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Hello!
This post takes us back in time – to moments when life looked entirely different, and travel followed its own unique rules. It’s a glimpse into a time before I met Jadwiga, when each of us explored the world on our own. Early travel experiences often feel distinct from the ones we gather later, and we’ve decided to share those stories to reflect on how both our perspectives and the places we’ve visited have changed over the years.
November 2019 was a pivotal moment for me. It marked one of my first international trips and the beginning of my journey into the Middle East. Dubai welcomed me with stunning architecture, a vibrant lifestyle, and a distinct rhythm of daily life, so different from Europe. These first impressions left a strong mark, sparking a desire to explore more of this fascinating region.
Although I stayed only a few days, I knew the UAE was a place I wanted to revisit. And I did – returning several times in the years that followed. In 2023, I explored the Emirates again, this time with Jadwiga, offering a fresh perspective on a place I thought I already knew.
Soon, we’ll share more about our adventures in the UAE. Our goal is to bring this country closer to you, blending insights from my pandemic-era visit and our shared journey in 2023. This way, the Emirates become not just a destination but a place you can truly connect with.
How did I get to the Emirates?
Takeoff from Warsaw and the beginning of problems
So, as a moderately experienced traveler – excluding school trips to places like the Czech Republic or Slovakia – I was still learning how to organize and manage everything properly. Sure, I had already been on a long trip to the United States, but that was a completely different region with its own unique challenges.
I bought my tickets to Dubai (DXB) with FlyDubai for around 1500 PLN, departing from Kraków. The first issue arose when trying to get from Warsaw to Kraków. I had a few options – train, car, or flight. I chose the flight, as it seemed the fastest and most convenient. However, the weather had other plans.
The fog over Warsaw initially delayed the morning flight, and then… it was completely canceled. The prospect of missing my flight to the Emirates became all too real. Luckily, I managed to rebook onto the next available flight, which had a larger aircraft to accommodate some of the passengers from the earlier canceled one. After speaking with the staff, I managed to secure a seat in the first row, as close to the exit as possible. Perfect!
Transfer at Krakow airport
When I landed in Kraków, the real race against time began. Like Usain Bolt, I sprinted toward passport control. In my haste, I barely remembered the layout of the airport, so I gently weaved through the crowd, apologizing and explaining my situation. I made it to the gate… literally three minutes before it closed.
Out of breath and exhausted, I squeezed into my seat on the plane. That’s when it hit me – FlyDubai was more of a low-cost airline than a traditional one. A bit cramped, but the most important thing was that I made it onboard. Phew!
Let’s fly!
So, I settled into my seat and began the journey. Onboard, there was an entertainment system available which… didn’t work. Honestly? Looking back, I don’t really care about those little screens – I never use them anyway. However, as my first experience with FlyDubai, it left a rather mediocre impression. Instead of remembering the airline positively, I was left with the thought that it was a bit “hit or miss”.
The meal was modest: a small dish, a roll, and a little bottle of water. It was enough to get by, but nothing impressive. After the morning chaos of getting to Kraków, I decided to take a nap. As we flew, I finally had a moment to relax.
DXB
So, I landed. True to the low-cost experience, there was no jet bridge – just a bus waiting to shuttle us around the airport grounds for a good 20 minutes before finally dropping us off at passport control. Thankfully, the border procedures were straightforward. Polish citizens can enter the United Arab Emirates visa-free for tourism purposes. All I needed was a valid passport – a quick stamp, and I was ready to enjoy my stay.
Outside, I was greeted by typical November weather in Dubai – it wasn’t blazing hot, but warm and pleasant, especially compared to the chilly autumn back in Poland. Excited like a child with a new toy, I soaked in every moment. A new region of the world, a new culture, new experiences – I was in my element.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. I had previously seen a few TV programs, like “Ultimate Airport Dubai”, that showcased the behind-the-scenes expansion of this massive facility. DXB is a true hub, handling millions of passengers, and I was fascinated by how such a gigantic operation is managed – from security checks and border procedures to coordinating air traffic.
For anyone interested in large facilities and their operations, Dubai Airport is a true gem. Spacious terminals, massive passenger traffic, and excellent organization – all of this made my first moments at the airport truly impressive.
First experience with the Middle East
This was my first trip to this part of the world and my first encounter with a culture so vastly different from Europe. Of course, I had experienced diversity before in the United States, where I came across Mexicans and people from other nationalities, but this was something entirely different. Here, in the Emirates, everything felt new, and unfamiliar.
The first thing that catches your eye is the omnipresent sand. In Poland, sand is something you associate with beaches or construction sites, but here, it was everywhere – a natural part of the landscape, the surroundings, and even the architecture. The wide streets and monumental buildings made me feel like a child discovering a vast, new world. Sure, Europe has big cities too, but here everything was wider, taller, and more monumental – from multi-lane highways to towering skyscrapers.
Skyscrapers
One thing that might surprise less experienced travelers is the sheer scale of the infrastructure. Dubai is a city built to impress – full of futuristic designs and bold concepts. But in everyday life, this also translates into distances. Everything seems close, but in reality, you might need 30 minutes by car to get from point A to point B. For someone used to more compact cities in Europe, this can be quite a shock.
Cultural contrast
Then there’s the culture. My first encounter with the people, their clothing, their way of moving and interacting – all of it painted a picture of a place that was completely new to me. I saw women dressed in abayas, men in traditional kanduras, and at the same time, an incredible diversity of nationalities that makes Dubai so unique.
For those who travel less, the contrasts can be striking. In one moment, you’re in an ultra-modern shopping mall, and the next, you’re at a traditional souk filled with spices or gold, where it feels like time has stood still. This blend of modernity and tradition leaves a lasting impression and is something you won’t easily forget.
Emirates and first impressions
My first impressions? Definitely positive. Over the years, I’ve developed a more nuanced opinion about Arab countries – experience has a way of shaping perspectives. But if I were to recommend a starting point for someone just beginning to explore this region, the United Arab Emirates would be the perfect choice.
Why? Because it’s a place where diversity and multiculturalism were already the norm when I visited. Unlike countries that are just starting to open up to tourism, like Saudi Arabia (as of 2024), in the Emirates, a tourist from Europe is no longer a novelty.
Safety
One of the first things that caught my attention was the sense of safety. In the Emirates, I felt exceptionally calm, which is a feeling I rarely experience in many European cities. Strict laws, severe penalties for crimes, and the local culture contribute to an incredibly low crime rate. In Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can comfortably leave your phone or wallet on a café table and trust that no one will take it. Compared to Europe, where you often have to stay vigilant in certain places, the Emirates are truly impressive in this regard.
Growth
Looking back, it’s striking to see how rapidly the Emirates are evolving. New buildings rise, old ones disappear, and the landscape changes year by year. It’s fascinating to witness, but at the same time, there’s a clear divide – on one side, wealthy neighborhoods and luxurious landmarks, and on the other, a poorer segment of society that sustains all this grandeur through their labor.
What struck me even more was the organization and order. Despite the heavy traffic, crowds of tourists, and immense cultural diversity, everything functioned smoothly. Even the traffic, which can be chaotic in other Middle Eastern countries, seemed surprisingly well-organized here.
It’s also worth mentioning the linguistic diversity. The Emirates is a country where English serves as the working language, and in major cities, you can meet people from virtually every corner of the world. This makes it easy to navigate – even for those who aren’t seasoned travelers.
Accommodation
During my first visit to Dubai, I stayed at the Premier Inn hotel in the Al Jaddaf district. At that time, the area was undergoing rapid development – many buildings were still under construction, but now most of them are completed and open. Despite this growth, the district has managed to retain its character, blending new developments with a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling city center.
Nearby is Jaddaf Waterfront, also known as Culture Village, offering cultural spaces and scenic views of Dubai Creek. A major advantage was the proximity to Al Jaddaf metro station, located in fare zone 6. This made getting around Dubai both convenient and affordable, as many of the city’s key attractions are within the same zone, allowing for the cheapest single-ride tickets. The area turned out to be an excellent base for exploring the city, especially for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of more central districts.
Food
During my first visit to Dubai, I didn’t focus much on exploring the local cuisine, and I’ll admit, I lacked the courage to try more unusual dishes at the time. It’s a different story now – over the years, discovering local flavors has become one of my favorite parts of traveling. Even back then, though, shawarma wasn’t a challenge for me, and I was happy to give it a try.
The Emirates aren’t just about Middle Eastern cuisine. Thanks to the city’s multicultural nature, you can find almost anything here – from Indian curries to Italian pizza. At the time, I wasn’t ready for culinary experiments, but now I know that in Dubai, you can truly eat anything – catering to every budget and every style.
What was I able to see?
During my first visit to Dubai, I focused on a few of the city’s most popular landmarks. I saw the famous Dubai Fountain, which attracts crowds in the evening with its spectacular water and light shows. I admired the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, though only from the outside. Of course, I couldn’t miss Dubai Mall, which is impressive not only for its size but also for its variety – ranging from shops to attractions like the massive aquarium.
Traditional part of the city
I wanted to see more than just modern Dubai, so I took a walk along Dubai Creek, visiting the historic Al Fahidi district and Deira. These areas showcase a more traditional side of the city – markets, narrow streets, and a sense of the past. Interestingly, with a public transport card, you can take a traditional abra boat to cross Dubai Creek from one bank to the other – a fantastic experience that’s also incredibly affordable.
Subway
I also had the chance to ride the metro, which impressed me with its organization. For the first time, I saw the division into zones: Gold Class, a section for women and children, and a general area for everyone. This system provides both comfort and safety – especially for women traveling alone.
Safari
Towards the end of my stay, I decided to try something a bit more unique and went on a desert safari. Driving through the dunes in an off-road Nissan was an interesting experience, although I was joined by a family with a child who clearly didn’t handle the ride well. Thankfully, there were no major “incidents”. The safari ended in an oasis where they organized an evening feast with food, dance performances, and elements of local tradition. I have to admit, this part was a letdown. The food quality left much to be desired, and the overall atmosphere felt more commercial than authentic. I found it more tiring than enjoyable and, looking back, I think I could have skipped this part of the trip.
Return to Poland
And that sums up my first encounter with the United Arab Emirates. I arrived at the airport a bit earlier to take my time exploring this massive facility. I can’t remember exactly how many kilometers I walked through the terminals, but it was enough to feel it in my legs – they were seriously sore! 😅
Unfortunately, our flight was delayed by about two hours. To make matters worse, we departed from the older part of the airport, far from the modern and impressive DXB terminals I had seen on TV. The difference was immediately noticeable – from the worn-out carpeting to the outdated seating that had clearly seen better days.
After landing in Kraków, I still had to wait for my flight to Warsaw. I was tired, but I felt that this was just the beginning of my adventure with the Middle East. Back then, I had no idea that the Emirates, with all their contrasts and uniqueness, would become a place I’d return to – each time discovering something new.
Not the first and not the last time…
This was just the beginning of my – and Jadwiga’s – journey with the United Arab Emirates. If you want to learn more about traveling in this fascinating country, check out our other posts:
- 🦠 The UAE During the Pandemic – A diary entry from my journey in September 2020, filled with the challenges of traveling during COVID-19 and the adventures I experienced along the way.
- 👫 Guide to the United Arab Emirates – A comprehensive article covering everything you need to know about the UAE: pros, cons, culture, and our impressions. A recap of our joint journey in January 2023.
- 🏙️ What to see in and around Dubai? – A detailed guide to attractions in Dubai and nearby areas, helping you focus on the must-see highlights during your trip.
- 🌇 Abu Dhabi and nearby areas – what do we recommend seeing? – A guide to the capital of the Emirates and its most fascinating spots. We even got to ride in a self-driving taxi here!
Enjoy reading and discovering the Emirates together! 😊
