Hey guys! I can’t believe the trip is already halfway through! It has been an incredibly wonderful learning experience. I really have been enjoying every minute we have been here from the culture to the food and the people. Our Dubai Museum educational visit really helped me learn more about the history of this city, their culture, and the people. I got to see how settlement began here in the small villages and forts with only trade, fishing, and pearl diving as the main economy. In time, Dubai was forced to search for an alternative income because of the invention of artificial pearls and that is when Sheikh Saeed helped develop the country into the global city we now recognize.
One of my favorite attractions so far has to be the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The structure is truly mesmerizing and can be seen from almost any point in the city. It gleams like the ocean when the sun hits it and once inside you can see as far as the World Islands on a clear day — and luckily for us it was very clear. The building measures 2,722 ft and houses the world’s fastest elevators, reaching the observation deck on the 124th floor in 60 seconds. It is also home to the world highest restaurant, nightclub, and prayer room, and has also broken numerous other records.
This experience has definitely opened my eyes to cultures I had very little knowledge about and has better helped me understand Middle Eastern customs as well as their form of doing business. Meeting with successful people in the industry has given me an inside look at what it takes to reach the top. I have also gained global citizenship skills and awareness through these experiences by immersing myself in the country and interacting with the people of Dubai. I look forward to continuing my trip and can’t wait to check back in with more details!
All the best,
Andrea M.