Dubai and/or Oman
 

I'm planning to spend 4 days in Dubai over New Years. Is a desert safari a full day trip? I looked at a few hotels in the desert but they were very expensive; are there any that are more moderately priced (maybe US$200-300). Should we spend a day in Abu Dhabi? Are we going to get bored in Dubai and so should we split the time between Dubai and Muscat (or somewhere else in Oman) instead (and maybe add an extra day or two to our time in the region), especially since we want to go to Dubai for the NYE fireworks but hotels are very very pricey and/or booked up? Our goals for the trip are (1) see the NYE fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and (2) get a feel for the Middle East and its culture as it's a region we've never been. Thank you!

Dubai and Oman ... there couldn't be a bigger contrast between two countries! You won't get a feel for the Middle East in Dubai. You certainly will in Oman.

We are in Oman right now (our last day, unfortunately) and have spent 3 days in Dubai prior to our roadtrip in Oman. Dubai is very artificial, over the top luxury, big, bigger, biggest, tall, taller, tallest ... if you know what I mean. Oman is serene, modest, genuine. We have traveled all over the country during two weeks. The people here are so friendly and it's so easy to get in contact and to learn about their everyday life. This is absolutely not the case in Dubai.

But ... if you have only four days I don't think it's worth it to travel to Oman. You can't get a feel of a country in two or so days. You won't get bored in Dubai, and DO make that desert safari! We made one in Oman (overnighted in a desert camp under the stars and the full moon) and it was magical.

Myriam ..What company did you use for the overnight in Oman? I am planning on Muscat for 4 or 5 days after Christmas. Do you have any advice? I am a solo female and don't want to drive there or in Dubai so that probably limits me. You're probably traveling home now but when you can, let me know what I shouldn't miss or what I need not be concerned with in Oman.

We're back in Dubai. Flying home tomorrow. We used Mark Tours. Did Wadi Bani Awf with a guide. His name was Yaqoob. A very friendly and open man who spoke good English. In Muscat visit the Grand Mosque and try to do a trip in the mountains. Spectacular scenery! Don't think it's possible to do a desert safari from Muscat but you can always ask. Oman is a very safe country, also for a woman traveling alone.