Climb the Burj Khalifa to admire the breathtaking night view & explore the dazzling Desert Star – Dubai

Photos & Text byYimu

In the barren desert, flowers don’t bloom; from the parched earth, no water gushes from wells. Yet, within this infertile sandy soil lies black gold. But what price must be paid to claim it?

Before departure, my friends were worried: “It’s a Muslim country... Is it really okay to go there?” “Is it safe there?” “So, are you going to cover yourself up like the Faceless Man from Spirited Away?” Well, I think everyone has a limited quota for worry. Since others are already worrying, I’ll just focus on having fun while I’m out there. Bravo!!!

Early in the morning, I took a ride to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to wait for the free shuttle bus to Dubai operated by Etihad Airways. I met a pair of trendy Middle Eastern sisters with stylish hairstyles. After getting their mom’s permission, I asked to take a photo with them. Though we weren’t very familiar at the time and their faces looked a bit... squishy? (lol), they kept stealing glances at me after we got on the bus. Stop being so shy and childish, okay? (Pfft, they’re just little kids XD)!


The drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai takes about 1.0 to 1.5 hours via the highway. The desert is vast, and the scenery doesn’t change much. Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I watched oil refineries, chemical plants, and polymer factories flash by outside the window—I was pretty excited. There were plenty of construction sites and development projects—this place is truly a land of promise.


I had originally planned two days in Dubai: the first day exploring the northern area to reminisce about Dubai’s old charm, and the second day heading south to see the sailboats and stroll along the beach. So I took a ride to the Etihad Travel Mall, got off the bus, and walked 3–5 minutes to the metro station.

How should I buy tickets? Referring to my notes on Dubai’s transportation passes, I decided to get the Silver Card, which works for both the metro and buses. Although there were ticket machines, I figured it’s better not to push my luck as a newbie—so I lined up and bought it at the counter. (That day I only took the metro, and the next day something unexpected happened and I didn’t even make it to Dubai, so honestly, the Red Card would’ve been enough... but hey, hindsight is always 20/20, right? No worries!)

I took the driverless Dubai Metro to Deira, the old town in the Dubai Creek area. There’s the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk, Dubai Museum... Compared to the world-famous Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Islands, and World Islands...

Old Dubai may no longer shine as brightly or stand out as strikingly, but it moved me even more. New skyscrapers (if you have the money) can be built endlessly, but history takes time to accumulate. The old neighborhoods filled with stories, the traditional markets with their past... It felt like I could still glimpse the simpler, warmer, and less affluent days of old. That kind of legacy is truly one of a kind and irreplaceable.


When in Dubai, you simply can’t miss the extravagant luxury forged with money in the desert. So, let’s start with the world’s tallest building (though no one knew how tall it would be before completion!)—the Burj Khalifa, which almost wasn’t finished due to the financial crisis.

Following the crowd, I got off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station. Walking along the long skybridge, the towering Burj Khalifa was right in front of me, yet I had to take a roundabout route... The hostel had said it was a 20–30 minute walk, and they weren’t kidding—it really is an impossibly far kingdom. There are some great spots on the skybridge for photos; the slight distance lets you capture the full view, and the air-conditioning makes waiting for group shots more bearable. Not bad, right? Though there was some construction nearby... and the glass was a bit dirty XD


Here’s the deal with Burj Khalifa observation deck tickets: AED 400 per adult for on-site purchase, AED 125 per adult if booked online. With an exchange rate of about 1 AED = 8 TWD, that’s TWD 3200 if you buy it on the spot, or just TWD 1000 if you book in advance... Seeing that, doesn’t Taipei 101’s full-price ticket of just TWD 500 seem way more reasonable? Compared to that, Taiwan’s prices are so much nicer, haha...

After booking online and paying by card, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Be sure to print it out—there’s a machine near the entrance where you can print your ticket yourself. (It’s in the top right of the photo, but I forgot if you need to bring the credit card you used to pay QQ). And timing is crucial. Entry is in half-hour slots, so make sure you arrive before your scheduled time. At these prices, trust me—you won’t want to miss it...

After all, it’s a high-rise building, so entry numbers are controlled, and there’s security screening. After clearing security, there’s a plain screen where you can take a photo and get a digiphoto reference number. Staff will composite your photo with the Burj Khalifa, and you can decide whether to buy it after heading downstairs—but the price is one hurdle, and the quality is another... XD


In Dubai, if you see something with “the most” in its title, chances are it’s probably true. I rode the “world’s fastest” elevator and reached the observation deck on the 124th floor—the “most expensive” one—in just 45 seconds. The actual height here is 442 meters, roughly half of the total 828-meter height. But hey, this is the globally renowned “tallest” building in the world. Standing at AT THE TOP, you really feel on top of the world—walking around feels like you’ve got the wind at your back. (Ah, the wind really is strong up here...)

But the daytime city view is a bit underwhelming = 3=—maybe the sand and wind blur the city’s outline? I waited for the sunset, hoping Dubai would don its dazzling evening attire. (Just kidding, with a ticket this expensive... I’ve gotta enjoy the view to the fullest, or I’d be letting myself down XD)

After scrambling for a good spot, I quickly pulled out a postcard and started writing: Up～Taiwan, USA, Australia, Ethiopia... No exaggeration, it’s seriously international—hahaha. And every single one of them arrived successfully. Friends, this postcard is from the top of the world.


The coin-operated observation deck screens are pretty cool. You can see what the area looks like in real-time/live, during the day/day, at night/night, or in the past/historic. Though there are some glitches and it’s not 100% accurate, the creativity deserves a perfect 100. Western visitors loved it—many put in coins but left after just a few seconds. Naturally, I swooped in. Thank you, my friend. (Playing it cool XD)

The sun set, the lights came on, and Dubai adorned itself. Bai Juyi once praised in his poem “Viewing the River Tower at Dusk”: “A myriad of lights from homes along the city’s four sides, a river of stars flowing through the water’s heart.” I need say no more.


Then it began. The Dubai Fountain, the world’s “largest” choreographed water show spanning fifty football fields, danced gracefully. From above, I could only see the water rising and falling. The second sister I met during the dune bashing told me the fountain actually moves in sync with music. No matter—just look up the video on YouTube. After all, each perspective has its own charm.


"The word impossible is not in the leader's dictionaries.No matter how big the challenges, strong faith, determination and resolve will overcome them."

- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktom

After heading downstairs, I paused on the way to the exit and read this quote: “The dictionary of a leader contains no word for impossible. No matter how daunting the challenge, firm belief and determination will overcome everything.” Could Taiwan also have a leader with such ambition and boldness? To show the world what Taiwan is truly capable of?


Inside Dubai Mall, aside from the world’s tallest Burj Khalifa, what I was really eager to see was the world’s largest aquarium—the Dubai Aquarium. This massive structure features a two-story-tall seamless acrylic glass panel. All I can do is offer my endless respect to its designers and manufacturers...

※ There seems to be a combo ticket for the aquarium + Burj Khalifa, but the observation deck ticket already drained my budget... XD I wonder if building aquariums inside skyscrapers is a trend? Tokyo Skytree also has an indoor aquarium.

I couldn’t name most of the fish Orz (I’m better with shells—quiz me!). But look at this—what is it? A grouper?! A fish?! A sea demon?!!!


Seriously?! A groupers, sailors’ nightmare and sea demons, but flip them over and their bellies are hilariously cute. Oh, you cheeky little rascal. (Flipping belly). Anyway, I was still too shocked... Dubai, oh Dubai (my Chinese doctor even teased me: Groupers are everywhere. Ugh, you just don’t get it!!! >?<)


In the world’s “largest” shopping mall, Dubai Mall, even though it sells everything imaginable and nothing seems out of place XD I didn’t have time to explore thoroughly, but here’s a quick share. Al Nassma, a very young brand that only sells camel milk chocolate... quite unique, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy any XD

Bateel, a premium date brand, seems to be positioned as a luxury item based on its pricing... Oops, my bad. La Cure Gourmande, French handmade biscuits and candies, with exquisitely designed tin packaging—like stepping into a candy house. (No, I don’t wanna leave!! >___<)游客很多、东方面孔也不少。为了生存，店员们几乎都是语言天才@@“空泥几哇。”　虽然听得懂，可是不想回XD，“你好！”啊哈！相当明显，在迪拜，对东亚的认知普遍为何。

"Where are you from?" "Taiwan." "Thailand?" "No, Taiwan." Taiwan doesn’t exist in their awareness. Ugh, that’s really not fun at all ! There was no helping it—I had to force the Pakistani souvenir shop clerk to say “Li Hou~!” The boss said he’d learned it ! Everyone going to Dubai Mall, test him out for me, okay? Enter Dubai Mall from the pedestrian overpass, it’s on the left-hand side, right across from the juice and milkshake shop ! Forget it if you don’t remember—don’t buy anything from him !(mean)

After a quick stroll around, this city of Dubai, where locals make up only 20% of the population, is far more westernized and open than Taipei. In the blink of an eye, decades have passed—what was once a small fishing village in the Persian Gulf has now become a giant that can’t be ignored. Dubai certainly has its awe-inspiring aspects. Yet, it is precisely this full-scale Westernization—a double-edged sword—that has bolstered the economy while diluting tradition. I often find myself wondering, “If Aladdin spends all his time gazing into Western mirrors, where’s the magic lamp?”

I saw a slogan at Dubai Mall that I really liked: "Coffee makes it possible to wake up in the morning. Chocolate makes it worthwhile." I hope this travelogue can also make you feel it was worthwhile :)


【Dubai Mall】

Official Website
http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/

Dubai Fountain Water Show
http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Entertain/TheDubaiFountain.aspx

As time flows and moments slip by, bend down gently and don’t forget what you pick up. Who isn’t leaning on the past while gazing into the distance? A traveler’s eyes see the world.

Ⅱ Fleeting Light, Gathering Memories —This is Ji Mu’s blog.