Has anybody been to Dubai recently, My husband wants to go there on holiday. Apart from shopping, can anybody recommend any attractions we could visit, general things to do etc.
Also i'd appreciate and hotspots/dangers that i should be aware of.
thanks
2006-10-17 00:58:03 · 12 answers · asked by abi 1 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ United Arab Emirates
I've been a couple of times (although not for a few years, and they have built a lot since then!) and love the place!
I agree with the earlier answers. I did go in August and it was around 45ºC in the shade.... but everywhere is air-conditioned, so it wasn't too much of a problem, and I had done the tours on the previous trip!
The best tour is what others have suggested - the desert safari or "Dunes Dinner". Use a reputable tour company, as dune driving is a specialised thing - you shouldn't try it yourself, and the experienced drivers know the limits of their Toyota Landcruisers. I thought "How exciting can driving on sand be?", but it was amazing. You could well get a chance for a short camel ride before or after the barbecue dinner, and can try belly dancing if you're brave enough!
I would recommend a city tour to see the highlights and a quick look at the traditional houses. There's also a choice of boat trips in the Creek and/or out to sea. I expect all the beach hotels offer a choice of jetskis and other watersports. If you are going for a holiday, then the beach hotels are a better option than the city ones - nowhere is too far away and the taxis seemed to be reliable and pretty cheap.
Obzi (Answer 5) should enjoy the Le Meridien Jumeirah Beach (where I went on my first trip) - Dubai's Hard Rock Café is near there. The second time I went to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (next to the Burj al-Arab), where they had (don't know if it's still there) a fabulous Argentinian restaurant on the top floor - superb steaks and a pretty impressive tango display.
PS When you're shopping, gold is traditionally the best bargain. There are hundreds of shops, and it's worth doing a little haggling!
2006-10-17 02:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by nige_but_dim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dubai is a great place to visit on holiday, try the desert safari, the wild wadi water park, wonderland water park and the tallest hotel in the world, The Burj Al-Arab. If you are interested in Archeology the Al-Quasis settlement can be visited it dates back to about 2600 BC and there is a second settlement in the Al Sofouh settlement from about the same time. By 2008 Dubai will have both the worlds tallest building the Burg Dubai and the worlds largest shopping mall - The Dubai Mall. Also the airport in Dubai is one of the nicest I have ever seen, it is beautiful with many duty free shops. There are also many world class sporting events in Dubai such as horse racing with the worlds largest graded stakes race worth over 15 million,the Dubai Desert . Classic Golf Championship and the Dubai Tennis Championships. Also if you time your visit right there is the Dubai Film Festival. I don't think you will be bored on your trip. Have a great time.
2006-10-17 05:14:46 · answer #2 · answered by brendagho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have spent time in Singapore, not in Malaysia. Singapore is beautiful and clean! Both countries are tropical (hot and HUMID). There are lots of things to see in Singapore - their Orchid botanical gardens is a must! They have many subcultures in the country (even a Malay sub community) and you will be able to try many different types of foods and do diverse shopping. Don't use a taxi when going around (unless local transport does not go there) - their local buses are great, they are all air conditioned (make sure you carry a bunch of change as you usually pay as you enter). The country is VERY strict about their laws, which are pretty easy to follow, don't bother asking for chewing gum or carrying any - it is illegal in Singapore. The hotels are pretty much 5 star service and offer different tourist packages for the city - you could do a hotel package - drive around in the van with a tour guide. What the tourist package does not cover you can do with local transport. As far as your washing machine / fridge dilemma goes - I am with Azizza. You need a fridge...clothes can be done in the sink or bathtub. Where ever you decide to go - you will have a great time regardless of the destination. You are newly married and will be too busy enjoying each others company to be bothered by external distractions. Congratulations! @ Ultra N - Singapore and Malaysia have a very large Islamic population! And did you miss the fact that you are in an Egyptian forum where everyone is mostly Muslim? Stop being a Bigot and say something productive!
2016-05-22 08:19:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I wouldn't say they have the best beaches in the world at the moment as there is a lot of construction going on besides and on them. In years to come I'm sure it will be great.
We did the desert safari which was great! You get taken out into the desert in a jeep thing and get driven across the sand dunes! It was great fun. Then you get to eat dinner under the stars - fab! Most hotels arrange this for you. You can also get tours arranged by your hotel
Apart from shopping I guess there is a bit of sightseeing but it's all relatively close and some of it is quite modern!
I personally would use it as a twin destination so you visit 2 places. We were there for 4 days and it was plenty for us but mainly because we aren't loaded so couldn't afford to spend all day shopping!
Oh yeah Gordon Ramseys restaurant at the Hilton Hotel is great. Cheaper than UK and not as busy (although still have to reserve a table). Well worth a special dinner.
2006-10-17 01:16:40 · answer #4 · answered by L B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went earlier this year and had a great time! I'd recommend not going in the summer months as you'll be too hot and just want to move between hotel to hotel for the air conditioning! Apart from shopping...
Desert safari is a must, most hotels organise for you. We went with Oasis tour group and was excellent! Crazy driving across the sand dunes and then eating dinner out in the middle of the desert under the stars/sunset!
Lots of gorgeous beaches to visit - many of the nicer ones you have to pay to get in (less than 1GBP) but it is worth it.
Wild Wadi is excellent too, a big waterpark with slides that shoot you upwards rather than down! Great views over the Burj Al Arab as well.
Also, email the Burj Al Arab to request a table for an evening drink, has a minimum cover charge (approx 35GBP per person) but is most definitely worth it!
Advice - cover up when out and about to respect their culture and avoid unwanted attention. On the private beaches don't worry though as it will be full of bikinis!
2006-10-17 02:12:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went in February and really enjoyed it.
It is a strage place as there is no "Town Centre" - all the shops are spread out and the bars are in Hotels.
Also it is very built up - the beaches are artificial with palm trees planted in rigid order. I didn't mind this but some people might.
If you go to a bar, try Buddha Lounge in one of the hotels, totally amazing with gorgeous food.
I would recommend going in spring/autumn - summer would be far too hot. Also take a shawl for your shoulders if you want to venture to the more traditional parts.
I really recommend going to The Bazaars - markets where there are loads of cheap jewellry, clothes, materials and shoes. The one in Shaza (town next to Dubai) is excellent.
Also try one of the tours of the deserts, you can see camels!
And finally I bought a Pentax digital camera & all accesories for roughly £100 - bargain!
2006-10-17 01:14:07 · answer #6 · answered by Rosie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm from Dubai and there is so many things you can do ... you will find all the information you need and the places to visit in this sites
enjoy you visit and have fun
http://www.Dubaitourism.ae/ the official site of dubai where you can find hotels and hotel apartments and places to go and things to do
http://www.goway.com/orientasia/dubai/dub_safari.html
you should go for desert safari
http://www.timeoutdubai.com/
2006-10-17 13:10:33 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ amal_dxb ♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apart from shopping
1. Dubai Palm - magnificent landscape / development
2. Desert safari
2006-10-17 01:09:18 · answer #8 · answered by Basil P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have.
I've been to Ibn Battuta Mall.
The Dubai Shopping Festival goes from January to February.
And other attractions are awesome.
2006-10-17 01:43:51 · answer #9 · answered by dervin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid Bur Dubai. This is essentially the "Red Light" area. Lots of good nightspots to choose from. Resaurants are many and varied. Not much to see in the sightseeing thing though.
2006-10-17 01:08:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋