Exploring Dubai

I fell in love with Dubai the first time I visited in 2011 and have been so privileged to have gone back every year since, bringing someone new every time. I of course realize it's not for everyone, and nowhere is, but I simply love being around new and nice things. History and super "different" things aren't my favorite thing, so Dubai is the perfect place for me. It's by far my favorite place in the world, and I laugh when other Americans criticize the UAE like we don't have significantly worse problems stateside. I've never felt safer anywhere I've traveled than in Dubai and have grown so much from meeting such open minded people there who truly have a worldly perspective. I actually traveled with my brother and lesbian parents in May (stayed at Park Hyatt Dubai too) and we had the time of our lives. Not once was there a sideways look or anything of the sort.

Hi Tiffany!

Love the report so far, and it's a good juxtaposition to Ben's style of trip report, but I do like both :). However, the video on YouTube is private, and I just wanted to check and see if it's on my end (I hope not, because it sounds like I'm missing out on some great sound bites!).

Thanks,

Sam

Very sensible analysis Tiffany. I think, whether a male or female visitor to the UAE, you want to give a very wide berth to getting involved in any tangle with local citizens (and that is distinct from guest workers). That seems to be where dangers always are, as whether you are in the right or in the wrong, the local citizens will almost always come first.

For the most part, the local citizens are well behaved (with just the usual number of bad apples that can be found in any society - it's just they go mostly unchecked here when it's foreigners involved). As you noted Tiffany, you are more likely to get an uncomfortable vibe off guest workers before you'll get one from a local citizen (although this often is because you'll simply encounter guest workers a hell of a lot more than the local citizens).

It helps to remember that the UAE has a resemblance to Western countries, but is not the same as Western countries - it is a blend of the very old and new.

I am scheduled to go to Dubai over winter break with my husband and 15 year old daughter. I have checked the UAE website and it forbids bringing in many medications commonly used by Americans, including myself.
Some have suggested bringing a note from the prescribing doctor, but I really wonder if that is sufficient, or is the only safe tactic is just to forego such medication while in the UAE? GIiven the attention received on this blog to UAE airlines, even connecting in the UAE, it would be fabulous to see this issue addressed, although I realize it might be considered outside the typical miles and points posting.

@Kate - the only way to be absolutely sure of no issues is to not carry any prescription medications. Like most things in the UAE, it isn't a problem until it is a problem and then it's a huge problem.

If it's easy to get a doctors note then I'd do it, but if not don't lose sleep over it. My mom had a bunch of diabetes meds and we flew into Abu Dhabi with no fanfare (the EY787 cabin is a beauty though). I think they just do that to scare people so they don't bring drugs to resale

@ Sam -- Whoops, fixed! Thank you!

@ Kate -- Great point, and it's something we thought about quite a bit for this trip. @ Sean M is correct, and the best option is to just avoid bringing whatever you can. However, some things that are prescription-only in the US are over the counter in the UAE, and I wouldn't worry as much about those things.

My mom doesn't take anything on the prohibited list, so we ended up keeping everything in the original bottles, along with a letter from her doctor listing all her prescriptions.

@ Sean. Thanks, I think that's what I'll do, although for the medication used by some people, that wouldn't be feasible. @Jake. Thanks, I do hear that people generally don't have problems, and your Mom's medications may not be forbidden, but I think the only way I won't worry is to just forego taking the medications with me. I only learned about this from a guidebook. I do think it is an issue that deserves much more attention, particularly since statistically a very significant percentage of Americans use some of these medications either occasionally or daily.

Thanks Tiffany. I didn't read your comment until I just posted.

Hi Tiffany,

my favorits for Dubai are 1st - sunset BBQ jeep safari - yes it's very touristic but you always find new, interresting people from all over the world and the BBQ in the desert very, very delicious. 2nd - breakfast at the Burj al Arab. But not the Friday Brunch - take a closer look to Sahn Eddar it's much more private. 3rd - In the evening try the Uptown bar with a very special view.

Have fun
Sven

Great review of my home city, Tiffany:)!

I'm so glad you wrote about what it's like for women to travel in Dubai. I didn't know what to expect (especially in terms of proper attire), when I went in April and had trouble finding reasonable assessments, but totally agree with you!

Having lived in the Gulf for eight years (almost going into my 9th), I'm so glad you had a wonderful visit. Maybe try coming back during our cooler months (November - February) and I'd suggest a visit to Qasr Al Sarab to experience a night in the desert, or treat yourself to an al fresco dinner at Souq Al Bahar and watch the fountains at Dubai Mall. Safe travels!

I land in AUH and depart DXB and am a Hyatt Diamond traveling w wife. Would you stay at each park Hyatt for two nights?

Good stuff! Thank you Tiffany. We leave Sept 1st so this is perfect timing! My daughter and I weren't too sure on if we could bring birth control pills so I'm glad someone asked the question above. I do like to travel with Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Imodium AD and sleeping pills.

How do people manage those long 15hr flights? I think that is going to kill me. Hint - why I need the sleeping pills 🙂

I forgot to add - as another option from going between AUH and DXB, I use the Careem service (like Uber and can be booked completely online). I've always had great drivers who are punctual and professional. It might cost a little extra, but if I have a flight out of Dubai, it's who I prefer to use.

Good report, thanks Tiffany.

And your mom is wonderful.