Freewheeling through Dubai

Dubai is just about four hours away from Bangalore on Emirates, which worked out brilliantly for my bladder!

One unpleasant experience I’d like to highlight, though, is how strict Emirates is about keeping their aisle wheelchair strictly inside the aircraft. I usually take my electric wheelchair right up to the aircraft door. There, I remove the battery and controller and keep them with me while the airline staff loads the folded wheelchair into the aircraft’s underbelly. I then request an aisle wheelchair to reach my seat inside.

With Emirates refusing to keep the aisle wheelchair outside the aircraft, the transfer became unnecessarily stressful due to the large step between the air bridge and the plane. Oh well. Once I landed in Dubai, immigration was smooth. And as always, since I love using public transport, I took the metro and then a tram from the airport to my place of stay.

Where I Stayed: Comfort and Convenience

This was a family trip for six of us — I traveled with my parents, and my uncle, aunt, and cousin flew in to join us.

We stayed at Roda Amwaj Suites at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence). Instead of hotels, we chose a serviced apartment since it worked better for a large group. The location was fantastic — close to cafés, restaurants, shops, fast food outlets, the beach, Bluewaters Island — and with breathtaking views of Ain Dubai (the Ferris Wheel).

Food and groceries were easily delivered using Talabat and Careem. While some rooms had bathtubs, others had walk-in showers. I always recommend mailing the property in advance with your accessibility requests. They were very accommodating.

My Itinerary Highlights: Unforgettable Experiences

Dubai Mall: A Shopper's Paradise

We spent an entire day here. Like most things in Dubai, the mall is HUGE. Thankfully, my electric wheelchair was fully charged! I still couldn’t cover everything — I even missed Chinatown. One moment that completely threw me off guard was walking straight into a massive ice skating rink inside the mall. In the Middle East. What?!

Dubai Aquarium: A Glimpse into the Deep

The panoramic aquarium is stunning. I didn’t go inside the paid section, but even the portion open to all visitors is absolutely beautiful. The colors and creatures swimming around made me feel like I was in another world.

The Dubai Fountain: A Magical Show

Just outside the mall, the musical fountain show runs every 30 minutes. I caught it during twilight, and the atmosphere was magical. What amazed me was that every show had different music and formations — I ended up watching it 4–5 times! It was a delightful experience, and I couldn’t help but smile every time the water danced to the rhythm.

Burj Khalifa: Touching the Sky

Here’s the biggest advantage of being a Person of Determination in Dubai — while people queue up for hours, I (and my family) breezed straight in! 😄 I was initially worried about the crowds, but the space is well-managed. The view, while not surprising, still feels special — mostly because of the sheer audacity of human will to build something so enormous.

Global Village: A World of Culture

This was such a visually vibrant experience! With shops and eateries from all over the world, it’s a feast for the eyes and perfect for an entire evening. Just be prepared for a lot of walking and rolling — the area is massive. I found myself captivated by the various cultures represented, and I loved trying different foods from around the globe.

Bluewaters Island: A Modern Retreat

Since we stayed nearby, this was an easy visit. It’s a modern, stylish neighborhood full of cafés and restaurants and home to Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel I’ve seen anywhere. The ambiance was lively, and I enjoyed soaking in the views while sipping on a refreshing drink.

Museum of the Future: Architectural Marvel

As someone who loves architecture, I found this place absolutely stunning. If you’re into design and innovation, you won’t regret a visit. The exhibits were thought-provoking and inspiring, showcasing how technology can shape our future.

Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Journey

We took a two-hour drive to Abu Dhabi mainly because I had never visited a mosque before. In India, women are not allowed inside mosques. Abu Dhabi impressed me instantly. It feels distinctly different from Dubai — calmer, with even more creative architecture. The mosque itself is a breathtaking pearl-white structure. It also houses shops and cafes inside. The dress code is strict, so please follow it carefully. Even though I felt I was dressed conservatively, my sleeves were considered too short! Luckily, shops inside sold fabric for last-minute fixes — hence my unexpected gloves. 😅

Gold Souk & Spice Souks – Bur Dubai: A Market Adventure

I saved this for my last day since it’s on the opposite end of the city. We took the metro instead of battling traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. I was nervous about accessibility in this area — but I was so pleasantly surprised. Almost every shop had a ramp. More than shopping, it was wonderful to experience the true Middle Eastern vibe and energy here. The colors, scents, and sounds were a feast for the senses.

Final Thoughts: A Memorable Experience

All in all, Dubai turned out to be a great wheelchair-friendly destination for a family trip. The city truly impresses with the effort it’s putting into tourism, architecture, and accessibility. Would I visit again? Perhaps not. Would I recommend it to wheelchair users? Absolutely — without hesitation.

I hope my journey inspires you to explore and embrace new experiences, no matter the challenges you face. After all, life is too beautiful to miss out on!