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Saturday was our last day in Dubai, and we made it count. We visited the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few in Dubai that allow non-Muslims to visit, and then took afternoon tea in Skyview Bar at Burj al Arab. Finally, we did some final window shopping at the Dubai Mall, at the base of Burj Dubai. Read on for more, or check out all the photos from the trip in the gallery.

We arrived at the Jumeirah Mosque shortly before the regularly scheduled tour began at 10 a.m. Our tour guide introduced us to the rules (everyone had to take off their shoes, and women had to cover their hair) before taking us over to the ablution fountains outside the mosque. He showed us how to perform wudu, or partial ablution, which is done before every set of prayers. 

Next, we headed inside, where he told us about the history of Islam, and the reasoning behind many of its traditions. The mosque was quite beautiful, but much plainer than many of the Christian churches I’ve visited in Europe. This is intentional, I think, because the faithful are not to be distracted while praying.

After the fascinating lecture, we wandered around the grounds of the mosque for a bit, taking photos and admiring the architecture. Eventually, we headed to the Mall of the Emirates, where Nathan needed to buy a cell phone for a friend in Cairo. I looked at some HD video cameras, but decided against buying anything, because the prices were a bit more than I found online, and the warranties were only valid in the Middle East.

After finishing our shopping, we hailed a cab and made our way to the Burj al Arab for afternoon tea. This was marvelous. We made our way into the enormous atrium after ogling the Rolls Royces and Ferraris in the valet area, and took a fair number of pictures before heading up to the 27th floor, where the restaurant is located.

We were soon shown to our table, and served a glass of champagne to go with our bowl of berries and cream.

Next, we were served a slice of the roast beef. Unfortunately, I didn’t snap a photo—it was gone too quickly!  After the beef, they brought out a tower of finger sandwiches, which were excellent. The salmon was particularly good, but there was also tuna, egg, and chicken salad, and roast beef sandwiches as well. Nathan asked them to bring a veg tray as well, which he tells me he enjoyed. I stuck with the meat.

By this time, we had finished our champagne, and started on the tea. Not being much of a tea drinker, I asked the waiter for a recommendation, and thus started with the English breakfast tea, with milk and a sugar cube. (For subsequent cups, I passed on the sugar.)

After the finger sandwiches (and refills) were gone, they brought out a tray of scones with jam. I had finished my pot of tea, and decided to try one of their coffees. I ordered the moccachino, expecting to receive a small cup but receiving a glass that would make Starbucks proud.

We polished off the scones, and were rewarded with a tray of sweets, which we thoroughly enjoyed. To finish the meal, we ordered iced tea (lemon, in my case), and wandered the restaurant taking photos of the view.

Finally, we returned to earth, and made our way to the Dubai Mall, which we were told is the world’s largest. We did some window shopping and took a fair number of pictures.

Eventually, it was time to head back to the hotel, in order to collect our bags and eventually catch our respective flights. We stopped for a beer at the hotel bar, and Nathan taught the hostess some Arabic. After a final drink, we took a cab to the airport and went our separate ways.

Side note—Emirates is a pretty good airline. My generic economy seat had an entertainment system built into the seat in front of me, with AC power for my laptop, a USB port (with power) for my iPod, and free Heineken. Glorious.

Avdhut picked me up at the Mumbai airport with no issues, and brought me back to Pune. We stopped for tea once (I stayed in the car.), but otherwise I slept uncomfortably in the back seat. A few hours later, I was back in my apartment, missing the clean water and safe food of Dubai… ;-)

All in all, the weekend in Dubai was a blast. I’m very pleased that Nathan suggested we do the trip, and hopefully I’ll find myself in the UAE again.