This week I find myself in one of the fastest growing cities in the world: Dubai. All that I had heard about this new mecca seems to be true but perhaps the biggest truth is that this city is expanding at the speed of light. In every direction you look you will see multiple cranes at work building the latest theme park, hotel or luxury shopping complex.
The Mall of the Emirates was one of the places I was told I should not miss. After hearing a few details, I knew that I wanted to visit simply because it seemed so over the top. A huge selection of top designer boutiques, dozens of exclusive jewelry shops and to top it all off, a massive indoor ski slope. A place like this could only be found in Las Vegas, Disney World or Dubai.
While here in Dubai though, I learned that the Mall of Emirates has a brand
new rival: The Dubai Mall opened on November 4th of this year. It is being billed as the earth's largest shopping mall and after walking nearly every inch of it, my feet would concur. Many of the retailers have not yet opened their doors but judging from the names of the stores opening soon, this is going to be a major destination for the world's fashionistas. The list of clothing, shoe, and accessory stores who will soon be selling their goodies at the Dubai Mall includes: Stella McCartney, BCBG, Galliano, Valentino and Pucci just to name a very few.
The Dubai Mall isn't just about fashion though. Not to be out-rivaled by indoor ski slopes, this mammoth shopping destination also has a full size ice skating rink, two large stages to welcome visiting entertainers and a gigantic awe-inspiring aquarium.
With so much commercialism coming at me from every angle, I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. So, I stepped back from the shopping for a bit and just did a bit of people watching. Both of these shopping centers were packed to the brim but what was so nice to see is that these places are actually family destinations. The skiing, skating, eating and playing that are offered draw more than just obsessed shoppers. Malls are the new town squares and these two shopping meccas certainly have a handle on how to bring the crowds together to have a day full of fun.
The thing that I found the most interesting though is that though we may dress a bit different, have different customs and different habits, we all desire the same thing: to have a good time, to share with those we love and to make the most of every day we are here on this incredible planet.
To your spirited style,
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
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