SUMMER TRAVELS: DUBAI

Visiting Dubai for the first time was like a fantasy dream that I want to relive over and over again.

After so many years of wishing, hoping, and praying, I finally got to travel to the luxurious haven that is DUBAI. Without ever visiting, I have always said that Dubai is one place that I would love to move to. The fast-paced, high-end (both fashion and landscape) lifestyle always was an attraction for me, plus it helps that my native tongue is the country’s dialect. All of my fantasy-like thoughts previously visiting Dubai all were one-hundred percent accurate. I fell in love the instant I got into the car after landing from over twenty-four hours of traveling. 

I had the opportunity to visit with close family, friends, and experience a few days of fasting for Ramadan. The shopping was exquisite, the restaurants and food were to-die-for, the architecture was phenomenal, and it was cool to see the traffic-goers were a melting pot of different cultures from all around the world. I whole-heartedly say that this has become one of my favorite places in the world and if I don’t make a trip back there again soon, I would be completely devastated. That’s how much I have enjoyed my time there. 

Here are a collection of some of my favorite photos taken during my trip to the United Arab Emirates. Or follow my instagram @always.aya for more.

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Taking a walk on Jumeirah Beach 

Exploring downtown Dubai

Back view of the hotel I stayed at, Al Murooj Rotana {highly recommend!}

The stunning Burj Khalifa, aka the tallest building in the world. 

Gorgeous centerpiece display at the Fairmont Hotel.

Spent my first day poolside and gosh, it felt so good.

A quaint table preparation for Iftar

Lovely Ramadan decorations in Dubai Marina Mall

Delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Al Hallab Restaurant

Slight view of the Burj Khalifa at Dubai Mall’s Fountain

Scrumptious dessert at The Hampton’s

Balcony view of the marina at JBR

Daily walks back into my hotel during the wee hours of dawn and glimpsed this beautiful centerpiece

Palm trees galore felt a little like home to me

The luxury that is Dubai Mall. & yes, it is the best mall in the world. 

In front of a lovely mosque that held prayer throughout the beach

Favorite food joint in Dubai: Salt on Kite Beach. Order their mini burgers and lotus softie!

Loved walking through the Souks (marketplace) that were plastered around town.