Sunilesh Awadhiya’s 7 Magical Days in Dubai with Thrillophilia
One morning, I looked at my wife and said, “Let’s treat ourselves, just the two of us, to Dubai.” She smiled, and her eyes reflected the distant desert dunes we had never seen. We wanted to go on an international vacation in each other’s company, and so, we landed in the city of Dubai.
The airport had a beautiful architecture and vibrant energy. As we stepped out, the warm air covered us. A driver from Thrillophilia helped us with our luggage, and we went on to explore the buzz of the city.
Leisure in the Pearl of the Gulf
The first day in Dubai was ours. We wandered without a plan to explore the glimmering Dubai Marina and pause at cosy cafes by the water’s edge. My wife indulged in a raspberry tart, and I savoured espresso as we watched yachts drift gently under the city’s tall skyline.
We walked along palm-lined promenades to introduce ourselves to the city. We enjoyed quiet moments and shared smiles during this day with each other.
By the time we returned to our hotel, our hearts were full of light. Over coffee on the balcony, my wife said, “I am glad we did this together.” I smiled. Neither of us needed more in that moment.
Reaching for the Sky
The anticipation buzzed again in the morning. We dressed smartly and rode up the world-famous Burj Khalifa. The elevator ride was smooth and silent. As we stepped out onto floors 124 and 125, the city unfolded below us in a glittering mosaic of sand, sea, and skyline.
“That is where we were yesterday,” I whispered while pointing at Marina Bay. My wife’s eyes glistened with wonder.
From high up, the world felt calm and expansive.
Next, we descended into the Dubai Mall within a building. We watched divers glide through the Aquarium, listened to the thunder of the indoor waterfall, and paused when a school of stingrays swam by. A surprise chorus floated from the ice rink as professional skaters performed to a live violinist above them. My wife and I shared a gelato and laughed at how surreal the day felt.
Through a Picture Frame
On the third day, we walked across the golden bridge of the Dubai Frame. The view was breathtaking, with a split-screen of old and new Dubai stretching beneath our feet. We traced the lines between history and modernity, both spanning centuries in a single glance.
Then, we indulged in the desert safari. Our driver navigated the SUV over dunes that shimmered in the afternoon sun. With every swoop and sway, we clutched each other’s hands, laughing, screaming, and living.
At the top of a sandy dune, my wife turned to me. “I feel like we are dancing on waves of time.” I smiled and felt her warmth above the desert’s heat.
We also climbed aboard camels and enjoyed the slow rhythm of their steps under an amber sky. By night, we sat in a Bedouin camp, where we sipped sweet tea, ate grilled meat, and listened to traditional tunes. A fire dancer spun and glowed as stars appeared overhead.
Blooms and Global Culture
Day four began with an explosion of colour at Dubai Miracle Garden. Over 50 million flowers bloomed in arches, heart shapes, and even a full-sized floral Airbus. We paused to twirl under petal canopies and whisper sweet nonsense, just like we used to when we first fell in love.
That evening, we visited Global Village and dipped into cultural pavilions from Asia to Europe. We tasted saffron ice cream, bought Moroccan lanterns, and shared street food from six different countries, all in one night under a tented sky. It felt like travelling the world without leaving a single city.
We also rode gentle rides under strings of lights and savoured desserts from new stalls - Turkish baklava, Korean pancakes, and Italian gelato. Everywhere we looked, we found layers of flavour, laughter, and light.
While walking back to our hotel, our conversation moved from our first date to the day we became parents. Dubai seemed to mirror our journey in a bold, evolving, and sparkling way.
Majesty of Abu Dhabi
On the fifth day, we travelled to Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque greeted us in pure white marble, and its pillars gleamed like moonlight. Inside, the silence was profound, and we whispered our own prayers of gratitude.
We walked hand-in-hand beneath the vast domes and across reflective pools. The light felt sacred, which bathed us in serene calm.
Later, we visited the Emirates Palace. With golden interiors and plush gardens, even a simple coffee felt like sipping luxury. We shared a decadent cake of chocolate ganache with rose petals as we relaxed in the grandeur.
On the ride back, we marvelled at how two cities so different could feel so seamless.
One Last Day of Leisure
The 6th day was the last day of our trip. We decided not to plan anything. We rested, enjoyed fresh pastries at a street-side bakery, and returned to the pool to read and doze in the sunshine. We were content in our silence.
In the evening, we found a romantic rooftop restaurant with twinkling lights above and soft music around. We toasted on this trip: to the hills and dunes, to blooms and skylines, and to shared laughter and new memories.
My wife looked at me with calm eyes and said, “Thank you, my love, for this gift.” I reached across the table and held her hand. “No, thank you. For being my partner in every journey.”