the desert, and a desert culture that feels endless and unique.

All of these are definitely worth seeing.

Dubai is truly an activity paradise, perfectly aligned with the country’s founding vision. If this is not enough, try that. If that is not enough, there is always something else. It feels like a huge marketing city that constantly whispers, try more, do more, buy more.

But for me, no place in life is a must see and nothing is a must do. You cannot fill every second. Your mind cannot always be busy. Sometimes just being somewhere, simply feeling the place, is already enough. I think the best way is to choose activities that match your mood, not to waste your money, and just enjoy your holiday.

When you come to Dubai, you also see once again how unfair life can be. On one side there are ultra luxurious lifestyles. On the other side there are people working in the service sector, living far away from their families and trying to save money. And somewhere else, there are workers spending almost twelve hours a day on construction sites that never sleep. Of course everyone deserves wealth, beauty, and a wonderful life. But we all start this life with different cards in our hands, and we never really know or control what cards others have.

That is why I find it wiser to measure life and wealth differently. With intellectual depth, calmness, the ability to set boundaries, and spending time on meaningful and quality things.

Now let’s move on to my travel notes.

Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, with an area of 1.1 million square meters. It is like a whole shopping city. Around 80 million visitors come here every year. Inside, you can find almost everything. It feels as if all the brands in the world have gathered under one roof. For a moment I wondered if it was because there is no tax, but well, maybe not that simple.

Almost every brand you can think of is here, from Next to Fred Perry. But it is not only about shopping. There is an underwater zoo, an ice skating rink, KidZania for kids, giant waterfalls inside the mall, and even a small Chinatown area.

The mall is so big that you sometimes forget you are inside a building. Through the mobile app, you can book buggies to move around more easily, rent a stroller for your children, or even send your shopping bags directly to your hotel. Everything is designed for an ultra comfortable and effortless experience.

In the evening, starting around 6 pm, you can watch the light and fountain shows. Sitting there with a drink in your hand, right under the view of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, feels quite impressive. And interestingly, at the top of this tower, there is both a prayer room and a nightclub.

It is truly a life of extremes:)

If we think about the fact that more than 200 nationalities live in Dubai, it is only natural that the variety of consumption habits makes the city even more diverse. According to official data, about 90 percent of the population is made up of foreigners. More than half of them come from India. The population, which is now around 4.5 million, is expected to grow to 7.5 million in the coming years.

Because of this fast growth, everything feels like it is for sale. Just like small things are sold at kiosks, here they sell houses and entire lifestyles. New projects are presented everywhere. The world’s largest casino is being built. The biggest Expo Center has already moved here. A huge new airport is planned at incredible speed. And of course, the tallest building in the world is already here.

In casinos there are no clocks, so you lose track of time. Dubai can feel similar. If you love shopping, you can satisfy every desire here. But you should be ready for something else too. The strong lights, the constant mechanical sounds, and the endless stimulation can give you a headache for days. Personally, my body reacted badly at Dubai Mall. I felt sick and exhausted, and I had a terrible headache. So I decided not to visit another mall and left it at the top. That was enough for me.

Kite Beach

Right after landing, our local friends took us to Kite Beach. This is not the shiny showcase of Dubai, but a truly living beach. It breaks the luxury image of the city. From the sea you can still see the Burj Khalifa, but you do not feel overwhelmed by it. This is where locals spend their time. There are walking and running paths like the beaches in Miami, and many water sports activities. Some people bring their own umbrellas, others rent sunbeds. There are clean showers and changing rooms. It is the kind of place where you say, I am so glad we came here. The sand is soft, there are seashells everywhere, you can drink fresh tropical juices, and as the name suggests, you can watch colorful kites flying in the sky.

JBR Beach

This is the postcard face of the city. Touristic, crowded, and full of energy. Cafes, restaurants, shops, and beach clubs are all together. In the evenings, it becomes a lively part of the city. Sunbeds, water sports, and music create a holiday atmosphere everywhere. But honestly, this area is more for first time visitors. The real fun and parties happen at West Beach on the Palm or on those giant luxury yachts.

Desert Safari

If you want to jump over sand dunes in a 4x4, watch the sunset in the middle of the desert, and experience traditional Arab culture and food, a desert safari is a great activity to try. It is one of those classic Dubai experiences that sounds touristy at first, but can actually be very memorable.

The most important thing here is the camp you choose and the quality of the service you get. For safety and comfort, it is definitely better to go with a professional and well organized tour. A good camp can completely change your experience. Tours that include Al Khayma Camp, for example, usually offer a more authentic and comfortable atmosphere and can give you a really enjoyable evening in the desert.

There are also a few random things I have to mention before I forget, small notes that do not really fit anywhere else but still matter.

If you want to escape the cold European winter, get some vitamin D, swim in the sea, and celebrate Christmas and New Year in warm weather, December and January are the best months to visit Dubai. The weather is sunny and mild, and it feels amazing to walk around in a T shirt while everyone back home is freezing.

Another important tip. Do not bother renting a car in Dubai. Public transport is still not very developed, but taxis, Uber, and Careem are quite affordable because fuel prices are low. It almost feels like having your own private driver. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you want to have dinner between skyscrapers like in Chicago, with a beautiful view of Dubai Marina, you can visit Pier 7. It is a seven floor building and each floor has a different restaurant. One level offers Asian food, another Japanese, then kebabs, seafood, Mexican cuisine, and more. Our favorite was Asia Asia, both for the delicious food and the amazing view. Since so many cultures live together in Dubai, this diversity really improves the quality and variety of the restaurants. We tried a different cuisine almost every day. Honestly, even just for the food, Dubai is worth visiting.

If you plan to visit popular attractions like Museum of the Future, see Palm Island from above, or go up the Burj Khalifa, I strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance. These places get very busy. We focused more on the sea, sand, and sun, so we skipped them, but if they are on your list, plan early.

If you go to Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel that feels like London’s famous one, you can also stop by the Italian restaurant Pastamamma. A friend recommended it and it is a nice place for a relaxed meal.

And do not be surprised if you hear local kids, especially those whose mother tongue is Arabic, speaking English with a Peppa Pig accent. It is both funny and impressive at the same time.

If Dubai had a second name, it would definitely be Emaar Properties. It is the biggest real estate and development company in the city. The name basically means building and development, and you will see their projects everywhere you look. It is impossible to miss.

All in all, Dubai looks like a place where, if you come as an expat and earn a good income, you can enjoy a very high standard of living. If you move here, your child can study in international schools and start life with strong opportunities. There are also attractive real estate options and payment plans, which is why many people invest here. Turks, for example, have become some of the biggest investors, partly because of opportunities like the Golden Visa. And when you think about zero income tax, starting a company here suddenly sounds very logical. After all, we are all paying crazy taxes back home.

Considering that Dubai plans to almost double its population and become a global technology hub by 2040, it seems like we will be hearing this city’s name much more in the future.

In short, whatever the topic is, try to mix the bad with the good and simply enjoy the time you have in this life.

See you on another journey.

Cheers,

Betty.