Journey to the Golden Sands

My Adventures in the UAE

It was a bright morning when my plane touched down in Dubai, the heart of the United Arab Emirates. As I looked out of the window, I could already see the city’s glittering skyline reaching up to the clouds. I felt excited, nervous, and curious all at once. This was going to be my first big adventure abroad, and I was ready to explore every corner of this fascinating country.

The moment I stepped out of the airport, the warm desert air greeted me like a friendly hug. The roads were wide and clean, and palm trees lined the streets. As we drove into the city, I couldn’t stop staring at the tall buildings that seemed to touch the sky. The Burg Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, stood proudly in the middle of Dubai like a shining spear of glass. I couldn’t wait to go up there.

My first stop was the Bur Khalifa itself. The elevator ride to the observation deck was so fast that my ears popped! When the doors opened, I gasped. Below me stretched the whole city—silver towers, winding highways, and golden desert in the distance. It felt like I was standing above the clouds. I took so many pictures, wanting to capture that incredible moment forever.

After that, I went to The Dubai Mall, which was unlike any mall I had ever seen. It wasn’t just for shopping; it was like a city inside a building. There was an enormous aquarium filled with colorful fish, a waterfall that looked like silver angels diving down, and even an ice-skating rink! I ate ice cream while watching children skate happily, and then I bought a few souvenirs to remind me of this magical place.

That evening, I watched the Dubai Fountain Show, right next to the Burg Khalifa. The fountains danced in perfect rhythm to Arabic and English music, rising and falling with the beat. The lights reflected off the water, making it sparkle like diamonds. I felt like I was in a movie scene.

The next day was one of my favorite parts of the trip—the desert safari. A driver picked us up in a big 4x4 jeep, and soon we were racing across the sand dunes. The car went up and down the golden hills like a roller coaster. I screamed and laughed at the same time—it was both thrilling and a little scary! When we stopped, the desert stretched endlessly in every direction, glowing orange under the afternoon sun.

I tried sandboarding, sliding down a dune on a board just like snowboarding. It was harder than it looked, but I had so much fun trying! Later, we rode camels, the gentle giants of the desert, and watched the sunset paint the sky in shades of gold and pink. As night fell, we sat in a Bedouin-style camp with carpets on the sand, eating delicious grilled meat, rice, and dates. There was traditional tanoura dance and belly dancing, and the stars above us sparkled brighter than I had ever seen. That night felt like magic.

My journey continued to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. It had a more peaceful and elegant charm compared to the busy Dubai. I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Its white marble walls, golden domes, and crystal chandeliers made it look like a palace from a fairy tale. When I walked inside, the calm and beauty filled my heart with peace.

In Abu Dhabi, I also visited Ferrari World, the famous theme park with the fastest roller coaster in the world. My heart was pounding as the ride started—it went from zero to 240 km/h in just a few seconds! The wind rushed past my face, and I couldn’t stop laughing after it ended. It was terrifying but unforgettable.

Before leaving Abu Dhabi, I took a walk along the Corniche Beach, where families relaxed and children played near the turquoise water. The skyline looked beautiful against the evening sky, and I realized how clean and organized everything was in the UAE.

My last stop was Sharjah, known as the cultural capital of the country. I explored the Heritage Village, where I learned about the UAE’s history and saw how people lived before oil was discovered. There were small clay houses, old tools, and craftsmen making pottery and weaving cloth. I even tried wearing a traditional kandura, the white robe worn by Emirati men, and took some fun pictures.

At the end of my journey, I visited a traditional souk, or market. The air was filled with the smell of spices and perfumes. Shopkeepers smiled and welcomed me warmly, offering dates and coffee. I bought a few small gifts—keychains, magnets, and a bottle of Arabic perfume—to take home.

As my plane took off back home, I looked out of the window at the glowing lights of Dubai fading beneath the clouds. My heart was full of memories—the excitement of the desert, the beauty of the mosque, the kindness of the people, and the dazzling city lights.

My adventures in the UAE taught me that it is a country where the past and future live side by side. You can see old traditions proudly preserved next to the most modern buildings in the world. It is a place of dreams, warmth, and inspiration. I knew then that one day, I would return to create even more adventures in this wonderful land.