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| Aerial views from Burj Khalifa |
Dubai is a nation juxtaposed in imageries and ethnicities, a cultural melting pot where the east meets the west. To an independent observer it’s intriguing to watch the interactions between the different cultures; an ethos that is both organic and symbiotic in nature. Setting aside racial biases, it has truly been an enriching learning experience, one that began more than a decade ago for me. My father moved to the Middle East in the nineties, a period characterized by radical economic changes for India. The Indian economy had just opened up to globalization, and with the burgeoning aspirations of the middle class population, many were seeking the Arabian shores to start afresh.
For our family though it was a move predisposed by adversity. In hind sight it was a turning point of sorts in our lives. We were all of a sudden exposed to this vibrant culture that we knew little or nothing about. I vividly remember my first trip; I was wrought with apprehension and anxiety. But my fears melted away with time. Indeed I saw the peaceful co-existence of the different cultures, each maintaining their own individual identities and yet blending with the multi cultural fabric of the nation. In a way fashion and attitudes were also defined by these values. It was hardly strange to see Arab women draped in the trendiest abayas strutting confidently as did women in saris and salwar kameezes. Western stores like Zara, Mango, and Berksha displayed their western styles with élan as did the local Arabic, Indian and Pakistani stores. There was a cultural openness that seemed to welcome all. It therefore came as no surprise when we spotted a Hindu temple and gurudwara alongside a mosque, and quintessential churches adorning bustling streets. Secularity and plurality were the norms of the day.
The streets also had this old town, romantic feel to it. It was an enthralling experience as we watched traders hustling for wares in the ports, and spotted small colorful boats from all the corners of the world dock in the waters for the day. As one stepped out of the chaos, the gold souks were just around the corner. Gold and precious stones displayed ostensibly seemed failed to amaze me. Just when you thought you had seen it all, the water front cruises seemed to beckon you. A sunset cruise watching the Dubai skyline was definitely high priority for all. Huffing on the hookah, dancing with the belly dancers, and tasting the magnificent array of Middle Eastern cuisine, you could be transported to an heirloom. Alas for the adventurous, the desert safari was no less than an aphrodisiac. The Stomach churning ride only seemed to exemplify the thrills of Dubai. It seemed like the minority population was all set to woo the rest of the world with their open sprits and entrepreneurship.
I have seen Dubai undergo drastic changes over the years. From the peak of the economic boom, when construction and trade touched new heights, this region was the Atlantis of the world. Over the years, Dubai has paid a hefty price for the excesses, and as the global economy is going through a financial meltdown, it remains to be seen if Dubai will regain its international stature. But there is no doubt in my mind that Dubai will continue to remain the ever vibrant and dynamic capital of diverse cultures, and will always hold a special place in my heart.
