It's a Mall, Mall World

Our first trip out of Muscat was to Dubai.  We had a great time going to the Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall.  We were not disappointed.  We set out early Thursday (our Saturday) morning, for the 4 1/2 hour drive. 

We drove through desert and mountains.  Finally, we got to Dubai!  That is the Burj Khalifa below, the tallest building in the world.  It stands 2722 feet high.

Savannah, at the Mall of the Emirates.  Our main mission?  Find iphone 5's!

This is how you get two teenagers to move across the world! 

Austin was happy to find a Dunkin' Donuts.  Sweet memories!

 

 

Now for the real attraction of the Mall of the Emirates-- the ski slope!  Yes, you can ski in the desert!  For about $50, you can enter the winter playland, ski, and enjoy all the activities.  Your fee includes coat, snow pants, and boots.  The temperature is a chilly 28 degrees inside.

 

Now, for The Dubai Mall!  While the Mall of the Emirates has over 500 stores, The Dubai Mall has more than 1200!  This sign was posted at the entrance to the mall.  I am not sure if you can see all the restrictions listed.  You should keep shoulders and knees covered, and no public displays of affection.   Unfortunately, this sign was not very well heeded.  I saw lots of shoulders and knees, and other body parts.  That is probably one of the biggest differences between the malls in Muscat and the malls in Dubai.  Westeners are very much in the minority in Muscat, and modesty does not seem to be an issue.  Way different in Dubai!  Much more of an international crowd, and lots more skin!

The Waterfall sculpture in the mall.

Joe thought it looked kind of painful.  His words, not mine. :)

 

Love this picture and love the name of the store.  We did see some Christmas decorations for sale in several stores, especially the American chains like Crate and Barrel.  The mall itself was not decorated for Christmas, but I have heard that Santa does make an apperance.  I miss hearing Christmas music in the stores, if you can believe it. 

 

You can take the Holmes family away from Texas, but Texas is never far away.

 

Neither is Chicago!  The caramel popcorn was every bit as good as in Chicago, without having to brave the long lines in freezing temperatures.

 

Outside, at the front of The Dubai Mall, is a huge pond.  There are dancing fountains that move the water to music, like at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.  We were disappointed to miss the fountains in action.  In the background, you see a closer view of the bottom of the Burj Khalifa. 

Back inside, we see the 3-story aquarium.  It is amazing!  By the way, the man you see in white, is dressed in traditional clothes and head coverings from the Emirates or Saudia Arabia.  They dress a little differently in Oman.  More on that in the future.

See the scuba divers in the tank?  Who cares about us?  :)

Our last picture at The Dubai Mall.  A great time was had by all, and we are planning another trip to Dubai soon.  Next time, we will stay two nights instead of one.  There is so much more to see and do!