Exploring Dubai

[filthiestfis]

What sites and attractions should be in my "To Do List" when in Dubai? Im going there for a week. Any suggestions?

[Buenchico]

Does this help?
http://www.dubaitourism.ae/Attractions/default .asp

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Thank Buenchico. Im looking for personal suggestions from people that have been there.

[thedelbwa]

Afternoon tea (or more) at the Burj al Arab (that massive hotel on an island in the sea, although it will cost you about �40 - worth it for the view / experience), getting a boat trip over Dubai creek to the old town, exploring the gold souks and all the markets, enjoying some of the local 'shwarmas' - a bit like kebabs, but absolutely lush (got to have 'Excellent' chilli sauce on!), go 4WD'ing on the sand dunes (dead easy to organise and well worth it) - you generally end up having a 'traditional' Arab night in the middle of the desert which is OK, but at least it gives you an idea of life out in the desert at night (rather than the bright lights of Dubai), Wild Wadi Water Park - next to the Burj al Arab - good fun for everyone, hit the beach for a few days, enjoy some shopping in the malls (although for me, why bother - if you're gonna do some shopping, hit the markets, as the malls all have Next, TopShop and all the High Street stores), I went scuba diving on the east coast (in another Emirate - can't remember the name of it), go skiiing at SkiDubai (again, why bother if you're there for the sun, although good to go and have a nose - interesting story: my friend lives in Dubai and I went to visit her, she is a model booker and provided SkiDubai with a local guy for the opening shoot and it was the first time he had ever worn a jacket!! He couldn't put it on, bless him). Just wandering about is great fun, although Dubai IS massive - it surprised me how big the place is. I really enjoyed and WILL return. ENJOY!!

[NORMANTHEDOG]

there are plenty of building sites to visit

[david11]

go to the web site for trip adviser,or lonely planet, both have forums of people who have visited,or are expats living there

[david11]

go to the web site for trip adviser,or lonely planet, both have forums of people who have visited,or are expats living there,

[filthiestfis]

Thanks will do david11!

[dopeycustard]

The Big Bus Tour is a good way to see the centre of Dubai although it does take quite a long time. There is another tour of the beaches but it really ends up as a tour of the building sites, OK if you just want to sit and relax on a bus. Take a dhow trip down the creek - that is very relaxing and there are some good waterfront bars etc. Unless you want to go shopping or lie on the beach there is not a lot else to do but all the tour reps will tell you this as soon as you get off the plane but at least they cannot sell you any excursions because there aren't any! Taxis are very cheap and they take you to the beach, the malls, any restaurants so they are probably the best way of getting round

[filthiestfis]

thanks for the advice dopeycustard. I wont need to worry about getting around as my friend who Im staying with will be driving ;)

[Dee Sa]

ask your friends [ everyone has a car they come with your job] to take you to the waterfalls near Hatta Forte, thats a great day out for a Friday [ the day of rest] or in the other direction to Fujerah and Khorforkan on the opposite coast, you wont be able to do both in one day its too far for both., but are away from the hussle of the big city and it shows you a different side of UAE.
If you suffer from hangovers take Alka Seltzer with you, they dont sell them out there.Thurs night out there is same as our Sat night and Friday is the day off.
If you see a local praying in the street, have the courtesy to walk behind them, if you cross in front, they have lost their connection to Mecca and have to begin all over again and its considered very disrespectful. As a Brit in their country they expect you to respect and follow their rules and customs unlike the UK and people who come here.
Have a good trip.
Cross from one side of Dubai to the other via the creek, go in the crowded boat it costs pennies, they will ask do you want to engage the boat for yourself which is dearer, say no and hop on with the crowd, my old dad used to do that at 75 years young and fellow passengers used to haul him aboard, he loved it.
For cheap tee shirts, Rolex fakes etc try Karama [ when I lived there we used to call it Fakesville], always bargain, they look at you in amazement if you pay the asking price
You can even haggle in the posh malls, a visit to the old gold souk in Dubai is an eye opener , not to be missed even if you dont want to buy, it will take your breath away, you wont beleive your eyes, gold is sold by weight not by the design and the price of gold is determined each day depending on the gold market, so prices can vary daily but not by much.
Enjoy the whole experience and pls post your views on return.

[richardgalla]

wild wadi is awesome..all the malls are spetacular! the emirates mall has the indoor ski slope which is good! i do reccomend the dessert safari! that was amazing!