Jumeirah Mosque
My sightseeing today began at the Jumeirah Mosque. It was built in the 1970’s as a gift to Dubai from the current Sheikh’s late father. Its architecture was influenced by mosques in Syria and Egypt and it can accommodate 1500 worshipers.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab sits on a man-made island about 1000 feet offshore and stands 1050′ tall. It is called a 7-star hotel but I don’t think that exists. It is made up of 28 double story floors and 202 suites. You can stay in the royal suite for about $25,000/night.
It looks small in this picture but remember it is three football fields away from me. The little white disc close to the top is the helipad. There is a 600 foot-tall atrium inside.
Next to the Al Bastakiya or Al Fahidi, a neighborhood built by affluent Persian merchants drawn to Dubai by trade opportunities.
A water taxi was needed to get to the Spice Souk. The spices weren’t particularly shiny but some of the accompanying wares were (see picture of bags.) There were spices for all occasions but I was particularly interested in saffron and was able to get a good deal on a jarful.
The Gold Souk was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was a bazaar with several blocks of gold and silver shops, wall after wall of gold and glass. I was told that gold shopping is a sport for wealthy Emerati women but I also understand that it is popular with Indian women for whom gold has substantial cultural significance.
