Don't we all cherish sentimental memories from the past? Whatever nostalgic event it may be, there are those special moments that permanently stick with us forever.

I'm not sure about you, but for me, they consist of the simple pleasures of life - leisurely walks included.

Here's why. Although these walks may sound mundane to you, what makes them truly extraordinary are the relevant places, people, and experiences that accompany them. A walk in itself could probably be boring, yet it all depends entirely on how you make it interesting, isn't it?

And this is particularly true with one of the most memorable strolls I've ever had.

This story’s cover image must have already revealed to you a strong clue (Have you noticed the world's tallest skyscraper at the far right?) about where this famous landmark is located.

That's correct! You're staring at the iconic urban skyline of the mega metropolis of Dubai, one of the major cities of the United Arab Emirates.

However, here's the big question. Where exactly was I standing while marveling at that breathtaking view?

Hint: It's obviously along the coast.

Welcome to the Jumeirah Open Beach, one of Dubai’s most frequented hotspots! If you're an avid traveler with restless feet like me, this coastal paradise will definitely convince you to stop, rest, and chill for a while, inviting you to explore its exquisite beauty further.

Unless you live or work close by, you need to drive or commute to reach this popular destination. And although it may take some time for those fanatics who are based from faraway origins, the long journey is surely worth it. You won't believe how well-designed, constructed, and maintained this public beach is!

I could pretty much still remember vividly the first time I was introduced to the Jumeirah Open Beach. It was a sunny weekend, and since it was a non-working day, my friends joined me on this short but fruitful excursion.

To save time and for convenience's sake, I had to drive my car and pick them up at a strategic meeting point. And you could just imagine how our faces were all brightly lit with smiles as we finally entered our destination.

True to what I said earlier, the Jumeirah Open Beach is unquestionably impressive! To give you a clear idea on what I’ve observed there, this coastal paradise was a masterpiece of spatial organization.

In fact, the entire seaside landscape had dedicated and allocated sections for specific activities depending on your type of adventure, leisure, and fun.

While walking along the coastal perimeter, here were some of the primary facilities I've taken into account:

Unobstructed Beach for Swimming. Changing Rooms. Shower Amenities. Public Restrooms. Bike Lanes. Beach Park. Seating Areas. Lush Gardens. Retail Shops. And of course, State-of-the-art Pathways exclusively designed for Jogging or Strolling.

What more would you ask? Isn't that amazing? Despite the scorching heat, we managed to stay under the shade of the surrounding trees, man-made canopies, and roofed structures for a while until the late afternoon.

And it was during this time of the day that the prevailing temperature wasn't too hot anymore, thus motivating us to move around the vicinity. Besides, it wasn't also advisable to expose ourselves directly under the sun for health reasons. You wouldn't want to be cooked alive to a crisp, would you?

Most importantly, if there's one aspect of the Jumeirah Open Beach that has certainly caught my undivided attention, it would be the spectacular panoramas of the city of Dubai seen from that vantage point. Are the featured photos enough to prove my personal observation? Take a good look.

Moreover, as we continued our relaxing walk to cover the rest of the public beach, a few interesting thoughts and curious questions were clearly brewing inside my head:

“Isn’t it mind-blowing to witness the unexpected birth of a super city like Dubai from the humble beginnings of an ordinary desert?”

“It would have taken several decades to design, develop, and grow a modern metropolis in today's standards. However, isn’t it jaw-dropping to realize that Dubai has rapidly leapfrogged from a modest fishing village with sand dunes to a world-class civilization in just a span of a few years?”

“That was Dubai’s actual architectural infrastructure. Just imagine what it would be like a couple of years or more down the line.”

Have you already walked along the Jumeirah Open Beach? What was your experience like?

About the Author

Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
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