Home Thoughts From Dubai

Wild Wadi Water Park (phone number +9714 3484444)

A great day. Entry cost Euro 35 per person for the full day – so you had better get value by going for the full day !! McDonalds type food available all day. While a bit pricey can be worth it.

Skiing at Ski Dubai (phone number +9714 8844888)

Its possible to get a ski and Wild Wadi pass that will reduce the cost of the two experiences. The ski ‘trip’ is only three minutes so don’t expect a Courcheval experience. A day pass will cost Euro 40.

Afternoon Tea at the Burj al Arab (phone number +9714 3017777)

An absolute must but you will have to book three weeks ahead of time ( or be a dear friend of mine !! ). A real afternoon experience in the world’s most famous hotel. A full three course afternoon experience will set you back Euro 45 pp and is worth every penny

GoKarting at Dubai Autodrome (phone number +971 (4) 3678700)

A great experience but one needs to be careful. This is a place where ‘the locals’ visit regularly and bring their worst driving habits. It will cost Euro 25 per session. It is excellent value and a good days fun.

Shopping

What Dubai is famous for. Particularly if you like jewellery. Stay clear of the expensive Malls ( Mall of Emirates is a great experience but very expensive ). City Centre is probably the best value but a bit ‘dated’. Burjaman is also a good place to ‘look’. But don’t miss a visit to Karama ( for all those fake bags and T shirts etc ). If you like toys for the kids and a range of ‘I never thought I needed that’ then the Dragon Mart at International City is the best value in town. Truly excellent value. The Gold Souk is a must for all you females ( or guys who want to buy something for the mistress !! Ok girls it’s a joke. Just trying to make this less boring ). The new Gold and Diamond park beside Mall of the Emirates is a better jewellry bet for those of you staying on the Marina side of the City (traffic on the route to the Gold Souk can be very heavy and who wants to waste time when on holidays ) A visit to Kiran in Cara is a must…. tell them Joanne sent you !!! But remember EVERYWHERE you shop in Dubai. Ask for a discount. In the jewellery shops you should be getting 50% plus off the opening price on diamonds. If its an all gold item it will be difficult to get more than 10% discount.

Dining on the Creek (phone number +9714 3994994)

Bateau will give you a truly romantic evening on the Creek ( a large river made for sea water !!! ) and the food is surprisingly good.

Desert Safari (phone number +9714 3402408)

Again a full day but really worth it. There are again many operator options. . You can also include a ‘desert dinner’ in the package. But make sure you have an empty stomach ‘on the day’.

Dubai Museum (phone number +9714 3531862)

Yes there is one. It was built in 1787. So if that does not trigger your interest. But seriously it is a ‘must do’ visit for anybody interested in some of Dubai’s history.

Visit the Jumeirah Mosque (phone number +9714 3536666)

Non Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering a Mosque. The Jumeirah Mosque however has ‘visit days’ and is a worthwhile way to spend an hour.

Deep Sea Fishing (phone number +9714 2956000)

There are many options so shop around. But you will need luck. Many times the fish don’t share your enthusiasm, and there is a ‘no show’. But on the right day it is very good fun and some fascinating fish. There is also shark ‘hunting’ but be careful it is a full day ( very early morning) and not very good value.

Golf

(Phone numbers Emirates - +9714 3802222, Montgomerie – +9714 390 5600 Dubai Creek - +9714 2956000 Desert Course Arabian Ranches - +9714 8846777 )
Yes there are many golf courses in Dubai. The Creek, Emirates Golf, Arabian Ranches and Montgomerie are the best known. There are other alternatives but for the ‘less good golfers’ !!!

Camel riding ( phone number +971 4 3361394)

Maybe the ugliest and smelliest animals in the world but still a fun ‘trip’. It will give you a wonderful insight into the role these majestic animals of the desert play ( and played ) such an important role in this part of the world. The Emirati’s are essentially Nomadic Tribesmen of the desert and camels are a part of that history.

Dubai Zoo (phone number +9714 3496444)

In addition to the normal array of animals, you will see some animals specific to this part of the world. Safa Park is adjacent to the zoo and is a great way to finish a day out with the kids.

Hatta Castle (phone number +9714 8521374)

Yes Dubai has a castle/heritage village that dates back to 1799. I have not been there but apparently it is a good experience.

Theatre and concerts (phone number – various)

The world’s highest paid artists are starting to identify Dubai as a ‘tour’ location. There is always some evening performances and it is worth checking with the Madinat Jumeirah ticket office to get a list of ‘features’. This part of Dubai will increase enormously over the next few years as more and more venues come ‘alive’. It is expected that Dubai will have at least one major global ‘name’ resident here for a 3 or 4 month season. The similarities with Las Vegas continue. But we have got to remember that ‘a star’ in Dubai is as likely to come from the Asian world. There are more Indians living in Dubai than there are locals.

Horse racing (phone number +9714 3322277)

Nad Al Sheba - always a great night racing particularly during Spring Carnival