So after a great nights sleep and an amazing breakfast (& lots of sneeky looks off the balcony all night just to 'check' that the Burj was 'still there) we cabbed it to the Gold Souks, down town Dubai. Great ride in as we got to see a lot of the city and the area along the 'creek'.

On pulling up outside the souk we were instantly overwhelmed by people trying to a) get into our cab and (b trying to 'sell us hand bags and watches.

a) we were worried about how on earth we were going to get a cab back if it was that full on and
b) hate being confronted with pushy sales people.

We needn't have worried as once we stepped inside the souk there were no 'pushiness'. I guess they aren't allowed in.

Had a great look around and bought our DD's some white gold and diamond earings and my GF a really cool little camel (c/w 'jewels'!!!) But we decided for any 'serious' jewelery shopping we would stick with the Gold and Diamond market.

As for getting a cab........there were cabs and people everywhere. We quickly realised the drivers were picking and choosing who they would pick up (based on how far they were going we imagine). So we very assertively put our hand up, an when he pulled up we yelled that we were going to Jumeriah Beach and we were in. Quite fun acutally.

So we headed back to the hotel and had another fruity mocktail ( I'm pretty sure it was called the Emirates)& club sandwiches for lunch in the lobby. Very interesting to watch people using the water pipes.

We then had to be in the lobby by about 4pm to be picked up for our Desert dinner experience, which we booked from home.

Before I tell you about our amazing night in the desert let me say to all the people who think its cheezy and touristy.........well we 'are' tourists! We had one of the best nights of our lives. Met a wonderful couple from the UK, (with promises to keep in touch)some very funny locals and laughed and talked all night. When we arrived back at the Hotel, we couldn't go to bed.....we were just too wired. We have not stopped talking about Dubai and 'that' night since.....so read on, or not........

sorry
amaing and dubain just excludes itself.

you might have had the time of your life / but nothing will ever attract me to dubai!

div

WOH..........theres a 'response'! I guess there must be a reason????

no reason devine, is what some call... the reason there was a village idiot? too many steroids, who knows but well known around here for childlike statements.. Keep posing and have a great trip.

sorry posting..

Thanks Realoc. I did have a look at some Devine54's other post and kinda got that vibe.......... sad to be bitter & twisted oh well, takes all kinds hey?

I don't think I have ever agreed with anything divine54 has posted - and I generally don't like the "tone" of the posts either, so I hate to admit it....but I don't like Dubai either.

I've tranisted thru there many, many times and that is okay. I"ve been there twice for rugby tournaments. My younger son loves the malls but the place just has no appeal to me. It's new and clean and has everything you could ever want - but to me it's just boring. Now, I do admit to liking to shop at Spinney's because we could get things that weren't available in the places we were living. So, I always came back with a suitcase full of grocery items!!!!

I guess since we lived in Egypt for so long - we've "done" the desert/bedoin/souk stuff and so it had no appeal.

So, I can't agree with you on Dubai - but I'll be sure to check out your other trip report!!! Glad you had a good time!

I'm not sure if I'm in the minority (or the majority), but I spend a week (November 2006) in the United Arab Emirates, basing myself in Deira, Dubai, and had a great week, visiting each of the seven Emirates, and finding Dubai much more interesting than I anticipated. I stayed at a hotel in Deira, with very few Western guests (I was the only American during my visit), and it had a very pleasant "foreign" feel, and I took most meals at schwarma stands and other hole-in-the-wall restaurants (other than my one meal at Al Mahara in the Burj -- I couldn't travel that far and not visit the Burj). I didn't have to pay any fee to enter the Burj, but that was because I had a dinner reservation (and even at $200 per person, I thought it was very fairly priced -- excellent food, plus an amazing aquarium).

I am looking forward to a return visit, hopefully a short stopover on the way to somewhere else in that part of the world.

Thanks for sharing and I admit, I frankly, cannot understand why div would waste his/her time sharing that unhelpful post. But, I guess it takes too much effort for him/her to share anything constructive.

Ignore anything Div has to say. S/he tires to start an argument on practically every thread, and most of what s/he has to say is complete nonsense.

I've oftened wondered about Dubai, since people seem to really either like it or dislike it. There doesn't seem to be much in between. Thanks for your post. It's very refreshing.

I'm back.........sorry got a bit distracted with 'life'...ahh the reality of coming home...sigh.

So on with the report. We were promptly picked up by a very friendly guide. We, myself, DH, a couple about our age from the Uk and a father with his young son, got into a very modern 4x4. On the drive out of Dubai we were told of the 'adventure' we would be having and the do's and don'ts. I was actually a bit concerned at the time that it would be a bit long and drawn out, as he explained we wouldn't be back until about 11pm. I needn't have worried.

After about 30 minutes we were at our first stop, where we met up with the rest of the 'convoy' as all the vehicles let some air out of their tyres. There were 33 4x4's that night which looked pretty impressive but we were told in the height of the season there is well over 100!!

Then for about half an hour we 'dune bashed' through the desert, what fun. Each vehicle trying to outdo each other with their daring. We stopped for a photo op' amongst the dunes. It was about 45degs but surprisingly the sand wasn't too hot underfoot. The veiws were amazing, my photos all show smiling faces and laughing. Everyone was really enjoying it all.

So back into the car (and yet another bottle of water from the cars 'fridge') We managed to stop and see some gazzelles and a few Orynx (sorry if the spelling is wrong).

Then we stopped at a camel farm before heading off to another great spot to watch the sun set. WOH, what a great experience.

Then we headed to our 'camp' for dinner and a camel ride. Our car was the first one in, so we got to ride the camels first. Not sure in peak periods that I would line up for too long to do this, but boy it was fun. The camp was really well done, c/w flushing toilets and great low tables and cushions.

Dinner was fairly basic, the bar was well stocked and the belly dancer ok. But the best part was the laughing and fun we had with our 'group'. Both the men had a try of the water pipes, which was quite amusing.

They also had a 'booth' where you could purchase the photos that had been taken along the way. But although they were good, we had taken plenty, and they weren't pushy at all.

Had a great drive back in the dark. Lovely to come out of the desert and see the lights of Dubai in the distance. On arriving back at our hotel, we were too 'awake' to sleep. So after more laughing with our 'new friends' we had a couple of drinks in the bar and headed upstairs.

It really was a wonderful night, very memorable.

Sounds great (I did a similar trip). Did you actually see wild gazelles and oryx -- I would have thought they would all have been hunted out by now, but it would be nice if some small groups managed to survive?

loved reading your report. I've been to Dubai twice and I know I will return again. I have stayed at the Burj and it was an amazing experience. I felt the staff and service was very warm and genuine. I never felt like it was too over the top. I have walked around the Jumeriah Beach hotel. This is definitely where I will stay next time!
I love Dubai, there's no where like it in the world (from what I've seen!) Thanks for writing such a good recap.

I too liked Dubai. Never made it out to the Burj, too much to see on the creek. Hoping someday to return. Beautiful place and amazingly nice people!

Had a lovely sleep in (have I mentioned how awsome our room was? & that it was serviced at least twice a day) and then an amazing breakfast, woh, actually wished I could eat more.

Caught the shuttle to the Gold and Diamond markets were my DH announced he planned to get me an eternity ring.........yay. So after much deliberation and in the end it was completely his choice and what a choice it was. the most exciting part was I also had my wedding and engagement rings 'remade'. They had thinned a lot (& they weren't that big to begin with) over 24 years, but I never did anything about it as I didn't want them 'changed' in anyway.

We were really nervous as we left them with the jeweler with only his business card. had to call back later to collect, we told him we were leaving the next morning and he 'promised' to have them ready. gulp.............

We cabbed it back to the Mall of the Emirates for a better look. As lovely as it was, really just like any other mall any where in the world. Although watching people ski was surreal.

Headed back to the hotel and got changed (long pants for him) and got a golf buggy over to the Burj. We thought we would 'splash'out and have lunch there. I know a lot of people wont agree with me, but we didn't like it. Loved it from the outside, but from the moment we walked in the door we felt completely out of place. None of the friendliness of the Jumeriah Beach.....enjoyed the view from the top, but the bar was closed so we decided we'd had enough.

And it was so hot we decided on lunch by the pool and a swim. Which was lovely but it was too hot to sit around. But we did go and also have a quick swim in the ocean beside the Burj. Just lovely, although the current was incredibly strong. Really felt like we 'ticked' off another first....swimming in the Gulf!

Just to finish up this report and thank everyone for their help.

After our swim we showered and rang the jeweller, the rings were ready. So we headed back to the Gold and Diamond market to collect them. We cabbed this time as we'd missed the shuttle, but it only cost a couple of dollars. Couldn't be happier with it all. The ring we chose is lovely and the re-do of my existing one is perfect. We even lashed out and bought a necklace and earrings too. Just as a side issue I am in the process of having the ring and the other pieces valued for insurance purposes. I'll be interested to know how they 'stack' up for what we paid. We don't really mind as we feel we got a bargain and I'm really happy with it all.

A work acquaintance recently went to Dubai and bought a lot of jewellery and when he had it valued here he was very impressed, we'll see. Don't like the thought of getting ripped off, but I guess that’s the chance you take. (I'll let you know)

So we cabbed back to the hotel and had our final dinner in the English Pub, which was kinda ironic, but we felt quite fitting.

So our holiday was over. The driver collected us at 6.15am and it was a smooth transition to the plane. Flight home was uneventful with a few hours in Singapore to stock up on DD's makeup (their favourite cosmetic shopping destination).

Used the chauffer drive again on arrival in Brisbane, although we only live 15mins from the airport it was just easy. Lovely to see the girls and be home.

Now we just have to try and use the Emirates points we accrued by paying for business class seats. We are thinking of securing flights to 'anywhere' anytime within a 6month period, to Europe and designing a holiday around that. Hopefully that will give us some chance of getting seats.........we'll see.

Below are a few snapshots of our amazing stay in Dubai

http://www4.snapfish.com.au/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=146669936/a=143664321_143664321

And the link to our 28 Day driving in the UK report.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=35140391

So glad you enjoyed it! I was in Dubai for three days just the week before you, staying at the Jumeirah Hilton (I WISH the Jumeirah Beach!)Did my gold shopping and trading at the souk and had brunch at the Burj. And everyone was so friendly in Dubai, amazing for such a large and busy city. I live in Doha and get down to the UAE for a little retail therapy once in a while - it's also a great place to take Amercian friends for the "gee whiz" factor.

Thank you for so much good info aussiedreamer. I would like to visit Dubai someday--but not in the hot season.

Loved your report - Aussiedreamer - it brought back lots of memories and I too love staying in Dubai. We make it a stopover whenever we fly to Europe or Africa and, in fact, we leave this weekend and I cant wait. I have also booked a room at the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm which opens tomorrow! So excited, so that will be two days of discovery of this new island called Palm and then we fly to Zambia, Namibia and South Africa for a whole month. Can't wait.
Thanks for sharing!
Alison

After a cruise in the Persian Gulf we spent a night at the Burj. We really liked it. The staff could not have been more hospitable and attended to our every need even before we knew we needed it. We were met as we entered the hotel, called by name and escorted by our room by one of the hostesses. It was great.

We did the desert trip, sand dunes, dinner etc. Of course, the world, palm islands and other things too. I am glad I went.

We are going to Dubai for 3 nights from 1st June 2009 leaving the 4th June.

Thankyou, aussiedreamer, for your wonderful post. I will check out what is available.

The reason for our trip is a World Cup football (soccer) qualifier match for us (Australia vs Qatar) in Dohar Qatar 6th, so 3 nights in Dubai and 3 nights in Doha.

Really looking forward to it.

Would love any info from people, but in any case, I will post to this forum.

Have a wonderful time, thats exactly one year since we were there ! Looks like we will be back next year on our way to Europe. Love to hear about your trip.

Thanks Aussiedreamer for your very informative posts. We are stopping over in Dubai in May 2010 for the first time so I need to research all I can before I start booking accommodation and tours. We're inclined to give the desert/dune bashing a miss though! The main worry is the very early arrival and late check in most hotels so we'll be looking for something quiet and restful to pass the time on the first morning.

Hi TassieTwo (I was born in Burnie!!!!} Currently in Vegas on this years adventure. If you can fit it in, do the desert thing every aussie I have ever spoken to has loved it. If budget allows, you must stay at Jumeriah Beach Hotel. It was the best we've ever stayed in, we are currently staying at Bellagio, which is great too, but Jumeriah Beach is AWSOME.

I'll be home in a fortnight, if I can help at all please let me know.

AD

Ps. we also arrived early (I'd have to look up the time) and we got our room straight away.

I have a queston, are people who have their passports stamped in Israel permitted in Dubai? I have heard various answers.
thanks

alan43,

I have heard the same and I think it is true the Israeli stamp is a problem in Dubai. If that's the case you will have to get a new passport before visiting Dubai. I remember a post from Gardyloo saying he had an overnight connection at the Dubai airport but he was not allowed to leave the airport due to his Israeli stamp.

I visited Israel in 2007 and at my request they did not stamp my passport. I would like to know if my info is in a computer, in other words, will they know I visited Israel even though I have no stamp?

alan, the info in my post above might be out of date. I checked the UAE Embassy's web site and there is no mention of a problem with the Israeli stamp. But I would still call the embassy and ask that question just to make sure.

Regarding your earlier comment: we buy jewellery from the souk each time we're in Dubai and our sister-in-law, who is in the business, says we've paid around a third of the UK retail price. We do haggle, though not obsessively, and have been very pleased with the quality of the gems and workmanship: herself is very, very fussy about such things.

Jewellery valuations are a big rip off. It's like trying to value your picaso... you can have from $$ to $$$$$$$ for the same item.

aussiedreamer, thanks for your report. I'm headed to India, with a stop in Dubai, in January.

I am just back from three days in Dubai visiting a friend there at the end of a trip around the world. He is young and suggested that I should do that desert trip as I was anxious to see the stars. I read in the brochure that there would be "dune bashing" but expected it to be optional. Oh no, it was the intro to the whole thing. It ranks among the stupidest possible activities humans could engage in. Pointless roaring up and down sand dunes. The driver said any person who ate lunch would now be sick, and that was the case. Drivers in India & "dune bashing" made me realize once again how foolishly some people treat the great convenience of motor vehicles. One more item; when you are in Dubai and look up at that tallest tower sched for completion Jan 2010, ask yourself how many men have died for that? Answer - nearly 600. The architect warned that they might have 700-800 fatalities if his plan was accepted. Dubai is often amazing but seldom interesting (altho I loved the Dhows - and the new Raffles Hotel).

WOH, bah hum bug!!!! We loved it, still talk about it a year on. Each to their own.

aussiedreamer, great TR. I'll be in Dubai later this year and I will refer to your TR again when planning my trip.

Glad to help. We talk all the time about going back. for us its a stopover (not sure where your from). Hope to be going to Italy for an extended stay later in the year and will absolutely go via or home via Dubai.

Please let me know if I can be of any helps.

aussidreamer, many thanks for your kind offer of help. I hope you enjoy Hong Kong and the other destinations you are visiting on your upcoming trip.