The capital of the United Arab Emirates - Dubai is for me an example of how a place that nature has not endowed with anything can be turned into a tourist Mecca. A city built in the middle of the desert amazes with luxury and wealth...
The oldest architectural structure of the city
We started getting to know Dubai at the Al-Fahidi Fortress, which is the oldest building still standing in the city. It was built in 1878, exactly a hundred years before I was born. The fortress is pretty small and made of clay and coral. A long time ago, it helped keep the city safe from attacks, and later it was even used as a prison - which is what often happens to old forts. We've seen a lot of fortresses before, some of which were much older and more impressive, but I'm glad Dubai has one because having something old makes a city more beautiful and shows that people care about history. It's nice to see that Dubai hasn't forgotten its past. The fortress may not be the biggest or the most amazing one out there, but it's still a great part of the city's story.
The fortress is located in the historical district of Bastakia. We walked along its narrow streets, went into endless shops, looked at the beautiful embankment.
The tallest multi-story building in the world
And then we went to look at the modern structure, known to the whole world - the Burj Khalifa. This is the tallest multi-story building in the world. Its shape resembles a stalagmite.
-Wow, it touches the sky? - asked the amazed Erica.
Arian's eyes lit up as he exclaimed that his dream had finally come true - he was actually seeing a skyscraper. He had spent countless hours reading about these towering structures, and now, he couldn't believe he was getting to see one up close. The excitement was palpable as he took in the sheer scale and grandeur of the building, feeling like all his curiosity and anticipation had been worth it.
Mosque with camels
We also stopped by the Jumeirah Mosque, which is really beautiful. My friend, who's a year younger than me, was excited to see it. The mosque was built in a style that was popular during the Fatimid Caliphate, with big open spaces and rows of arches and columns. The minarets are square at the bottom and have lots of intricate carvings on them. One of the best things about the Jumeirah Mosque is that people who aren't Muslim are allowed to go inside. And just next to it, there's a tent where you can take pictures with real camels, which is a lot of fun.
Erica had never seen animals like that before, and it really caught her attention. She was curious and wanted to learn more about them. What were they, and where did they come from, she wondered.
-What's that thing on its back, she asked curiously.
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-You see this hump, it's a lifesaver for these animals, said Arian, it means they don't have to worry about dying of thirst when they're in the desert.
Then the questions began, what is a desert and how does a hump “produce” water, 4-year-old children are very curious.
Feel like an astronaut
We then made our way to the Museum of the Future, a place that seems to perfectly capture the essence of Dubai - a city that's always looking to the future, never back. The building itself is a sight to behold, its unique design resembling a giant, oval-shaped bagel made of iron. As you step inside, you're immediately drawn to the stunning visual display above - a massive fish appears to be swimming through the air, its gentle movements mesmerizing the kids, who couldn't take their eyes off it for a long time. The museum's futuristic vibe is palpable, and it's no wonder that it's become a must-visit destination in this forward-thinking city. With its innovative architecture and interactive exhibits, the Museum of the Future is an inspiring place that's sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.
Erica wondered out loud, "I don't get it, how does it actually fly?" Aryan chimed in with a theory, "Maybe it's got these super thin cables that are practically invisible, you know, the kind you can barely see?" They both tried to take a closer look, searching high and low, but no matter how hard they looked, they just couldn't seem to spot anything.
As you step inside the museum, you're instantly transported to a world beyond our own, where the thrill of life on a space station, 600 kilometers above the Earth, becomes a tangible reality. With the aid of cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality technologies, you can gaze out at the breathtaking vista of Dubai and the world as it will be in 2071. But what's truly remarkable is that you'll also have the chance to delve into the futuristic technologies that are already a part of our lives today, giving you a glimpse into the incredible advancements that are shaping our future.
The children had fun at the museum, as there is an interactive play space.
