My pit stop in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Given that UAE was only a bus ride from Muscat, it seemed rather natural that I should go and check out the country next door. So I had my pit stop in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for three nights!

We have all heard of the glamour and the luxury these cities represent, but what is there really to see?

Bus ride from Muscat to Dubai

I decided to catch a bus from Muscat to Dubai. After all the flying I was keen to see a little bit of the countryside again and cross a border via land. The bus trip was supposed to be approx. 6 hours (including border crossing), I arrived in Dubai at Midnight, 9 hours after leaving Muscat. Mainly due to the border controls.

NEVERTHELESS the bus ride was quite enjoyable. At least the roads were straight with little traffic, so it felt like being on a train.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

After checking into the hotel and some sleep I spent the next day walking and exploring Dubai. My main points of interest were the Burj Khalifa (at 830m the tallest building in the world) as well as the super large and extravagant Dubai Shopping Mall.
I also took the train to the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island. Mainly known for its glitzy hotels and posh apartment towers. Although the buildings looked a little bit too outdated to me.

Taking the ferry across the river to visit the Dubai’s old town was fun and gave me an opportunity to see a different side of the city.

Unfortuanly there are not too many photos that reflect the amazing architecture and modern designs in this city. It seems that the best way to see the grandness and size of Dubai is probably from the air. I mean, how many photos of tall high rises can you take??

So after walking for over 20 km and another good night sleep I took a 2 hours bus ride at lunch time to explore Abu Dhabi very briefly. In Abu Dhabi I decided to walk more around the water near the Al Reem Island rather then the city which was quite enjoyable.

Somehow I don’t have many words to describe both cities. They are definitely grand and especially in Dubai everything is built to be bigger and better. For me a little bit over the top maybe? However I loved seeing the different shapes and creative designs of some of the buildings.

All in all I did enjoy seeing both cities and I am certainly glad I have visited them. I am not after luxury or shopping during my travels so I felt there was nothing else left there. In addition, visiting some of the attractions, e.g. the Formula 1 track, seemed totally overpriced. And I must admit, if I really would want to go shopping, I would go back to Bangkok!

And so…

January is definitely a great time to explore UAE. The weather is perfect to be outdoors and the sky is super blue. In addition I also love the local food. How can you resist a fresh made and oven baked flat bread? So delicious!

Depending on what kind of traveller you are, where Oman had the beauty in the country, the UAE had the luxury in their cities. Go and see for yourself! xx