I had the opportunity to visit Dubai in the years 2007, 2008 and then in 2016 and 2017. My trip was mainly to meet my husband and son working in Dubai and also for academic purposes.
Dubai, in the year 2007 was an expanding city with few sky scrapers, limited transportation choices and had strong influence of the local culture. This time however, I experienced a completely transformed Dubai with all-round growth and could trace the roots of this success to UAE’s Vision 2021 stating: “To make the UAE among the best countries in the world by the year 2021, the Golden Jubilee of the Union”, coupled with good governance and implementation from cornerstones of the UAE government. Each visit revealed an ever increasing number of tourist attractions and events. One feels at the top of the world while getting birds-eye view of the city from top of the Burj Khalifa. My mind was dancing with the world’s largest, musical fountain. The largest natural flower garden, ‘Miracle Garden’ awakens the child in you. One can never forget the desert safaris.
I was pleased to note that special care was demonstrated for senior citizens at the immigration services. Among many countries visited, I noticed Dubai to be the safest city. The respectful behaviour of citizens to women is remarkable. The polite responses of the Roads and Transport Authority bus drivers to queries of first time visitors boosts their confidence. Moving around the city on high quality, wide roads and driverless Metro rides were a great experience. The city’s great tourist attractions, ultimate shopping experiences, a safe and secure environment and world class infrastructure will ensure that target of 20 million tourists will be crossed before 2020.
- The reader is an arbitrator and trainer based in India.
