In January 2015, I went on a very exciting trip to the Middle East. It was my first time, and I felt incredibly adventurous. I had been to Japan in 2002, but I was too young to fully appreciate it. The UAE, though—wow! For a girl from a small town in the Czech Republic, it felt like stepping into a scene from Blade Runner. We spent a week in Abu Dhabi and took a day trip to Dubai. Abu Dhabi felt quieter, though it wasn’t quiet at all. Every now and then, you’d hear the call to prayer echoing between the skyscrapers. To me, it felt surreal.
I fell in love with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—who wouldn’t? It’s one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Completed in 2007, it was named after the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque’s stunning architecture blends Islamic, Moorish, and Mughal styles, with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. It can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers and is known for its white marble design, adorned with gold accents and semi-precious stones, symbolizing peace and unity.
I also spent a day exploring Al Reem Island, which back then was just a handful of buildings in the desert. I can only wonder how much it has changed since!
Dubai amazed me with its self-driving trains. When you ride from the first stop, approaching the city feels like a movie scene. I was in awe, feeling like a child again. And of course, there’s the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and so many other incredible sights. Dubai may be controversial to some, but there’s no denying its engineering achievements.
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