Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Singapore, Republic of Singapore (day 24)

 Day 24 - January 30, 2023

Finished packing up and ironed out a few details for the next step of my trip by 12pm. Took a taxi over to the Palm Jumeirah and the View at the Palm, a tower that overlooks the palm below. It was a bit smoggy today, so the views weren't quite what they could have been, but still quite the site to see. The palm was built using rock brought in from quarries nearby and then sand was added which they pulled from the Arabian Gulf around it. The sand was compacted overtop of the rocks to dramatically accelerate the natural sand settlement process. They started with the outside ring first to use as a seawall to protect the palm leaves they added next. On each side of the outer seawall, they left openings to allow the water on the inner part of the ring to keep fresh. The entire project took six years to complete.

The View at the Palm brings you to the 52nd and 54th floors. The 52nd has a glass screen in front of you, but if you pay extra you get access to the 54th floor which is the top of the building open to the air all around. Definitely worth paying the extra to go to the very top!

Spot of cappuccino at the top 

Sun is setting on my time here in Dubai. I am writing this one from the airport, ready to leave for rainy Singapore in about an hour. If all goes well, I should be landing in Singapore after a seven hour flight. Dubai has been really great! I would really recommend this place as a travel destination. Friendly people and lots of wonderful architecture to explore. Different culture here, but it is easy to get help if you need. Rove Hotel was a great place to stay, right in the heart of the downtown. Talking with my taxi driver today, he said the hottest months are June, July, and August. Do not come here then, most of the attractions are shut down because the temperatures can get to 45-50 Celsius! Peak tourist season is October to January 2 and then again in March. Early January after New Years to mid February were recommended as there are less tourists, but still good time to be here. Most attractions close at the end of March for the summer.   

In case you missed it from yesterday (I added after I posted), here is a link to my scootering through the streets of Dubai :D

An Afternoon Scoot in Dubai

Also the light show at Burj Kahlifa Lake:

Burj Kahlifa Lake - Light Show

See you on the other side!