Mall of the Emirates & Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Wednesday we spent a whole day of shopping in the Mall of Emirates, which is a huge mall with more than 500 shops, cinemas AND with an indoor ski slope! Although the girls were NOT interested in going for a ski session, so we just watched the other people going down on the ski slopes and having a good time. Magic Planet was what the girls were more interested in, so after a delish ice cream we went for an hour or so of fun at some simulated rides, some other carnival attractions and some bumper car rides.

Bought tons of clothing and shoes at Zara, Next, H&M for the girls and even some for me.... You could walk forever in this huge mall where you will find a large number of stores under one roof and the widest variety of shopping, from designer brands to teen fashion, furniture, electronics, accessories, jewellery, shoes, bags, toys, books…anything you could possibly wish for!

FUN BUT TIRING!!



After spending most of the day here, walking and shopping, the 3 of us were so tired that we spend an hour at the pool of our hotel on Jumeirah Beach before Dirk picked us up and we went eating and doing some more shopping at this magnificent Souk. Souk madinat Jumeirah. WOW! This was a great experience, I would LOVE to go back there and shop and eat some more at this magical place!!





First we had dinner at a Shoo Fee Ma Fee (literally meaning ‘what’s up/happening’) a Moroccan Restaurant and bar, which was so lovely!! Tucked inside the souk area of Madinat Jumeirah, the trendy restaurant and lounge is designed to resemble a Moroccan majlis (traditional Arabian meeting space). We sat outside on the deck and watched some boats floating by as if you were in Venice. From the deck we also had a view of the largest hotel in the world which is build in the shape of a boat and is named the Burj Al Arab, which is so pretty looking and we tried to go in there after dinner, but unfortunately when you don't have a booking they don't let you even drive up to it!! So we just looked from a distance!... and felt like real tourist! LOL
The Burj Al Arab is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire – Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive.

But more about this lovely Moroccan dinner we had at Shoo Fee Ma Fee, first we got some breads and dips with olives, which made my mouth already water and wanting more. First course we shared some shrimp and calamari pastilla, and some koftas.
Then for the main course Dirk had Cous Cous with lamb and I had a saffron infused shrimp tagine. It was so YUMMY!! Moroccan cuisine is complex and very under-appreciated, but I am going to change that in our household and starting to cook it more, because it is absolutely delish!!





I find that about Dubai, with almost everything that is build is build to impress! It must almost be qualified to top the World Records. The most highest, the largest, the most expensive, etc..etc... everything is so beautiful, no regular buildings, only ones that dazzle and impress you! It is a visual beauty to the eye. It really is impressive to see this city build out in the desert out of nowhere, I have NEVER seen a city like this in my life before... and I believe I have seen already quite a few!

More to come about our Arabian Adventure!!
Mireille