A Tesla picks you up from the airport – that's Dubai for you. Top Gear India embarked on a quest to uncover the finest cars and indulge in extraordinary experiences during our recent visit to Dubai.
Our journey commenced with a visit to the Emaar Sky Deck because observing the Burj Khalifa from ground level seemed too conventional, and Dubai shies away from clichés. The entire skyline resembled a breathtaking painting. The Edge Walk provided a thrilling yet enjoyable experience. A lift equipped with only two buttons – ground floor and 52nd floor – marked the beginning of our Dubai adventure on an adrenaline note. Seriously!
Our next stop was the mall, where individuals effortlessly fulfill their daily step count merely by window shopping – The Dubai Mall. Mesmerized by the fountain show and the dazzling Burj Khalifa, we proceeded to indulge in an exceptional dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, 11 Woodfire, while also catching sight of some fascinating cars parked around.
Next morning started early as we headed towards Hatta, a city with its own unique beauty. A two-hour drive brought us to the Hatta region, where we had the opportunity to witness the bees and their hives firsthand and indulge in some Kayaking with a view of scenic mountains.
Then again, we headed back to Dubai for what we had been eagerly anticipating - the Dubai Autodrome. Upon arrival at the venue, we were greeted by the growling sound of the Ferrari 458. We commenced our visit with a 15-minute briefing session. Now, it was time to get into the firsthand experience. Each of us was paired with instructors and a BMW M240i, who provided additional guidance within the car. As we proceed onto the magnificent Dubai Autodrome, the thrill was noticeable. Pushing the BMW M240i to its limits on the track was exhilarating. Negotiating the challenging turns and twists proved difficult initially, but as we familiarized ourselves with the track, the thrill intensified. The initial laps were a test of memorization, but soon transformed into an adventure. Despite the adrenaline rush of hitting 200 km/h on the straight patch, after completing 10 laps, we reluctantly pulled into the pit, marking the end of our Autodrome experience. Departing from the track and the car left us with a sense of longing, as none of us were ready to say bye. Although we wished for more laps, time constraints didn't allow us. Although, we couldn't indulge in the Go-kart track at the Dubai Autodrome this time, but we look forward to the possibility in the future.
The following morning began a bit later than usual, yet it turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip. Cars on water had always seemed like something out of a James Bond movie, but here we were experiencing it firsthand. Arriving at Dubai Marina for the jet car experience, we boarded what resembled a McLaren 720s but was actually a jet-powered vessel. As we drove off, I mean as we sailed off, the sheer power of the jet, the crashing waves, and the skyline of Jumeirah Beach Road aligned perfectly, creating an unforgettable sight. The speed on the water and thrill of the jet car surpassed anything we'd experienced at the Dubai Autodrome. After circling the JBR view, we returned with broad smiles and drenched in ocean water, appreciating every moment of our adventure.
As we bid adieu to Dubai, it's clear: this city is a playground for car enthusiasts. With its luxury cars and adrenaline-pumping experiences, it's like being a kid in a candy store - but with a whole lot more horsepower. Until next time, Dubai, keep those engines revving!
