I used to think of anything past the old World Trade Centre as being on the road to Abu Dhabi. Yet the city of Dubai now extends out along that corridor in spades. We took the Metro out to Palm Jumeirah, you know those artificial islands which can be seen from space. Approaching that area is like coming to another city, much less all the stops for the malls, and "special cities". It was all more than a bit overwhelming. I spent some of my time, gazing from inside the A/C car, trying to recall the desert with the patches of life if taking that route twenty or twenty-five years ago.
It's hard not to jump to judgments, but I will keep my unworthy opinions mostly to myself. I guess importing a whole city and necessary infrastructure is a noble choice. I did feel a little sad at seeing so much change from the Dubai I used to know. That's probably primarily due to my age and the tricks of reminiscing.
I can see the allure of flying in for a holiday just for the sun and warm water, I guess. However, I am still pretty happy we chose to hang out in cramped, old Deira and life along the creek.
After returning from the morning out, biryani lunch, and another too-long nap, we walked around Al Ras in the evening. We walked over to Palm Deira Metro and went just one stop. That is probably the oldest part of the city with the spice and gold souks.
Sparkling gold cannot help but lift anyone's spirits, even if one's no more than window shopping.