When I first visited Dubai, I thought I’d entered an Arabian Disneyland. My impression has changed over subsequent visits, and I’ve come to appreciate that there’s much more to Dubai than a strip of high-rise hotels and shopping malls. I wrote about some of these in my post Eight Things To Do In Dubai That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.
But it’s also true that Dubai is a place that pushes the boundaries, and if that means creating a garden out of desert, then that’s what they do. The Dubai Miracle Garden is one such crazy idea that adds a playful touch of colour to a barren landscape. First established in 2013, Dubai Miracle Garden opens from October to April each year – the winter months, when it is pleasant to stroll outdoors and the flowers can bloom. The rest of the year is simply too hot to be outside and you’d be wilting along with the blooms.
More than 150 million flowers are woven into the displays, sculptures and themed landscapes in the Miracle Garden. Instagrammers love it but so do visitors of all ages, including families. Until our visit, we didn’t realize how much there was for families to do there, from mini golf to a Smurf village to ride-on cars.
Plane covered in blooms
Every corner of the Miracle Garden has something that is beautiful or eye-catching (or both). Almost as soon as we enter, we marvel at the site of a model Emirates A380 – and when I say model, I don’t mean a toy-size model. This one is life-size with rotating propellers; the whole thing covered in 500,000 flowers and living plants.
One of the most popular spots is the kaleidescopic Umbrella Passage, especially when the sunlight filters through, but the Heart Tunnels are also very photogenic. These heart-shaped arches are covered with fragrant blooms, and at night they glow with gentle lighting.
Another popular attraction is the Floating Lady, suspended in mid-air with her flowing dress created entirely from greenery and flowers that change with the seasons.
In the middle of the garden, the Floral Castle is straight out of a fairytale, with tall spires, floral-covered walls, and lighting that makes it look magical at night.
All photos © Food Wine Travel
