A few Dubai questions

jodun_2

Myself, my husband and our son (13) are going to Dubai for a week next month, and I have a few questions.

1. Any recommendations for a restaurant to eat at whilst watching the fountains? Mid range, not too fancy.

2. I'm going to book the Burj Khalifa, I've read that a good time to book is around 5.30 so that you get to see the view in both daylight, sunset and dark. Any other tips?

3. We want to do a jeep safari in the desert, should I pre book this or will it be easy to arrange while we're there?

4. Is Sega Republic worth a look? Good for our 13 year old?

5. We depart Dubai thing on Friday so would like to 'do brunch' on our last day. I believe this should be booked in advance? Any recommendations?

Any other tips much appreciated.

peachyprice

I can't answer all your q's, but I'll give a couple a go. It's easy to book a jeep safari while there, and you may have the Entertainer book in your hotel room that will have dozens of discount vochers for different operators.

My favorite place for brunch has to be the JW Marriott Marketplace restaurant, it's a set price buffet with food from around the world, really really good.

bob_a_builder

In response. to Q:1.
When you come out of the Dubai Mall towards the lake, cross over the bridge to the Souk al Bahar - you are aiming for the upstairs restaurant on the right hand corner of the Souk overlooking the lake - of course you need the outside tables, (need to go back in the Souk for the entrance)
Don't recall its name, but good food and surprisingly reasonable given its location + very good view
similar restaurant downstairs but not tried that one

moaninggit

give brunch(friday !!!! up) a miss with the kid in tow:eek:

littlereddevil

There is a very informative Dubai forum on TA

thebigbosh

1. Upstairs in Souk Al Bahar serves alcohol and there are a number of good restaurants. Try reserving Rivington Grill, if they have window seats. You could also get an outside reservation on the Address's terrace. Think it's Calabar?

2. There used to be Gondola rides in the fountains lake, not sure if they do them any more. Worth looking in to. If you want to go up the Burj, make sure you book in advance: DHS100 on booking, but DHS400 if you show up on the day. And it can get busy at times. Also, poke your heads into the Armani Hotel and ask to be shown around... it's quite plush, and some nice cars outside normally!! Although shopping at the Dubai mall could be fun, it's one of the more expensive malls in town!

3. It's easy to arrange there. However, if you want to save money the daily deal sites out in Dubai are rife with jeep safari tours, although they tend less to pick you up from your hotel and instead some random petrol station in Karama. Groupon, living social and Cobone were my favourites in Dubai. Have a browse and see if any safaris take your fancy.

4. Never been, sorry. Sure he'd love it though.

5. Brunches are AWESOME. Perhaps not so much with a 13 year though old as the Western focused ones come with bottomless booze and are a great way for ex pats to drink and party. I sure did when I lived there. However, there are a great selection of brunches available and they do cater to all needs including families and quieter events. Have a look at timeoutdubai.com, search for brunches and perhaps go for something family friendly. My personal preferences: Atlantis and the Westin. I'm sure you'll like whatever you choose though! Saying that, don't go to Rock Bottom, Double Decker or Rixy's!!


Other tips:
- Taxis are cheap and will get you around to most places. Get the government ones and take the official number from the first one you get.
- A great touristy thing I used to push my visitors to do would be to go to the Dubai museum, then walk through the textile souk, get an abra (DH1) across the water, walk (and marvel) through the Spice and Gold souks, and then have a Chicken Schwarma. MMM.
- Two good water parks in town: Wild Wadi and Atlantis. Your son will love those. Or there's an adventure water park now out at Al Ain.
- If you fancy some quality fake handbags or the like, there's normally some good wares in Karama. Be prepared to haggle loads. Don't buy any fake watches there, they're no good.

Happy to impart more advice. PM me if you need.

B

jodun_2

Thanks very much everyone for your help. I've booked the Burj, although was too late to get a sunset time, so have opted for mid morning instead. I'm now having second thoughts about Friday brunch - don't want one that's solely boozy adults, but 'family' ones will probably be full of wee kids and my 13 year old will obviously be far too cool for that!

littlereddevil

Sunset is not always the best time anyway as it can sometimes be quite hazy

thebigbosh

there are some non-boozy options and some teen options too! have a look http://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants/brunch

inmypocketnottheirs

Try the Hyatt for Friday brunch. It isn't boozy and it is a 5* hotel so dress suitably. I have been twice without booking but just two of us, so I guess best to book in advance. It does get busy and there is an excellent choice.