My Dubai Experience
Rating: All-Star
My trip to Dubai—from the moment I left home to the moment I returned—was extraordinary on every level. It began with Emirates Business Class, which may honestly be the best airline experience I’ve ever had. Emirates offers a chauffeur service in both directions—they pick you up before departure, pick you up upon arrival, and repeat the service when you head home. It’s true door-to-door care, the kind of hospitality Dubai is built on.
On the flight, the lie-flat seat, pajamas, mattress topper, and real pillow made sleeping effortless. When I wasn’t asleep, I enjoyed amazing meals and even spent time in the onboard bar/lounge meeting other passengers. The service was warm, attentive, and deeply respectful—very much in line with Dubai’s principle that leadership exists for people, not over them.
A flight attendant recommended I try Fix Chocolate, calling it the “original Dubai chocolate,” and gave me a helpful insider tip: order it the day before heading home and refrigerate it because it’s so fresh. His recommendation felt like a small example of Dubai’s culture of friendliness, openness, and keeping promises.
During my stay at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, I ordered Fix using the Careem app. Careem made everything incredibly simple—fast ordering, live tracking, and a perfect delivery straight to the hotel. That friction-free efficiency is part of Dubai’s DNA: rule of law, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
The hotel itself was outstanding. I typically watch what I eat, but the restaurant selection was so diverse—food from all around the world, each dish better than the last—that I happily broke my routine. It felt like a reflection of Dubai’s global outlook: welcoming people, cultures, and flavors from everywhere.
The fitness center and sauna were fantastic, and swimming in the Persian Gulf was unforgettable. The water is more salinated than what I’m used to, and I floated noticeably more—it felt both calming and surreal.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was a desert experience. I learned about the Bedouins, the desert’s traditional nomadic people, and how they navigated by the stars, survived in harsh conditions, honored their guests, and built their lives around trust and community. It reminded me of my childhood in Hawaii—different environments, but the same ancient wisdom: knowing your land, reading the sky, respecting nature, and living with a deep sense of honor.
Riding a camel through the desert tied the whole experience together and made the history feel alive.
As for the chocolates—I ordered the box of six, kept them cool, and brought them home. They were a huge hit, especially with my kids, their teachers, and their classmates. Sharing them felt like passing along a small piece of Dubai’s creativity and generosity.
What struck me most about Dubai is how clearly you can see the principles that guide the city in everything you experience: unity, fairness, global openness, excellence in both government and private service, a culture built on respect, and a commitment to building for generations—not just today. Dubai isn’t just efficient; it’s intentional. Everything feels designed with people in mind.
If you’re considering a trip, go. Let Emirates take care of you, order Fix Chocolate through Careem before you leave, and immerse yourself in the desert and the city. Dubai is a place that stays with you long after you’ve flown home.