Anyone here been to Dubai?

[Kimberly]

I have the option of going next winter with friends for about one week (8 days), and I only know what I've read on the net about it. Anyone here been there? what type of things there are to do there and such. Thanks! Any help would be appreciated.

 

[olena]

Will you be staying at those man-made islands shaped like palm trees? I saw a show about them and was blown away.

 

[Kimberly]

Staying here (photo courtesy of wikipedia):

And here is the official website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/

 

[Beth76]

I think that's the only hotel in Dubai! LOL! Just kidding! That is an awesome hotel and would love to stay there. Somehow, I doubt I'll ever find myself going to Dubai. Just like what you asked: what is there to do there?

 

[gm]

I had a friend who stayed at that hotel and it is total luxury. all rooms are suites and are so beautiful. I believe they have a real nice water park in Dubai that is state of the art. You will probably see a lot of famous people at that hotel. I believe rooms start at US $1500.00 yes very expensive but worth it if you stay at that hotel.

I would love to stay there and it is a dream but when and if I become a millionaire.

I also had a friend who worked there and said the big shopping malls are so much fun. Really classy with stores of all name brands. I know that if you are into buying diamonds, they have the best price and quality there. You can also drive out to the desert in rented jeeps.

have fun.

 

[rayelias]

Staying here (photo courtesy of wikipedia):


And here is the official website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/

Are you SERIOUS?!?!?

Wow!!!

If there wasn't a security/safety issue, the Middle-East would be #1 on my vacation list. OK - #2 - WDW always comes first. And Dubai would be #1 on that list (followed by Isreal, then Egypt.)

But, unfortunately, the world ain't safe, and I'm a coward. So, if you go, be sure to give a detailed trip report!

 

[Kimberly]

Are you SERIOUS?!?!?

Wow!!!

If there wasn't a security/safety issue, the Middle-East would be #1 on my vacation list. OK - #2 - WDW always comes first. And Dubai would be #1 on that list (followed by Isreal, then Egypt.)

But, unfortunately, the world ain't safe, and I'm a coward. So, if you go, be sure to give a detailed trip report!

Yes, I am serious. Her father is going to be there for business, and he asked her to come with him, and allowed her to bring one friend, and she luckily chose me. I'm going to be there the day after Christmas into the new year. I will shoot a lot of pictures, as it is one part of the world I have never seen myself.

 

[epcotfan]

I have a relative that moved to Dubai in order to work as a pilot for a commercial airline. They are always asking us to come and visit, but I couldn't handle the temperature. They're predicting that it's going to be hotter this summer - up to 55 degrees. My relative's air conditioner is always crapping out and they pretty much have to stay indoors all day due to the heat, which makes it tricky walking the dog or going places.
In terms of things to do, they've done the traditional things such as camel rides, middle eastern dining, shopping, etc...They go to the beach occasionally. They like coming back home because many of the Western movies and television shows are censored or edited (and years behind)

Oh and the hotel you plan on staying in was featured on The Amazing Race one season.

 

[pearlieq]

I know you can go skiing there. They have a huge indoor ski complex!

I wouldn't worry too much about safety for Dubai. It's a very popular tourist destination and pretty far out of the hot zone.

I've always dreamed of staying at the Burj-al-Arab! Have a wonderful time!

 

[Kimberly]

I have a relative that moved to Dubai in order to work as a pilot for a commercial airline. They are always asking us to come and visit, but I couldn't handle the temperature. They're predicting that it's going to be hotter this summer - up to 55 degrees. My relative's air conditioner is always crapping out and they pretty much have to stay indoors all day due to the heat, which makes it tricky walking the dog or going places.
In terms of things to do, they've done the traditional things such as camel rides, middle eastern dining, shopping, etc...They go to the beach occasionally. They like coming back home because many of the Western movies and television shows are censored or edited (and years behind)

Oh and the hotel you plan on staying in was featured on The Amazing Race one season.

55 Celsius?! No way... that's 131 degrees fahrenheit. I hope you are exaggerating.

 

[phorsenuf]

You could always go skiing...inside of course! This is in Dubai.

 

[epcotfan]

Unfortunately I'm not. I copy and pasted that from my relative's email to verify. Normally it is around 40.

 

[Kimberly]

40 is even ridiculously hot...

 

[katerkat]

My husband has been stationed there - I know he went into town once. (I got the bill from the Ritz to prove it! ) When he gets home, I'll ask what he did in town.

 

[katerkat]

DH says it's the nicest hotel in the world. There's an underwater restuarant in the hotel, then the indoor ski area (15 acres), water parks, plus tons of shopping and markets and basically, everything you can imagine. You can definitely find enough to do in a week.

 

[tinatark]

Michael Jackson is moving there.

Awesome looking hotel, btw!

 

[almacdonald]

GO GO GO!!!! I'm so jealous! There is so much stinkin' money floating around that place, I hear the shopping and food are great. A girl I went to University with is from there and she'd go "snowboarding" in the sand dunes.

 

[Kycha]

I am totally jealous. Dubai is just like any other Western city, except ultra rich. Great restaurants, fabulous shopping and camel races. Sounds like a great time. Please post many pictures when you return. Sounds like a great time of year to visit too. Have a fabulous time.

 

[aunt kelly]

Vanity Fair magazine had an article on Dubai a couple of months ago-it was very interesting. I think you would enjoy reading it before you went.

I have a friend who just returned from Dubai and she had a great time. She bought a beautiful gold bracelet and a persian rug while she was there. She also went to the indoor ski complex. She said the restaurants and malls were wonderful.

Have a great time if you decide to go.

 

[KarenB]

Make sure you go here while you are there!!

http://www.wildwadi.com/

Check out the rides page. I love the music!!