Soaking in culture-rich Dubai

CEBU, Philippines - The world's most luxurious hotel, the world's tallest building, and the world's largest shopping mall complex - Dubai is fast becoming a city of superlatives the closer we draw towards 2020 when all of Dubai's major construction projects come to completion.

Dubai is the Singapore of the Middle East not only in terms of its highly ambitious projects in modern architecture, but more so in its being a cocktail of diverse cultures.  Of Dubai's roughly two million strong population, 85 percent are not native Emiratis.  A staggeringly high number of the population are a mix of Europeans, Eurasians, Saudi Arabians, Indians, Pakistanis, Omanis, Africans, and yes, Filipinos to name a few.

Dubai is the perfect example of  how man has the ability to completely transform his environment and breathe life into a complex city from what used to be a vast expanse of desert.

Dubai is the second largest emirate based on land area, following the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi.  However, among the seven emirates in the UAE, Dubai is the most populous.  This global city has been ruled by the Al Makhtoum family since the early 1800s with Sheikh Zayed al Makhtoum as the visionary leader who transformed Dubai from a traditional Arab settlement into one of the world's most bustling global hubs in a span of 50 years.  Today, Rashid, his son, is perpetuating the family legacy in preparation for the World Expo in six years' time.

While much of what we know about Dubai's history can be traced back to the oil boom that has catapulted it into its current stellar status, a trip to Dubai would never be complete without taking an abra, a traditional mode of transportation, across the Dubai Creek for a glimpse at Dubai before the rise of the Burj Khalifa, the Burj al Arab, and its famous luxurious complex, the Palm.

Here's a checklist of experiences that will let you soak in Dubai's rich cultural heritage:

1. Explore the Dubai Heritage Village

The Dubai Heritage Village is located on the Bur side of the Creek.  You can start wandering through this time capsule by hopping on board the MRT bound for the Al Ghubaiba station which opens up to a sprawling courtyard of grass and coral and plaster buildings.  One of the most prominent structures you'll find are the four wind towers which were the ancient times' airconditioners.  Moist cloth was usually draped on the wooden beams of the wind towers so that when a gust of wind would blow through them, the air inside the house would be cooler by 11 degrees Celsius versus the world outside.  One area you should never miss is the house of Sheikh Zayed Al Maktoum, one of Dubai's most beloved and respected leaders.  The Sheikh's house is a vast complex of teak doors, vaulted ceilings, architraves and lattice windows - one of the best examples of Islamic architecture.  The Sheikh is responsible for maximizing Dubai's trading potential by opening up the Creek to invite traders from Iran and India, by cultivating the boom of the pearl industry, and by transforming Dubai into the global city that it is today in a span for half a century.  Today, his house is a museum of photographs and lithographs chronicling the life at the Creek.  The other surrounding areas are museums dedicated to Islamic architecture, urban planning, calligraphy, and culture and the arts in general.

2. Hop on board an abra

An abra is a small wooden boat that traverses both shores of the creek bringing people from one side to the other at the meager cost of 1 dirham (P12).  This is the traditional way of traveling along the creek and getting goods from one side to another.  Abras are lined up at the port a short walk from the Sheikh's house and an even shorter walk from the souk.  Take an abra ride come mid to late afternoon to get a good view of gulls grazing the water with their beaks and of large wooden dows or spice boats moored on the opposite bank.

3. Shop at the Souk

Old Dubai's souks is an interesting alleyway of textile, spice, and curios that you can haggle down for at most half its original price.  This is the best place to pick up souvenirs especially if you are after authentic Arabian lamps and head dresses.  Mounds of spices are also displayed along the shops and you can always ask the merchant to mix you a unique potpourri depending on what you are in the mood for.  Turkish lamps, genie shoes, decorative plates, Arabian perfume, magic carpets, kris daggers - you name it, the souk has it.

4. Bring home some bling from the gold souk

This is where a lot of celebrities allegedly shop for yellow bling.  The gold souk is worth the visit even if you are not necessarily in the mood to bring some home.  Prepare to be dazzled by rows of show windows eagerly displaying pure gold necklaces, bibs, earrings, rings, bangles, and cuffs, as well as a vast collection of rings with almost every combination of semi- precious stone mounted on its surface.

5. Get lost in Naif

Naif lies on the opposite side of Dubai's Bur side.  This is where you'll bump into an interesting collection of people from almost every part of the Middle East.  Naif is Dubai's version of Colon - an old commercial district still bustling with life.  Score affordable goods here which are priced even lower than that of the souks.  Dare to get lost in a maze of stalls and stores and take a break at Kabul Darbar, an authentic Afghan restaurant nestled deep within a tangle of stores selling abayas.

6. Ride a camel at the desert

This is an experience that is difficult to miss.  The Arabian desert connecting Dubai and Oman is a place worth exploring while the sun is still out.  After a roller coaster ride that's dune bashing, you'll have your chance to ride on a camel and wander not far from the desert encampment.  Along the way you'll find bedouins making Arabian bread, and maybe a falconer stroking his falcon's feathers.  The more popular option is to explore the desert come late afternoon to night.  However, the morning schedule works just as well minus the evening crowd.  Stay close to your guide for this one as there are scorpions and snakes beneath the dunes in certain areas.