Where in the World Would You Like to Go Back to? A Series-Parisa

Brightsun staff member Parisa shares the travel destination that she continues to travel back to and why it holds a special place in her memories.

Which travel destination do you find yourself craving to go back to when you’ve been to so many?

Dubai

Why is it that after exploring so many destinations, you find yourself wanting to go back to this specific destination? Is it nostalgia, a sense of comfort, familiarity, or something else?

Being an Afghan, I feel so touched to the authentic Arabic culture and hospitality of Dubai as it is almost the same, and I find it very familiar while being in Dubai, enjoying the weather, the culture, and the food.

Can you recount a specific moment or experience from this place that truly stands out?

I recently enjoyed the Sky Views Edge Walk at the Sky Views Observatory, featuring a 25m long glass slide offering amazing views of the city and Burj Khalifa. At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to go through with this thrilling experience as I am a person that is scared of heights, and so is my husband, but we both went for it in the end, and it was an awesome experience.

Over the years, places can evolve and change. How have you witnessed the transformation of this destination you frequently revisit? How does this evolution affect your connection to the place?

I have been to Dubai thrice so far and noticed a lot of transformation in the city’s transport system, plus there are now more leisure attractions for visitors, and the population has increased.

What are your favourite things to do, see, places to eat, other highlights at this destination?

I love to go parasailing and enjoy visits to Global Village. I also ensure I visit Dubai Mall every day on my travels in Dubai, no matter how far it is from the hotel we stay in.  

Even when you've covered substantial ground, there's often a desire for more exploration. How do you balance returning to a familiar place with your drive to discover new destinations?

No matter how often we visit Dubai, we always manage to find something we've not seen/done before; we intentionally seek out areas off-the-beaten path. Visiting somewhere new can be exciting and different, no doubt about it, but there are also distinct advantages to being comfortable and familiar with a specific country/area.

While well-known tourist destinations often attract attention, there are hidden gems that hold a special place in our hearts. Could you reveal one such hidden gem in your favorite travel destination and explain its allure?

In Dubai we never face a language barrier problem; it is a country with a multi-language population. We had the chance to visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoun Centre for cultural understanding, where we experienced Arabic culture, lifestyle, and food, and being an Afghan, Arabic culture is so familiar to me and close to my heart.

What are the specific spots you would experience all over again at this destination and why?

In Dubai my top picks for attractions are the Dubai Mall and Global Village:

Dubai Mall is one of the biggest and most beautiful malls I have ever seen, and we like to re-experience it because it’s a fantastic leisure destination home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Dubai Ice Rink, Kidzania, plus an indoor cinema complex.

Global Village

Global Village is a top Dubai attraction that I love to re-visit because I get to experience various cultures around the world, sample lots of delicious cuisine, enjoy souvenir shopping, and catch international performances.

What would an ideal itinerary for this destination look like for you / what would you recommend to others?

Day 1

• Dubai Mall
• Burj Khalifa
• The Sky View

Day 2

• Miracle Garden
• Aya Universe
• The Frame

Day 3

• Spend the day at Marina Beach experiencing jet skiing, parasailing, and relaxing in the sun.

Day 4

• Enjoy a desert safari (we recommend a private booking, not a group booking)

Day 5

• Enjoy the attractions of Global Village; it takes at least 4 hours to explore all around the village.

There are more great places to visit in Dubai like the Palm Islands, Al Seef heritage area (where you can really delve into the Arabic culture), and many more beautiful beaches, plus local markets Like Meena Bazaar, and the Gold Souk (one of the famous gold markets in Dubai). Brightsun offers fantastic prices on Dubai holidays if you’re feeling inspired to see the gems of the city for yourself.