The more I travel, the more I realize how tough it is to compare cities and have "favorites." Yes, there are some cities I absolutely love -- London, Hong Kong, Berchtesgaden, Germany, and Queenstown, New Zealand, for example. But how on earth can you compare cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Dubai? Dubai is…
Continue reading: Etihad Airways to the UAE: Exploring Dubai
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Not playing on any plane yet, but you should check out Mission: Impossible 4 at your closest IMAX, amazing views of and from the Burj Khalifa. Brilliant stuntwork!
I visited Dubai in Feb 2011. I had booked the brunch at the Burj Arab prior to the flight over. It was an amazing experience which my 2 nine year old nieces enjoyed also. Regarding Khalifa's observation deck - you can pre-purchase tickets for the next day if you don't get to buy them before your flight. Happy travels.
Dubai sucks! Just say it, you will feel better! In 2006 we booked a week at burj dubai and bolted for India after 3 days. 6 stars my a**! Maybe to the african or indian that does all the work in the city. The city has no soul but plenty of imported workers. All that glitters is not gold folks!
I was in Dubai this past summer for a 1-day stopover and it was just about all I could take. Time goes by incredibly slow and I felt like I saw everything I needed to see and I was done. I can't imagine spending 6 days like Mike had intended to do. The weather is pretty much unbearable during the summer, and the opulent display of wealth was a huge turn off.
None of it is built to last. In 10 years all of it will look tacky (if it doesn't already) and outdated. The Emirati's have a low opinion of the foreigners working there and it shows by the way they're treated. What I liked about it though is that its an Islamic country, but they're tolerant of different lifestyles. I saw women in full-on burqa's and a girl at the mall wearing the shortest dress I've ever seen, parading before a group of Emirati men in 5-inch stilletos. They didn't give either a second glance. Overall, my 10 days in Afghanistan were much more enjoyable. The remote areas of Istalif and Solang are partly in ruins, but remain timelessly beautiful. Something that can't be said of Dubai.
Ben-- one of the great places to eat is Buqtair restaurant near Jumeriah Beach...did you get a chance to hit that spot?
Ben, thanks for your Dubai report/tips. We plan on buying (30-60 days out) tickets for BAA Observation deck (100 AED) for our upcoming Dubai stay.
Ben,
The views are amazing, like postcards. I am trying to book award from US to India w/stopover at Dubai. It will be a once in a lifetime experience.
I may try their Desert Safari with Camels/Tent etc.
Thanks.
Terrific report !
Just one minor correction, the picture shown is the Dubai Mall Waterfall, not to be confused with the fountain.
The Duabi Mall Fountain usually refers to the outside fountain where they have the light and music show, which attracts a lot of visitors, particularly in the evening.
ColonelretWes -- You don't have to buy that far out if you don't want to...even a few days and you should be fine. The trick is simply to book online. Buying online is the trick...otherwise regardless of "SOLD OUT" status and you have to pay the walk up tourist price of $109.
luvflying11 -- You get what you pay for on the Desert Safari. Definitely a tourist trap kind of activity...some people like it, some think it is a waste. Arabian Adventures is usually regarded as the best bang for buck.