Our trip to the UAE was mainly a trip to Dubai and a quick stop in Abu Dhabi. We were so tight with our time but would have loved to visit all seven states including: Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman & Rass al Khaimah. It wasn’t my first time in Dubai though; I visited in 2003, like 14 years ago…Damn 14! I just realized that. So let’s pretend I never visited… Dubai wasn’t different from what I saw now… It was just let’s say, more… “empty” and fresh. However, our second visit was extremely memorable. From the activities we had organized to the places we visited and the people we met throughout the trip. One thing I will always recall about the UAE is that its population is the most kind-hearted, respectful ever. We never felt as respected in our own country as women! I love my country and even adore Beirut, but 100% (to my estimation) of the women around me agree with the fact that you can’t walk down the streets without being cat-called in some way, regardless of what you would be wearing. That’s probably one of the few things I hate about Lebanon besides our never-ending traffic.
 
Okay let’s get back to our trip to the UAE. We had so many things to do on our list, but we mainly managed to eat the most. Besides that, we flew to Dubai for the much awaited Dubai Fashion Forward event taking place at the Dubai Design District (check my next UAE trip blog post out) from the 26th till the 28th of October.
 
THE FOOD:
I have no idea about the UAE but concerning Dubai, it has the bestttttttttttttt food in the whole entire universe. You can’t miss Salt on Kite Beach (Jumeirah), the unlimited list of restaurants to visit when in Dubai mall: Five Guys, Le Pain Quotidien, Karam Express (for those who remember the iconic Karam Restaurant next to the Lebanese Parliament in Downtown, Beirut), Shake Shack (definitely better than the one that was in Beirut), Cereal Killer Café (coming straight from London and the none-other Camden Town which I visited last December), also, Nusr-Et with salt bae (*akh albeh* famous Lebanese expression), Burger & Lobster (DIFC), Cipriani and Zuma (DIFC), Cocoa Room (The Galleria Mall), Zaatar W Zeit (for the quick not so quick “home away from home” bite since their delivery takes up to an hour and a half to arrive, and reduced portions compared to Lebanon), Rosso Vivo Pizzas for the best wood-fired delivered Pizzas.
PS: Not to miss: Friday brunch around Dubai!!!
 
A BUCKET LIST CHECK: THE DESERT SAFARI:
Alongside other things to do in my bucket list, planning a safari trip in the Arabian Desert was definitely a must… Think of Samantha, Carrie, Miranda & Charlotte in Abu Dhabi. That was it. However this time, you had a second edition with Tatiana, Théa (@theamechleb) & Estelle (@estelleakl). It was one of the most fulfilling experiences we had in a while. We opted for the early morning safari package (quick & fun). We will definitely be trying the Sunset safari the next time we’re around!
 
HOTEL LOCATION: TOWERS ROTANA, SHEIKH ZAYED RD.: CONVENIENT
When picking our hotel location, we face a dilemma: Jumeirah or Sheikh Zayed? DIFC? Dubai Marina? We finally went for Sheikh Zayed road (next to DIFC, a couple of minutes away from Business bay & Dubai Mall). We booked our room on the 20th floor at Towers Rotana! We got upgraded and had access to the Club Rotana privileges which meant more & more food (24/7). The room service was impeccable and staff was extremely friendly!
 
NIGHTLIFE
First & foremost, don’t bother going clubbing if you are underage, meaning below 21 years old. It won’t work out for you no matter you wasta. Otherwise, clubbing in Dubai is said to be one of a kind: IRIS, IL CHRINGUITO, WHITE, ARMANI PRIVE, CIRQUE LE SOIR…
 
OUR GYM WHEN AWAY FROM HOME: DUBAI MALL
This is the truest most genuine statement I ever made! Whenever we visited the Dubai Mall, our phones counted the number of steps we accomplished. We would indeed reach up 20 000 steps which is about 16km of walking. AMAZING! Aaaand AMAZING shopping.
 
NOTES TO READERS

• Make sure to book your trip around Fall to enjoy the perfect weather in Dubai or the UAE.
• Do not have any meal before going on your safari trip (to avoid any chance of puking).
• We discovered Dubai while riding Careem thanks to their overly friendly & patient drivers!