Dubai + Maldivas

About the destination: Dubai is the most populated city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It's a bustling, cosmopolitan, and modern city. Dubai is divided by a creek, with Deira on one side and Bur Dubai, the historical district, on the other. The luxury beach hotels are located on the outskirts of the busy city center, in the Jumeirah area. Dubai already boasts some impressive architecture and it is home to the only 7-star hotel in the world, the tallest building in the world, stunning beaches, and high-end shopping centers. The Bastakiya Quarter, located in the heart of Dubai’s Old Town, still maintains its traditional charm and is a reminder of Dubai’s past. Here you can find traditional Emirati houses, lively souks, museums, galleries, and the only remaining part of the old Dubai city wall. Another major attraction in Dubai is the Jumeirah Mosque, which, although it is outside the Old Town, is a beautiful example of traditional Islamic architecture. Dubai is a progressive city that is always evolving, but it has managed to preserve its traditions and culture. Therefore, it's safe to say that Dubai is one of the most thrilling places in the world.

About the destination: Malé is the capital and the most populated city in the Republic of Maldives. It has a population of 133,412 and spans an area of 5.8 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated cities globally. The city is geographically situated at the southern tip of North Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll). Administratively, the city is made up of a central island, an airport island, and two other islands governed by the Malé City Council. Historically, it was known as the King's Island, where the ancient royal dynasties ruled and the palace was situated. The city was then named Mahal. It used to be a fortified city surrounded by walls and gates (doroshi). The Royal Palace (Gan'duvaru) was demolished along with the scenic forts (kotte) and bastions (buruzu) when the city underwent remodeling under President Ibrahim Nasir's rule following the monarchy's abolition in 1968. However, the Malé Friday Mosque still stands. In recent years, the island has significantly expanded due to land-filling operations. Over time, Malé has been the hub of political protests and significant events.