No trouble falling sleeping but up at 3. Stayed awake till 5 ish and then at 5:30 we heard the call to prayer. (which is done 5 times a day). We finally drifted off in time for the 7 am alarm.
Had a great breakfast and on to a city tour. First to the old fort and a history lesson.Then a market in the old city. Dubai has a population of 2.1 million of which 70 % are migrant workers; some of which have been in Dubai for many generations. They share the same benefits as do the Arab population (Emeratis) but have a lesser status. They are not entitled to a UAE passport.
Dubai is a super modern city. Originally established in the 1800's as a trading port, oil was not discovered until 1966 and it wasn't until 1971 that five separate states came together to form the United Arab Emirates.
The buildings are architecturally stunning including the Burj El Arab hotel (sail hotel) where a one nite room will set you back 12000aed. ($3500 US)
We spent the afternoon at the Dubai mall ( a cross between Disneyland and Las Vegas) and apart from the polished marble floors , the indoor aquarium and the skating rink, it seemed like every other modern mall; except for the local woman, many of which are dressed in the black burka. Emirati men usually wear the white long outfit called a dishdash or kandura and the head dress which differs depending on where they come from. (I'll be shopping on Friday for my own)
Dinner was great. We ate at an Afghanistan restaurant close to the hotel. I'll let you know tomorrow how good the food was. Lol
Garry
Fort
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