August 27th, 2019
Welcome to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is the home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa! In some weird way, Dubai the Vegas of the Middle East reminds me of Las Vegas in the summer without the casinos of course. I have just traveled from Nairobi after completing my Safari Trip for the past week.
A couple of reason why I am here in Dubai, firstly, I needed a place where I can get a good shower and relax before my flight back to the US. Secondly, I wanted to check out the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa as I was at the world’s tallest Petronas twin tower a few weeks before.
Check out the link for the Petronas Twin Tower below http://www.pomusa.com/2019/08/04/petronas-twin-tower-malaysia/
Free SIM card and minutes
First stop after baggage claim is to get myself a free SIM card and service for all visitors to Dubai. Yes, it comes with FREE three-minute talk time, five SMS and 20MB mobile data. Check out the links below
https://www.etisalat.ae/en/c/mobile/plans/visitor-line.jsp
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/now-free-sim-cards-for-all-uae-visitors-1
etisalat free visitor sim card etisalat free visitor sim card
Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
My first stop after the airport is the Sofitel Downtown Dubai. The hotel is magnificent as it has a direct view of the Burj Khalifa. Ironically, I spent some time at the pool before I pay Burj Khalifa a visit.
Sofitel Dubai Bathroom Sink Sofitel Dubai Entrance Sofitel Dubai Room 2304 Sofitel Dubai View Sofitel Dubai Water Closet Sofitel Dubai Bathroom Sofitel Downtown Dubai Hallway
Next part is the infinity pool overlooking Burj Khalifa
Sofitel Dubai Swimming Pool Sofitel Dubai Swimming Pool Sofitel Dubai Looking at Burj Khalifa from pool
The easiest way to get to Burj Khalifa is to walk in the above-ground pedestrian bridge that takes you all the way to Dubai Mall and then to Burj Khalifa. You really want to do that because it’s so freaking hot over here.
Dubai Mall
Pedestrian Bridge from Outside inside the pedestrian bridge
Next stop, Dubai Mall. Yes, they got all the American comfort over here including Dunkin Donuts, Mickey D’s, Starbuck, Johnny Rockets, etc…
Outside of Dubai Mall Entrance to Dubai Mall Food court Dunkin Donuts at Dubai Mall Dubai Mall Food Court
Since I have been eating Indian food in Kenya, I had some craving for it and I stopped by this stall in the food court. The volume was too much and it was watered down.
Chicken Tikka Massala Indian Food at Dubai Mall
Guess what I also found at the mall… Here comes Darth Vader and his Imperial Storm Troopers.
Star Wars Darth Vader StormTroopers at Dubai Mall
The Burj Khalifa
I present you the World’s Tallest Building in 2019…The Burj Khalifa located in Dubai, UAE
My appointment with the world’s tallest building is at 7 pm and I am on my way there. The Dubai Mall is so massive that I actually got lost for 15 minutes.
Yes, you will need to make a reservation online to get the time and the right price. However, you may purchase them inside Dubai Mall before you get to the entrance of the At The Top, Burj Khalifa.
Elevator to Burj Khalifa Entrance to Burj Khalifa At the TOP 125th Floor Burj Khalifa View from the top of Burj Khalifa Sunset Burj Khalifa Evening View of Burj Khalifa Guinness World Record Burj Khalifa
Evening View of Downtown Dubai Sunset from the top of Burj Khalifa
More Picture of the building from the outside
Outside view of the Burj Khalifa View from inside the pedestrian walkway looking at Burj Khalifa
I spent over 1 hour in the building before I head back to the hotel as sad to say, I have to wake up early the next morning for my trip back to the US.
Next morning, I checked the view from my hotel room.
View of Burj Khalifa from Sofitel Downtown Dubai
Some pictures along the route to the airport…
Dubai Frame Dubai UAE On the road to the airport, Dubai UAE
Dubai Airport
All I know is that within the next minute, I am at the airport and on the Emirates flight back to the US.
Emirates Airline Inside Dubai Airport Emirates Airline
Emirates offered us a little gift bag with sock, toothpaste, eyeshade, etc.. My only similar experience was when I flew business class on my flight from Bangkok to Nairobi.
We got served breakfast, lunch and some sort of snack.
Breakfast Menu Lunch Breakfast onboard Emirates airline
The flight took about 16 hours and it’s interesting that the route goes over the North Pole. Yes, I have to report that Santa did not do a fly-by when I was over at North Pole.
North Pole route Dubai to LAX Tail Camera from the A380 near North Pole
Yup.. then… I made it home… now for my next adventure…
Check out…
What’s your next adventure?
Not sure yet.. i will be up in oregon for a reunion.. i am hoping maybe Alaska during the bear catching salmon but that won’t be till next year.