dubai

gonker

has anybody been to Dubai? Have an offer of cheap holiday there this weekend. Is it safe and what about sars? might sound thick to ask questions like that but hey
thanks
gonk

evilmouse

Spent 10 days there in March '02. I came away totally in awe of the place. Could not believe that this was a Middle Eastern City. So much to see, from the Burb-al-Arab (worlds only 7*hotel) to the Gold siouk in the city centre. Beautiful beaches, no crime, litter free, taxis r cheap. If you go, njoy. I know I definetly be going back again.

let me know if you need more info !

gonker

Thanks evilmouse
Its around 800euros for flights and B&B accomodation in trade centre hotel for the two of us I think thats a good deal. Is it very expensive over there? Is it very hot?
gonk

evilmouse

Expensive ?? in general I would say no. but you will pay a bit more for alcohol in the hotels and the limited places that do serve beer (Muslim country, beer illegal :mad: ). But don't let that spoil ur fun, the heat will get to you eventually. You'll end up drinking water all day. Their weather is crazilly hot. Went in March it was 28c roughly. Expect early 30's at least.

Wouldn't worry about the SARS. Don't be intimidated by the welcoming you get at the airport. Weird (in a good way). People are very nice, staff in the hotels treat you like royalty.

gonker

do women have to cover up or anything? Yes I am going....
What should I not miss?
thanks for your help
gonk

evilmouse

do women have to cover up or anything? Yes I am going....
What should I not miss?
thanks for your help
gonk

Lets just say, don't reveal too much. Its okay to do it at the beaches, but as soon as you come away, cover up the flesh a small bit (i.e. don't walk around with ur bikini on).

The best way to see the Burb-al-Arab (7* star hotel in the shape of a sail) is to book buffet lunch. You can't just walk into the hotel, you need a reason for getting in there. Booking the buffet lunch allows you to see the hotel and its the most reasonable meal there (and value for money !!) Go for a drink upstairs on the top deck, excellent views of Dubai and you get to see the sister hotel of the Burb-al-Arab, its in the shape of the wave (can't remember the name).

The Irish Village is good for a night out (Guinness is all right; prefer the Murphy's myself!). The water ride park is really cool. You could make that a day trip. They have the fastest water slide in the world !

The Gold Souq (markets). This is a must, especially at night. And get one of those water taxis. Amazing how they get 100 people crammed into a 25ft boat.

If ur looking to invest in a camera or electronic goods, you've come to the right place. Saved a fortune in an Olmypus camera I bought over there. The Duty Free in the airport is very cheap for these kinda goods.

Another place is The Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club. Good for an evening meal there and night-time entertainment.

For more information Gonk check this url http://www.emirates.org/uae/tourism/dxb.html

Enjoy

gonker

Thanks for all your help. Really looking forward to the trip now.....and seeing how much i can clock up on my credit card in one weekend.
gonk

evilmouse

Forgot to tell ya the highlight of the holiday for me in Dubai. This you have to do.

Its a desert safari in a 4X4 vehicle. Basically it involves a trip out to the sand dunes on the outskirts of the city where you spend the whole day. The package includes collection from ur hotel and dropped back in the evening and food & drink.

I'd only spoil it if I told you what happens in between (honest) !!

gonker

You have me intriqued. My other half who booked this has told me whatever i want on this holiday i can have so....................
will let you know when i come back how i get on.....
again thanks.

gonk

ps i will remember not to walk around with bits showing:D

gonker

Just back. What an amazing place....I want to go back:D Spotless clean leave your valuable lying around nobody would touch them. they wash the paths with mops and buckets.....The people are so friendly.....wow.....i am in love......
gonk:ninja: what the women look like

daithi01

Hey Gonker
Am also heading to dubai in a few weeks so can you also add any must see things or any travel tips that might be useful.Also does anyone have any tips for the haggling in the souks-Thanks

gonker

Safari....watching the sun go down over the sands....totally amazing.
Diera City shopping centre.....all the top names and loads of bargains....
The Irish village....what is it about the irish we congregate when abroad....
Jumeriah beach if you can get in....Fluffy towels provided.... men feeding you fruit...if you want it.
The gold souk (market) just walk away when they give a price...half that price then half again....you will be nearer the mark.
Tell them you are irish....they love that I think their first words are always football and roy keane
Get taxis everywhere....cream taxis..they are government regulated...they are very cheap...
It will be very very hot when you go loads of sunblock.
gonk
ps enjoy
if i think of anything else i will post..

daithi01

Thanks for all the info Gonk !!