Starry Nights & Skyscrapers: Subarna’s Dubai Trip with Thrillophilia
Pami and I were browsing a weekend flea market when I came across a postcard. It was a colourful scene of the Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa and the other skyscrapers shining bright at night. I showed it to my husband with a smile and asked half-jokingly, “Maybe it is a sign?”
We have always been drawn to the beauty of Dubai. But we had never actually made the move from dream to plan.
Until that evening.
We went home, put the postcard on our fridge, and made a promise to visit Dubai in March 2025. And this time, for real. To celebrate our anniversary and explore a world so different yet dazzling. We chose Thrillophilia because their itinerary was well-balanced, vibrant, and thoughtful for travellers like us. With a few clicks, our dream turned into a countdown.
First Impressions of the City of Gold
As promised, we touched down in Dubai in March and saw the desert sun and a real and polished skyline. The airport buzzed with energy, but our driver cut through the chaos with a calm presence. “Welcome to Dubai!” he said warmly and took us to the start of our journey.
After settling into our hotel and sipping a cup of karak tea on the balcony, we went on our first adventure to the Global Village. When we stepped in, we realised it was a carousel of cultures. Lanterns from Morocco and street food stalls of Korea on one side, and Russian ballet performances and a Jamaican reggae stage on the other. We walked through this global mosaic, holding each other’s hands.
Pami laughed as we tried Turkish ice cream and said, "This might be the most romantic world tour we have had without leaving one city." I nodded. We did not want the evening to end, but our tired legs and full hearts insisted it was time to return.
Skyscrapers and Sky Views
The next day was something I had dreamed about - to see Dubai from above. Our second day was all about elevation. We began with the Sky View Observatory. As the elevator took us to the 53rd floor, I held Pami’s hand a little tighter. The city looked spectacular from such a height.
After that, we reached the Burj Khalifa. When we stood on the 124th floor, I felt small and infinite at once. The view was so beautiful that we felt like floating above a shining city of glass.
We also spent hours at the Dubai Mall, admired the Dubai Fountain, and indulged in treats. That night, as the water danced to music and lights, I swayed too. "This city does not sleep, does it?" I said. Pami smiled, "Neither should we."
AYA, Dolphins, and Framed Memories
The third day was a mix of magic and marvels. The day started with laughter and wide-eyed surprise at the Dubai Dolphinarium. I clapped like a child watching the dolphins leap and spin.
But what came next was absolutely beautiful: AYA Universe. There were lights, mirrors, and stories everywhere. We walked through galaxies and gardens that looked timeless. It felt like walking through someone’s imagination.
Then came the iconic Dubai Frame. Standing between the old and new parts of the city, it felt symbolic. It seemed like how we have grown together from our younger days of college dates and shared earphones to now, holding hands in a city that felt like tomorrow.
Desert Dreams and Dune Diaries
The next day was planned to be raw, thrilling, and memorable. We got to know that it was time for a DESERT SAFARI, and the driver was a dune drifter.
The moment the car hits the sand, it becomes a rollercoaster. I laughed until I cried. We also sandboarded, rode a camel, and watched the sunset on the golden horizon.
On that day, our dinner was set under the stars, with a breeze that smelled of spices and fire. Dancers twirled, fire breathers amazed, and in that moment, I looked at Pami and whispered, "This is the kind of night we will talk about when we get old."
Royal Roads of Abu Dhabi
Our day trip to Abu Dhabi began with paying respects at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The white domes gleamed under the morning sun, while the interiors had a quiet peace. We paused often to take it all in.
Later, we went to the Ferrari World, which was a thrilling contrast to the serenity of the mosque. Pami’s laughter echoed through the park as we raced through rides and tasted street snacks. The Heritage Village brought us back to our roots with mud-brick houses and weaving demonstrations.
We wrapped up the day at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where we saw plenty of art displays. As the sun dipped, we stood hand in hand beneath its honeycomb dome.
Marina Moments and Final Glows
On our final day, we decided to spend the morning at Dubai Marina. The water shimmered beneath the cloudless sky as yachts passed by. We took a slow walk along the promenade, sipped fresh juice, and soaked in the modern attractions all around.
From the bustling cafes to the palm-lined beaches, the marina was a perfect summary of our trip. We sat on a bench as the water lapped gently against the dock, stealing a quiet moment before departure.
"Let us frame this one in our hearts," Pami said. I smiled. "Already done."