We visited one of Dubai’s most popular markets, the Old Gold Souk and the nearby Dubai Souks close to Al Fahidi. I couldn’t wait to experience a real local market. But as soon as we arrived, I felt more like a product than a visitor. Everyone was trying to sell us something. It felt intense, almost overwhelming.

Seeing other tourists there actually made me feel more comfortable. I didn’t feel so alone among all the sellers calling out to us.

After the market, we took a small canoe to Al Fahidi, an artificial village built to look like old Dubai. It was beautiful in its own way, with sandy-coloured buildings, little shops and of course, a Starbucks and a few cafes selling flat whites. It was ready for tourists, no doubt about it.

In the end, I realised something. If they want travellers to spend time in these traditional areas, they need to make us feel welcome rather than overwhelmed.

Otherwise, many people, like me, might prefer the calm of an air-conditioned Starbucks (and I don’t like Starbucks), even if it’s not the real Dubai.