Holidays in Dubai?

allym

Hi there so myself and my boyfriend are thinking of heading over to Dubai next summer. My cousin's living over there so we'd only be paying for flights and spending money.
Just wondering if anyone could give me a bit of insight into Dubai as a holiday destination? I've heard it's really hot in July but I'm sure we could manage Is it really expensive to eat out? What would you really recommend doing?
Thanks

MissK84

Hi Allym,
I was in Dubai for 2 weeks in May/June this year. It was extremely hot, 43 degrees. I didnt mind the heat but my friend didnt like it at all. Now there is loads to do and see in Dubai during the day that would help fill up the hottest part of the day if that was a factor for you.

Dubai is famous for the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa - it boasts amazing views of the city. Best time to go there is 5pm (approx, book beforehand downstairs in teh Dubai mall) just before nightfall as you get to see the amazing water show with lights as well as the city lighting up. Amazing. The elevator is also pretty cool, fastest elevator in the world!

We went to the Dubai mall - great spot for shopping - have Forever 21, Aeropostale, New Look, Warehouse...as well as the dear spots too! Its huge and the biggest mall in the world i think so you'll spend hours in there! Theres also a cool aquarium in the Dubai mall thats worth a look. We went to a dolphin show too. Outside Dubai mall is the Burj Khalifa and a fantastic water show every 30mins...the music comes on and the water show just takes your breath away...a different song every time. There are cafes around there that you can sit and take it all in, try the shisha too. We had the grape smoke.

We went to the Wild Wadi and Atlantis waterparks while we there...wear your flip flops around the parks as once you step onto the concrete after getting out of the water, your feet burn!!! In July it'll be 50 degrees so be careful to wear sun factor.

We went to a private beach to sunbathe which was called Al Mamzar Beach and was 5 dirhams to get in = €1. These beaches dont allow people selling stuff to annoy you like on other beaches so its worth the money. The Palm is also a beautiful beach - its right beside the 7 star hotel the Burj and Wild Wadi water park.

One of the evenings we did a cruise along the river with a dinner - romantic for a couple. I never did a dhow boat cruise but they are meant to be a nice experience. We also went to the souks to buy handbags, watches...you name it they have it!! Funny going into random houses but you wont be alone so you'll be fine. We did a desert safari tour which was amazing...we did it with sunflower tours - just call them to book it and they pick you up and drive you out to a desert. You can do sand surfing, camel rides, bbq, get a henna tattoo all in with the price.

We went to the Ski Dubai which was amazing...highly recommend it!!! And also an ice bar which was fun too as we were nice and toasty coming outside again...unusally for Irish people!!

Places to go out there would be Chi, The Irish Village, Boudoir (free cocktails for girls on Thursdays). Dubai's weekend is Thursday evening to Saturday and their work week is Sun - Thurs. The nightlife are strict about outside of marriage conduct so I'd suggest for you to wear a ring on your ring finger and if anybody asks say you are married to your boyfriend. Couples cant kiss in public, hold hands or anything so be careful. Drink wise - you cant buy alcohol over there like you would in Ireland...theres no off licences and in the places you can buy off licence, you need a licence to drink. So I'd recommend bringing in drink from the airport - thats what we did. Dubai is pricey but if you want to do all of the great things it offers then its worth it - once in a lifetime experience and if you have somewhere to stay...go for it!

allym

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Sounds like you had an amazing holiday! Can I just ask how much spending money would you recommend bringing?