Kite Beach

I brought home seashells from Kite Beach as souvenirs.

Gotta love the sandy beaches of Dubai! Last March while I was in the UAE, visiting The Beach was on my must-do list. Due to the time restrictions, however, I didn't have time to go! So, my sista-Stik and I made up for it by making a quick 20-minute stop at Kite Beach on our way to the airport. It was very family friendly, wonderfully clean, and definitely pro-tourist (hello bikinis!).

The water was cold, so I spent the majority of the time with my feet in the sand and soaking up the sun. It sure did agree with me, and I definitely could have stayed longer!

Hmmm, I see a girls' trip in my future...

xo | din

scarf | LOFT
tank | Mossimo
shorts | LOFT
sandals | Mix No. 6


din's Travel Notes
The fact of the matter is, two days in Dubai is too short. Especially if the itinerary includes a full day desert "safari" and another half-day day trip. Both of which are on the must-do list, so it's not a matter of cutting something out, but extending time to actually see this renowned city.

As I mentioned, I was headed to the airport to catch a flight to Doha, Qatar. Let me tell you, Fly Dubai was a dream. The crew was so kind, the seats were comfortable, and the ride was smooth. I will definitely fly with them again, and recommend you do as well! Just be sure that you change from your beach wear to an outfit that shows less skin (I changed into black skinny jeans in the ladies' room) once you land into Hamad Int'l Airport. Our authoritative friends in Doha aren't as lenient!

al ain

This past March while I was in the UAE, I took a trip from Dubai to Al Ain to see and feel the hot springs. It was my last full day in UAE and we had dinner plans back in Dubai, so we had to be quick! Who would have thought two girls from a UW Chem class would be road-tripping in the Middle East?

Once we arrived in Al Ain, the fourth largest city in the UAE, we didn't waste anytime taking our sandals off and soaking our feet in the natural hot water. It's said that the minerals in the water are good for the skin. Every 8-10 minutes, the pipes would burst with an out-pour of fresh, steaming hot water. Stik wanted to get out, but I made her stay. Pain is beauty!

Al Ain was also the closest I could get to Oman. We were separated by one big mountain, Jabel Hafeet. If we had time (and maybe extra reinforcements), we could have extended our trip to a third country. Bummer, I guess I'll just have to go back...

xo | din

dress | H&M


din's Travel Notes
Al Ain is very historical city. In fact, it's the birthplace of the UAE's first President (see my visit in the Wisdom Garden). There are many things to do in addition to The Spring such as Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum. We attempted to see this, but came on the day it was closed! Although The Springs were our main focus, I recommend planning ahead so that you can maximize your trip.

The Souk

Before I went for a party in the dunes, I made a trip to the souk in Dubai. It was one of the items on my "Must Do In The UAE" list. It quickly became one of the experiences I greatly disliked! Walking through, I literally was on the beginning stages of an anxiety attack due to the vendors' persistence. What I mean is that if I so much as glanced at an item, the vendor would say, "You want this one?" Or, if I took a step, they would mirror it, then show me something and say, "You like this one? What color you like?"

I literally had to tell my friend that we had to leave. At least this was after I snagged these fun shoes and a few gifts!

xo | din

shirt | Topshop
shorts | LOFT
sandals | Steve Madden
crossbody | Mossimo
East Indian shoes | purchased from Najmat Deba Garments Trading (near Gold Souq)


din's Travel Notes
Shopping at the souk (or souq) is must-have experience when you're in the Middle East. Throughout these markets you will come across a lot of items unique to the area, several of which are handmade. Of course these are great keepsakes and gift options. As you walk through the market, keep in mind that vendors will promote their items to you. After all, they're there to make a living! You don't need to speak to all of them, but can at least show them a kindness by acknowledging them with a nod. And don't worry, not all souks are anxiety inducing! In fact, the experience I shared was unique to the souk in Dubai.

I didn't have the opportunity to shop at the souk in Abu Dhabi, but it wouldn't have been the experience I envisioned as it had recently been covered. (Think mall over open market.) My favorite souk experience––which completely redeemed Dubai's!––was the souk in Doha, Qatar. I'll share more about that in a coming post, as well as how to negotiate prices. Stay tuned!

Dune Bash

We sent our location to Stik's sister for good measure!

Ladies and gentlemen, camel riding at its finest. Okay. So I had to share all of these photos because I find them to be HIGHlarious! Cannot stop cracking up every time I look at them. (You're laughing, too; I just know it.) Have you ever rode a camel before? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!

Want another good laugh? Push play on the video below.

(This dune bashing video works best on a non-mobile desktop version of the blog.)

As I mentioned in my last post, one of the items that came with the desert safari package was FREE henna! I got the "mobile" (mo-bi-el). It's named this because it shows when you're on the phone. Hello, hello!

The lady was so talented. She completed each person's design in under 30 seconds. She even gave a little boy a scorpion tattoo! 7elwa?

Once we were all dolled up, we sat down for dinner in traditional Arab style seating and waited for the the entertainment to begin!

Belly dancing

Traditional Tanura dance

Tanura dancer's costume change mid spin

This beautiful Arab man was on fiyah!

Did it get hot or was there a fire thrower performing near our table? 

All of the entertainment in this desert safari package kept me energized. I laughed, ran barefoot in the sand, got painted, was well fed and entertained. Definitely worth the half-day experience, especially at the cost (99 AED)!

So as you can see, there was a huge bash out in the dunes of Dubai. Wanna go check it out yourself? Be sure to consider my travel tips below!

xo | din

top | Topshop
fleur d'lis necklace | H&M
ring | B.Side Jewelry
cuff | T. Omari Leatherworks (also seen here)
pleated skirt | Forever 21
sandals | Steve Madden
backpack | Perlina


din's Travel Notes
Your safari package will most likely include a camel ride. Be prepared that it will most likely be a short 3-5 minute ride max. If you inquire about riding a second time, the camel keeper (the man guiding them) will most likely tell you that you have to pay additional fee. Do not pay it. Most likely he's going to pocket it and, unless you're able to be generous, it's not worth it. The pictures above are from our second ride (we asked fellow tourists to take our pictures versus paying for the not-so-great pictures the company folks were taking). Although we were told we could ride twice, the camel keeper wanted us to pay. After we got down from the camels, we collected our phone and walked to our seats for dinner. He didn't come looking for us. One final thought, animal rights are but a dream. Be forewarned as you'll see these camels working hard for long periods of time.

*The videos in this post play best on a computer desktop version of our blog.

Mani Monday | Milkshakes + Manicures

Yup. So this is what I'm wearing in Dubai! Milkshake in hand, I went back to Oahn for another gel mani. It was about time, too, because I was so over seeing black nails! I decided to get gels again since I'll be traveling for 10 days and can't predict touch up opportunities.

Oahn was so patient with me. I went in with 3 semi-ideas and eventually came out with this modern design. (This one is based off another one of Bridget's recommendations. That girl's a keeper...) In order to show the lime/spring green, I had to apply filters to my photos. My poor iPhone and apartment lighting just wasn't enough!

What do you think of my more modern design?

xo | din

nails | GelColor by OPI
manicure | Oahn at Rex Day Spa