We’ve arrived in Dubai!
It was only 12:30pm and the
serviced apartment that Ginny and Sern booked was obviously not ready to
receive us yet. Seeing as we had a few hours to kill they took us to a shopping
mall nearby that had a peculiar theme. It was to be the start of our love affair with Ibn Battuta Mall!
As the website explains: “In June 1335, a young man
of just 21 years set out to explore the world. His journey spanned 24 years and
six different lands - Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China and Andalusia. Along
the way, he survived storms and pirates, served as a judge and scholar, dined
with nobles and commoners. This extraordinary adventurer was Ibn Battuta. His
life and travels are an inspiration to us. It has influenced our mall in design
and spirit. You’ll see it in the interior themes and names of our courts. It
has influenced our mall in design and spirit. You’ll see it in the interior
themes and names of our courts. At Ibn Battuta Mall, shopping, dining and
entertainment come together with history, culture and the story of a remarkable
adventure. It is what makes us one of Dubai’s most exciting shopping and retail
destinations.”
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| welcoming committee |
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| we entered through the China Court |
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| a reindeer! |
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| a truly Middle Eastern Christmas |
The mall is separated into six
difference themes namely Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China and Andalusia.
The first section of the mall
was appropriately the China Court. "A storm, sunken ships, pirates, Ibn
Battuta’s journey to China was an eventful one. However, the art and
inventiveness he saw in China made up for his troubles. The court captures the
majesty and vibrancy of Imperial China. Spacious colonnaded halls decked with
giant dragon medallions, white marble columns reminiscent of the gates of
historic Chinese cities, a coffered ceiling with royal motifs symbolizing
happiness and prosperity. At the centre of it all is one of the most seaworthy
vessels of its times – a Chinese Junk. It’s our homage to the great traveller
and his remarkable adventure."
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| China Court |
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| a sunken ship? |
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| almost life sized |
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| in the centre of the Court |
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| from another angle |
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| very tall Christmas tree |
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| and a few little ones as well |
The next section was the India
Court. "Ruled by the Mughals in the 13th century, India was renowned for its
unique Indo-Islamic architecture, majestic monuments and immense wealth. The
splendour of India’s Mughal period is clearly evident in the court. The central
dome bears influences of the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the Wind Palace.
However, the centrepiece of the court is the Elephant Clock. A marvel of
medieval technology created by an inventor Al Jazari. Every hour, wooden carved
figures, dragons and phoenixes of the Elephant Clock come alive and move
together as it tells you the time."
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| the elephant clock |
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| influenced by the Taj Mahal? |
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| the central dome |
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| almost life sized as well |
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| bears influence of the Mughal Red Fort as well? |
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| adorning the walls |
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| every hour like 'clock-work' |
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| inspired by Moghul architecture |
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| one final shot |
We then came upon the Persia
Court. "Persia was one of the greatest centres of learning and culture in the
14th century. The artistry of Persia can be seen in the arabesque design of the
court’s enormous dome. It’s arched passages, blue and turquoise mosaic walkway
and magnificent brass chandelier immediately transports you to the vaulted
streets of Baghdad."
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| arabesque design |
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| sky-painted ceiling |
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| Islamic quadrant |
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| Islamic astrolabe |
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| measuring angles in the sky? |
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| magnificent brass chandelier |
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| blue and turquoise mosaic |
We hope to explore the other
Courts at another time (Tunisia, Egypt and Andalusia). But for now, we took a
breather and rested at a Café that we would soon grew very fond of.
Caribou Coffee is located at the centre of the Persia Court where you can get an amazing panoramic view of the entire dome and its chandelier. Oh, and they serve pretty good mocha latter as well.
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| in the centre of the Persia Court |
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| surrounded by blue and turquoise mosaic |
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| hits the spot! |
It's time to head to
Dubai Marina!
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