Dubai

[mary-j]

As from my previous posts you will see I am trying to decide where to go for later in the year. I am seriously considering a safari or Makdives, although the likelihood of rain in the Maldives is putting me off, but as Dubai is my favourite destination I am also considering just staying there for the full duration of my holiday. I would probably go back for a few nights to the Al Maha resort as this is such an exceptional place but I may opt to stay at the Burj Al Arab for afew nights first.I know there are probably very few,if any,US citizensfrom this forum who have stayed there but wondered if anyone else has had the good fortune of staying in this amazing hotel? If so, I would love to hear your opinions on it. Cheers.

[shark485]

mary-j, unfortunately, i can't offer much advice, but I am intrigued with your travel to Dubai. From the usual travel programming, I have seen some of the luxury available in Dubai. Aside from that, what are the other attractions and things to do that you enjoy there?

Safari and Maldives also sound nice. Sounds like you know how to travel

[mary-j]

Shark, I have lots to tell about Dubai. You have the all the glitz of the new Dubai but can still experience the "old" Dubai, so you have the best of both world's. I don't have time to write about it at the moment as I am off to work soon but will definately write lots tomorrow. I think some people may be pleasantly surprised by all Dubai has to offer.

[mary-j]

Well you asked me whyI like Dubai so much. Where do I start? ......guaranteed sunshine, beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise water, world-class shopping malls, luxurious hotels and that is only a fraction of what Dubai has to offer. Here are a few details of things to do and places to visit........

Sport - Dubai is home to some of the world's best golf courses including AlBadia Golf Resort which incorporates numeroud water features, designed by Robert Trent Jones 2nd, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club with three ornamental lakes, Dubai country Club, Emirates Golf Club- the venue for the Dubai Desert Classic and Nad Al Sheba- it's links course straddles the Nad Al Sheba horse-racing circuit and venue for the annual Dubai World Cup- the richest horse race in the world.

Bird-watchers are in their element here too. there is a tidal wetland right on their doorstep. The city's skyline forms the backdrop for 1000's flamingos, herons and other shorebirds which feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa.

Other activities can include desert safaris, Dune driving, wadi-bashing, camel racing,cruises on traditional wooden dhows or modern cruisers on the Dubai Creek.Tourists have so much variety from.....the tranquility of the desert to lively souks. in a singkle day, tourists can experience everything from rugged mountains to amazing sand-dunes, from white sandy beaches to lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts, ancient houses with windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls. There is also the "old" areas of Dubai including the Bastakiya District with it'snarrow lanes and tall wind-towers. tourists can also see beautiful architecture in the form of the many mosques. the largest and the most photographed is the Jumeirah Mosque- a spectavular example of modern Islamic architecture. There are also museums to visit to find out how much Dubai has changed in such a short time. For families and children there is a lot to offer including many amusement and fun-parks including Magic Planet. Wonderland, Encounter Zone and one of the world's best water parks called Wild Wadi. There are many parks where families can spend the day too. Currently being built is Dubailand. This is going to be bigger than Disney World and will definately help put Dubai in one of the top destinations in the world. If you have the chance, I would recomend going on to the Dubailand website. It is going to be an amazing place.

Shopping is one of my highlights of Dubai. There are many excellent shopping malls including The Mall of The Emirates which is enormous and has an indoor ski-slope attached to it. And it has REAL snow, something which feels really weird as you are in freezing temperatures one minute, then next you may be outside in temperatures of between 30-45 degrees.Then ofcourse you have the traditional souks including the Gold Souk where you will get some of the best gold in the world and at really excellent prices.

The beaches are absolutely beautiful and as most of the hotels have their own private beaches. you will find the beaches are not crowded at all. In fact a few time swe have been the only two people on the whole beach!

Ofcourse the most famous landmark in Dubai is the 7-star hotel, The Burj Al Arab, somewhere you just have to visit once in your life.

Dubai is such a wonderful destinations and is becoming very popular, especially with the rich and famous, but it caters for people from all walks of life.

As you can see, I absolutely love Dubai. I really do recommend it for a holiday destination. The whole place oozes luxury. It definately has the WOW factor!

To sum it up.....what attracts me to Dubai...................Beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels with amazing architecture(you will never see a rectangular building in Dubai), world-class shopping malls, spectacular sunsets and the way it offers something for everyone.

If you ever have the chance to go to Dubai, then take it. You will be amazed at this wonderful place.

[claassenam]

Maryj,

Thank you so much for this excellent information on Dubai.

I keep meaning to mention this to you since you've been raving about Al Maha since I started posting here, but I am dying to go there. I saw something about Al Maha on our local Travel Channel during a show called something like "Favorite Destinations of the Rich and Famous" and then the resort was mentioned as a favorite by probably the classiest people my husband and I have ever met, a young couple from Kuwait we met during a cruise. The resort certainly looks fabulous. At any rate, our interest in Al Maha and Dubai in general is certainly piqued. The truth is, our only concern regarding Dubai is a lack of culture. It is marketed to Americans as a kind of over-the-top Las Vegas and I do not doubt the excellent quality of accomodations (the Burj Al Arab is another we've heard a lot about)dining and shopping. But do you still feel the Middle Eastern culture in terms of design, history, religion, etc? My perception is that you would feel that a bit more out in the desert at Al Maha than in the actual city. But I'd love to hear your comments regarding that aspect of Dubai. Thanks!

[53east]

hello



when are you going to Dubai ?

if you are planing a trip any time after September i would recommand you check out 53east.com those guys have something new and out of this world ... that you can only find in the area!

JB