Dubai - to go or not to go?
Mar 5th, 2014, 02:15 PM
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Dubai - to go or not to go?
My partner and I have been considering visiting Dubai for the last few years and may have an opportunity to go for a reasonable price in the next few weeks. I'm really interested in seeing it for myself, having heard so much about it, and with the Middle East remaining a place neither of us have visited before. We're an unmarried couple - would that present any problem at all with regards to staying in a hotel together? Another issue is having enough to do - we'd only be staying a maximum of 3 nights, but do not have a massive budget. Other people who have visited Dubai seem to have spent lots of money on shopping. I'm interested in visiting the Mall of the Emirates just to see it, but can't really afford to buy much there. Would it be an option to go to the beach in March/April? I understand temps are already pretty high. I've started to research but any personal tips/opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Mar 5th, 2014, 04:05 PM
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In March the weather is still lovely - of course you can go to the beaches. Some days are windy, but the temps will not be a problem yet.
Mall of the Emirates is just a mall ... It depends on where you come from. If you are, like me, from a small city, it may be an experience just to wander around. If you are used to the big malls of Europe or USA, this will mostly be more of the same. Yes, the ski slope in the desert is unique - it is also smaller than I had anticipated.
I find the souks - especially the gold souk, really interesting.
If you come in the last weeks of March, consider going to Global Village one evening:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TabletAtt..._of_Dubai.html
Mall of the Emirates is just a mall ... It depends on where you come from. If you are, like me, from a small city, it may be an experience just to wander around. If you are used to the big malls of Europe or USA, this will mostly be more of the same. Yes, the ski slope in the desert is unique - it is also smaller than I had anticipated.
I find the souks - especially the gold souk, really interesting.
If you come in the last weeks of March, consider going to Global Village one evening:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TabletAtt..._of_Dubai.html
Mar 6th, 2014, 04:27 AM
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Thanks for the advice. Is there much to worry about safety wise? There have been some horror stories in the British press regarding tourists being arrested/fined for things they didn't do, and I also understand that the UAE has the highest rate of traffic fatalities in the world...
Mar 6th, 2014, 05:09 AM
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There is very little to worry about in Dubai if you observe the local customs eg not showing affection in public etc. I would be more concerned about your budget as it is an expensive destination. I went this time last year & the weather was very pleasant, could swim in the sea but could have been a couple of degrees warmer.
Mar 7th, 2014, 02:23 AM
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Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. As long as you use common sense and respect local culture, you will be fine. Never be drunk, even tipsy, in public. Never drive when you have had a drink. Do not cuddle or kiss in public. Stay far far away from anything drug-related.
Though it is not essential, locals appreciate it if you dress appropriately - and all this means is to cover shoulders and knees. Yes, you do see the silly touristy girls with short pants and cleavages in the malls, and you will not be hauled off to prison because of dress code. It just shows disrespect for the country you are visiting. I believe that 'horror stories" related to tourists are 95% alcohol related.
Though it is not essential, locals appreciate it if you dress appropriately - and all this means is to cover shoulders and knees. Yes, you do see the silly touristy girls with short pants and cleavages in the malls, and you will not be hauled off to prison because of dress code. It just shows disrespect for the country you are visiting. I believe that 'horror stories" related to tourists are 95% alcohol related.
Mar 7th, 2014, 02:37 AM
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OK, thanks for the advice. I know it may seem silly but it's hard to know what it's really like there without having experienced it. I've visited other Muslim countries such as Morocco but I know the UAE is seen as much stricter.
Are we likely to have any problems at all as an unmarried couple sharing a hotel room? Apparently extramarital sex is illegal in the UAE.
Are we likely to have any problems at all as an unmarried couple sharing a hotel room? Apparently extramarital sex is illegal in the UAE.
Mar 7th, 2014, 07:41 AM
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Check out the following link, scroll down to section on 'couples sharing hotel rooms in Dubai':
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/living-together-in-dubai.php
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/living-together-in-dubai.php
Mar 9th, 2014, 01:39 AM
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yes temps have started to rise but till mid april it should still be nice and bearable. you would have a few adhoc bad days but by and large you should be ok.
yes dubai is expensive if you want it to be. it also has more than enough things for the cost conscious or low budget traveler. it really depends on what you want to do and how much u wanna spend. if u keep shopping out then u would have no problem on everything else. hotels, food, sights etc can all be customised to meet your budget needs.
desert safaris / dhow cruises / city tours etc are not at all expensive. dubai fountain is free. visiting the malls to see the ski slope etc is free.
dont bother too much about being together in a hotel room or outside. if (extremely unlikely) asked by hotel maintain that u married. but dont worry, they never ask.
as kovsie said - remember respect and common sense and you will have a super time in dubai.
yes dubai is expensive if you want it to be. it also has more than enough things for the cost conscious or low budget traveler. it really depends on what you want to do and how much u wanna spend. if u keep shopping out then u would have no problem on everything else. hotels, food, sights etc can all be customised to meet your budget needs.
desert safaris / dhow cruises / city tours etc are not at all expensive. dubai fountain is free. visiting the malls to see the ski slope etc is free.
dont bother too much about being together in a hotel room or outside. if (extremely unlikely) asked by hotel maintain that u married. but dont worry, they never ask.
as kovsie said - remember respect and common sense and you will have a super time in dubai.
