Unexpected emotional depth in United Arab Emirates

I thought I was going to United Arab Emirates for beaches, food, and Louvre Abu Dhabi. I got all of those things. What I didn't expect was how emotionally affecting the trip would be. The history — particularly around Dubai — hit in ways that good travel sometimes does.

very safe was the moment that crystallised it. Standing there, eating luqaimat I'd bought from a street vendor, something clicked about why travel matters. 18 days and I came home genuinely changed. Some places do that to you.