Dubai - sandcastle and camels... or not...

[dashiel]

Originally Posted by em36

One can stay in the Burj al-Arab for 500 USD v. 1,000, since Abu Dhabi interests have taken control. Pearls will be more expensive than in Beijing, so skip. Check out the Meydan racecourse/complex.

really? i paid about $700 in 2003 and thought is worth the price. i'll be there again next month and the best rates i found started about $1800 which i don't feel is good value for money.

 

[Joffrey]

Timeout Dubai has tons of details on stuff to check out. Check out their website.

 

[Acephale]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

...you don't really see that much sand, let alone sand castles.
Indeed...

Originally Posted by Jodum5

Any chance of doing this but on a camel? Seriously though thanks for all the replies peoples, appreciated.

 

[Joffrey]

Possibly. I never looked into extensive camel riding. You'd have to make sure you have an excellent, well prepared guide (last time I was in the middle of the desert, we had a flat at like 10pm. all the other tour groups left us no idea how we got a new one...).

 

[Francisco]

Go to the texile souk to grab some cheap fabric. Remember to Bargain!
Go to the gold souk to grab some cheap gold jewelleries, used branded watches like IWC, Rolex etc.
Go to Dubai mall (proclaimed the largest mall in the world) to visit Tom Ford, Brioni, JM Weston, John Lobb, Canali, E. Zegna etc but mind you even it was stated as tax free state, doesn't mean the items that are cheaper than Europe or US.

Go to this resort, Madinat Jumeirah which is beside Burj a Arab, they have a very nice water canel just like Venice. hop on the Abra (Arabic style boat) and tour around the resort for $10. A lot of good restaurants over there too. Average spend about $150 per person. Smoke sheisha at the beach and have some nice cognac.

Go to the Dessert Safari. The whole package inclusive of the camel ride (at least photo taking), trying some arabic food, watching belly dancing in the tent and riding on the sand dunes.. Cost about $100 per person.

If you have money - try the hot balloon trip across the dessert. Think about $300 per person.

 

[Pezzaturra]

Go skiing. That is what I did in that depressing hellhole for my stopover.

 

[Acephale]

Thank you for such a helpful response Francisco,

I have The Jumeirah on my to do list - was only going for cocktails but the Abra sounds like fun. Melike playing in boats however cheesy.

And a desert package sounds ideal too. I am on my own and it is my first visit so I don't mind doing all the cliches. And I have never been in a hot air balloon so that should be done too.

Excited and thank you all again.

 

[Francisco]

U are always welcome..

PS. If u have a weak stomach, don't drink camel milk.. Too strong for those that is weaker and toilet will be your destination.

 

[Joffrey]

In case you haven't visited yet: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by AcÃ

phale

Thank you for such a helpful response Francisco,

I have The Jumeirah on my to do list - was only going for cocktails but the Abra sounds like fun. Melike playing in boats however cheesy.

And a desert package sounds ideal too. I am on my own and it is my first visit so I don't mind doing all the cliches. And I have never been in a hot air balloon so that should be done too.

Excited and thank you all again.

are you going to Dubai for tourism, by yourself?

seriously, I would suggest that almost any place in the gulf would be better for that.

 

[IndianBoyz]

Have some Chicken Tandoori and yellow rice in one of the many Indian restaurants. Then check out the gold souk (market)

 

[Acephale]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

are you going to Dubai for tourism, by yourself?
Not really. I have to travel to the UK and this is the scenic route. (Emirates fly into Birmingham from Dubai and from there I can get a cab and be where I need to be in a hour or so rather than a 3+ hour train/bus/cab from Heathrow... not to mention that direct flights to Heathrow from HK over Easter what with the BA strike are silly monies...) And there is no way I am flying coach on Virgin... I have legs. and thanks for the link Jodum, appreciated.

 

[IndianBoyz]

Camel steaks (no joke)

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by IndianBoyz

Camel steaks (no joke)

not sure if steaks is accurate, more like roast