Desert Dreams: A Journey to Dubai
"An Inspiring Travel Story of a Kenyan Woman’s First-Time Adventure to Dubai’s Landmarks, Culture, and Desert Wonders
Amira had always dreamed of seeing the world beyond her small town in Kenya. Every evening, after her work as a schoolteacher, she would sit by the window with her notebook, scrolling through travel blogs and videos of places she longed to visit. And always, the one place that shimmered in her imagination more than any other was Dubai.
To her, Dubai was a city from the future, a place where golden deserts met towering glass structures, where tradition and innovation walked side by side. She was captivated by the idea of visiting the world’s tallest building, riding camels through sun-drenched dunes, and strolling through vibrant souks filled with spices, perfumes, and colorful fabrics. So she saved diligently for years, setting aside a bit of her modest salary each month. Finally, after three years, her dream took flight—literally. Amira boarded her first international flight, heart racing with excitement, destination: Dubai.
When the plane descended over the Persian Gulf, the view took her breath away. The coastline of Dubai glittered like a jewel against the deep blue of the water. As the aircraft touched down, she felt like she had landed on another planet. The airport was a world of polished marble, shimmering chandeliers, and flowing water features.
Her first steps outside the airport greeted her with a wave of warm desert air. Dubai in December was mild, sunny, and welcoming. She checked into a modest hotel in Deira, one of the city’s older neighborhoods, and gazed out at the skyline from her window—an eclectic mix of minarets, malls, and skyscrapers.
On her first full day, Amira made her way to the Burj Khalifa. Standing at the base of the tallest building in the world, she craned her neck and marveled at how humans could create something so impossibly tall. The elevator ride to the 148th floor was smooth and fast, and the view from the observation deck took her breath away. The city sprawled out below like a model, with tiny cars, manicured gardens, and the desert in the distance.
She spent the afternoon wandering through the Dubai Mall, more a city than a shopping center. There was an indoor waterfall, a giant aquarium, and even an ice skating rink. She watched a fountain show at dusk, where water danced to the sound of Arabic music, lit by colorful lights. Amira was spellbound.
But as much as she was drawn to the futuristic side of Dubai, it was the city’s heritage and culture that truly captured her heart. On her third day, she joined a cultural tour of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. The narrow, sandy alleys and wind towers painted a picture of what Dubai had been before oil transformed it. She visited the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where she shared a traditional Emirati meal while learning about local customs and traditions. The hospitality of the people, their pride in their history, and their openness to questions moved her.
That evening, she embarked on a desert safari. Her 4x4 vehicle bounced across the golden dunes, and she laughed like a child with every jolt. The driver, a friendly man named Saeed, told her stories of growing up in a Bedouin family. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned shades of gold, orange, and purple. At the desert camp, she tried sandboarding, henna painting, and even a short camel ride. After a delicious dinner of grilled meats and sweet dates, she lay on a carpet beneath the stars, the night cool and quiet, the desert stretching endlessly around her. It was the most peaceful she had ever felt.
Another highlight was visiting the traditional souks along Dubai Creek. The aroma of saffron, cinnamon, and oud filled the air as she wandered through the Spice Souk. In the Gold Souk, she marveled at the intricate jewelry displays. A vendor offered her tea and struck up a conversation, sharing insights about trade, bargaining customs, and life in the city. He gifted her a tiny bottle of rose oil when he learned it was her first time in Dubai.
Her last day was spent at the beach, feet in the white sand, watching families and tourists enjoying the sun. She looked out over the Arabian Gulf and reflected on how far she had come. She had once believed travel like this was only for others, for people with more money, more time, more freedom. But here she was, thousands of kilometers from home, proving to herself that dreams were not just for dreaming—they were for living.
Returning to Kenya, Amira felt changed. She brought back souvenirs for her students—keychains shaped like camels, postcards of the skyline, and stories. Oh, so many stories. She told her class about the soaring towers, the starry desert, the warmth of the people, and the way the call to prayer echoed through the city like poetry. Her journey inspired her students to dream bigger, to believe that the world was open to them too.
Dubai had given her more than memories. It had shown her that even the most distant places are within reach with determination and hope. And in her heart, she knew this trip was only the beginning.
About the Creator
Kashmir
Passionate story writer with 5+ years of experience creating fiction and essays that explore emotion, relationships, and the human experience—stories that resonate long after the final word.
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