Article

A Pleasant Umrah Journey with Hanania – Part 2

Author: Agus Budi Harto, 2025-05-08 09:19:32

Dubai City Tour

Our morning in Dubai began early, with hotel check-out scheduled at 7:00 AM. We were reminded by the tour coordinator to gather in the hotel lobby, ready for a full day of exploration. Throughout our stay in Dubai, we were accompanied by our knowledgeable tour guide, Mr. Iwan.

Dubai Frame – Where the Old Meets the New

Our first stop was the iconic Dubai Frame, a massive architectural landmark that separates old and new Dubai. Mr. Iwan shared fascinating facts about the structure, including its symbolic location, the stories behind its construction, and the materials used—highlighting its gold-plated exterior.

Upon arrival, security at the front gate resembled military personnel, ensuring all visitors were well-regulated. We had the opportunity to get up close and even touch the shimmering gold-plated frame. After queuing, we took an elevator to the top of the structure, where stunning panoramic views of Dubai awaited us. We took selfies, group photos, and enjoyed the scenery from above. Professional photo spots were available, and the printed pictures could be purchased at the ground floor before exiting.


Exploring Dubai by Bus

As we made our way to the next destination, Mr. Iwan kept us engaged with stories of everyday life in Dubai. He pointed out the stark contrast with Indonesia: luxury cars dominate the roads, and motorcycles are rarely seen—except for the occasional large motorbike. Brands like Lamborghini and Porsche are a common sight, parked in the driveways of lavish homes.

Mr. Iwan explained that Dubai is governed by an Emir and is one of the seven emirates forming the United Arab Emirates, alongside Abu Dhabi and others. Before oil was discovered, pearl diving was a primary occupation. Divers were known to use nose clips, which, he joked, might be why many have such sharp noses today.

The Splendor of Burj Khalifa

We were also invited to visit the Burj Khalifa. To enter the area, we had to pass through a bustling shopping mall. Our time inside the mall was brief, so we didn’t get a chance to fully explore the atmosphere, shop, or enjoy what it had to offer. However, the Burj Khalifa itself was truly astonishing—its grand structure left us deeply impressed, and we took the opportunity to capture a group photo of our travel group in front of it.


Burj Al Arab – Luxury on Water

Our third destination was the Burj Al Arab, the world’s tallest and most luxurious hotel built on an artificial island. With interiors adorned in gold, a single night’s stay could cost up to 30 times the price of a brand-new Pajero in Indonesia, according to Mr. Iwan. He also mentioned how the hotel had been the site of viral videos, including a world-famous footballer juggling a ball on its rooftop and a Formula One driver racing a car up there—videos you can easily find on YouTube.


After taking pictures at the beach in front of Burj Al Arab, we continued to our next destination.

Museum of the Future – A Glimpse Ahead

As we drove through the beautifully manicured city, lined with flowers on almost every sidewalk, Mr. Iwan introduced us to the Museum of the Future. With its eye-shaped structure and futuristic Arabic calligraphy etched across its surface, it is a true architectural marvel.

When we arrived, the museum was bustling with visitors. Due to time constraints and the long lines to enter, we chose to capture the moment with photos outside. The futuristic design was a visual treat and made for stunning photographs.


Off to Madinah

As the sun began to set, we wrapped up our Dubai city tour and prepared for the next leg of our spiritual journey—our evening trip to Madinah.

Related links:

  1. Gallery
  2. A Pleasant Umrah Journey with Hanania – Part 1

Tags: Event Opinion Expression

189 reviews

Add comment