Dubai was a disgusting city but great for those who worship obscene wealth. The "old city" tour was a cartoonish depiction of what it might have been like in days gone by, including an emaciated camel. The gold market was ugly - with stall after stall of bright gold jewelry. The architects must be enjoying building the gaudy highrise towers. Our 2 days there were not enjoyable although I thought it was hilarious to eat at New York Fries in that huge mall.
Ah, this is brilliantly observed. Dubai is a shiny thing to marvel at! … is a thing that many western voices have exclaimed, without mentioning the uncanny disturbed undercurrents. But ah, so many visits have been sponsored by the sheikhs. Including my own, 10 years ago (the airline/ tourism board).
What a great post (as always Justin!). I’ve been to Cairo & Istanbul a few times & lived near Dubai for 2 yrs (2007-2009), watching it be built (on the backs of slaves). But your description of Dubai (“a parody of a post-national utopia”) is dead on. This post brought back so many memories (eg cats!🐈) I long to get back to Cairo & Egypt one more time and reading this post perhaps will be the catalyst to make it happen! ❤️
Wow - it's so interesting to hear how much Dubai has changed since I moved away four years ago! You could DEFINITELY sit at the front of the Metro when I was there!
Dubai was a disgusting city but great for those who worship obscene wealth. The "old city" tour was a cartoonish depiction of what it might have been like in days gone by, including an emaciated camel. The gold market was ugly - with stall after stall of bright gold jewelry. The architects must be enjoying building the gaudy highrise towers. Our 2 days there were not enjoyable although I thought it was hilarious to eat at New York Fries in that huge mall.
Ah, this is brilliantly observed. Dubai is a shiny thing to marvel at! … is a thing that many western voices have exclaimed, without mentioning the uncanny disturbed undercurrents. But ah, so many visits have been sponsored by the sheikhs. Including my own, 10 years ago (the airline/ tourism board).
This George Saunders article is nearly 20 years old but it is a phenomenal incisive read, seriously give it a look you will not be sorry: https://www.gq.com/story/george-saunders-on-dubai
So interesting - the ‘vibe’ of a city - something you see and feel in your bones…
What a great post (as always Justin!). I’ve been to Cairo & Istanbul a few times & lived near Dubai for 2 yrs (2007-2009), watching it be built (on the backs of slaves). But your description of Dubai (“a parody of a post-national utopia”) is dead on. This post brought back so many memories (eg cats!🐈) I long to get back to Cairo & Egypt one more time and reading this post perhaps will be the catalyst to make it happen! ❤️
Sounds like Singapore.
Another good blog, Justin....and Istanbul, yes! Love that place....
Great contrast in these three cities.
Wow - it's so interesting to hear how much Dubai has changed since I moved away four years ago! You could DEFINITELY sit at the front of the Metro when I was there!