From Gold Souks to Galaxy Dreams: Lokesh’s Dubai Family Adventure with Thrillophilia
“Papa, when will we go to a place where buildings touch the sky?”
My daughter asked me one evening while watching a documentary on Dubai. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and my wife smiled from across the room. That one innocent question planted the seed for a trip that would soon become one of our most cherished family memories.
As a father and husband, I have always believed in creating memories. I have learned that life is about pausing and exploring the world together, hand in hand. And that is exactly what we decided to do in February 2024.
Thanks to Thrillophilia, planning our Dubai adventure was smooth and stress-free. They delivered everything they promised. What followed was four memorable days of laughter and connection in the heart of the city that constantly reaches for the stars.
Wandering Souls in the City of Gold
We landed in Dubai, and the winter sun cast a golden hue over the skyline. The first day was set aside for leisure, and honestly, we could not have asked for a better start.
After checking into our hotel, we headed to the Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar. I have seen many markets in India, but Dubai’s bazaars have a sophisticated and rooted rhythm. My wife was mesmerised by the shimmering gold displays, some of which looked too grand to be real. Meanwhile, my daughter clung to my hand as she watched tourists from all corners of the world bargain and shop.
We ended our day at a beach near La Mer. It was not originally included in our itinerary, but Thrillophilia had kindly added it, and I am so glad they did. We walked barefoot along the shore and watched the sun dip below the sea.
My daughter whispered, “This is the sand I imagined, Papa.”
From Skyscrapers to Sand Dunes
Our second day began with a city tour, and sharing the transfer with other tourists turned out to be more fun than expected. We saw the Burj Al Arab and the Atlantis, and drove along Sheikh Zayed Road, with its tall marvels surrounding both sides. My wife could not stop clicking pictures while my daughter kept comparing the buildings to those she had seen in cartoons.
But the highlight of the day was definitely the desert safari. I will admit that dune bashing was far more intense than I imagined. My daughter screamed with joy while I held on to the seat for dear life. My wife burst into laughter like I hadn’t seen in years- it was wonderful to see her so happy. That evening, we watched the sunset over the desert in oranges and pinks, followed by a traditional dinner under the stars.
There were live Tanoura performances, fire shows, and belly dancing, and the food was just what we needed after a thrilling ride. While sitting together on floor cushions and sipping tea, I looked at my family and thought, “this is what it means to feel alive”.
On Top of the World and Beneath the Sea
The next day, we had a packed schedule, starting with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Even though we had non-prime hour tickets, the excitement was sky-high (pun intended!). We took the elevator to the 124th and 125th floors, and the view left us speechless.
“Look, Papa! The cars look so tiny!” my daughter exclaimed.
While standing there and overlooking a futuristic sky, I felt a change in me. It was one of those moments that remind you how small we are, and yet how limitless life can be.
Next on our itinerary was the Dubai Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo. The massive glass tunnel, filled with sharks and stingrays, made us feel like we had stepped into another world. My daughter insisted we stay longer just to wave at every fish that swam by.
Later in the day, we explored the Miracle Garden, which was bursting with colour and creativity. Giant Disney characters sculpted from flowers, heart-shaped archways, and floating umbrellas were like a storybook in real life.
We arrived at the Global Village in the evening. The mix of cultures, cuisines, and performances blew us away. From African drumming to French pastries, we tasted and saw the world in a single evening.
A Day of Dreams and Lights
Our final day was the most intense and magical one.
We had a private car from noon till late evening, which gave us the comfort and space to move at our own pace. Our first stop was the AYA Universe. It is hard to describe this place as it felt like a mix of science, art, and wonder. Imagine walking through galaxies, interacting with lights and reflections, and stepping into a world that reacts to your movements. My daughter danced in the glowing halls, and we let go of time.
Next, we visited The View at the Palm, where we stood above the iconic Palm Jumeirah and soaked in its perfect shape from the observatory. It made me appreciate how vision and engineering come together in Dubai like nowhere else.
We also visited the Museum of the Future. From flying cars to AI-driven health pods, it was like being fast-forwarded 50 years. But what stood out most to me was a message on the wall that said, “The future belongs to those who imagine it.” I took a picture of it as a reminder.
The day ended with a Dhow Cruise at the Marina. Gentle waves, city lights reflecting on the water, delicious food, and live music were the perfect send-off. My wife leaned on my shoulder, and my daughter fell asleep halfway through the cruise while holding a little souvenir she had bought.