We arrived at Dubai Mall, where the tower is situated in good time to pick up our tickets and despite being a little early, were advised that we could make our ascent with the next group. So, skipping the lines of the mere tourists, we were invited into the VIP suite where our group of 25 were served with Arabic coffee, baklava, pastries and dates. Once through security gate (men to the left, women to the right), we were escorted to the elevator and were whisked upwards at 18kmh, reaching the 148th floor in just over a minute. It hardly felt like we were moving. As we stepped out into the observation lounge, fresh and cool minty drinks were served, along with an assortment of chocolates and macaroons.
Of course most of the group guzzled quickly, eager to get their first glimpse of Dubai from such a tremendous height. Thankfully, the haze was not too great and we could just make out the airport to the north east, the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi to the north and the Burj Al Arab and Marina skyscrapers to the south. To the west was "the world", yet another artificial archipelago being developed for residential purposes, whilst to the east was just desert. The views were fabulous, although I doubt that vertigo sufferers would agree with me. Not only could we view the surroundings from behind the large glass panels, but we could also step outside onto an open air viewing platform (yes, you guessed it, the highest outdoor viewing platform in the world). It was amazing to think that we were at 1,700 feet, some 700 feet higher than flying circuits around Jersey airport in delta tango.
After taking our pictures we descended to level 125 where the second class visitors were enjoying the panoramas. But I have to say that I thought the extra height from level 148 was quite noticeable. More pictures were taken and then our VIP status allowed us preferential service for our return down to ground level.
We then had a little more time to explore a bit of the Mall itself. It boasts an aquarium, complete with dozens of sharks and rays and with a vast viewing wall, everyone can have a grandstand seat of all the underwater action. It has an A380 flight simulator, it has an ice rink, it has numerous mini-souks and atriums and it has a branch of every shop that you can think of. (Yes, everything from Tiffany's to Waitrose, Victoria's Secret to WH Smith....some 1,200 shops in all).
We were anxious not to get caught up in the traffic of the previous evening and made sure we allowed good time to get back to the ship before it was due to sail at 4.30pm. As it happened, departure was delayed for nearly 90 minutes because of two missing passengers. The captain waited for them, so they were very luck indeed. Perhaps it was because we have a new captain for the Dubai to Perth leg and he was feeling kind.
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