Dubai advice

ThemeOne

Be careful if you need to take any medications with you, even prescription items, as they're very strict. If you think it applies to you, read up about it online so you don't get caught out.

My one trip there was in May - the weather was very humid and about 36C every day, which I was told is normal for that time of year. Obviously later in the year will be even hotter.

I did quite like the place though - lots of chain stores familiar from the UK e.g. Costa, Waitrose, good shopping, and the old town was interesting. Would have loved to see the beaches, but didn't get a chance.

It also felt very safe when out on foot.

peachyprice

andrewf75 wrote: »

As others have said it seems an odd place to go for a holiday

In what sense?

It has fantastic hotels, beaches, food, service, shopping a cultural old city, modern public transport, safe, some amazing man-made wonders, dessert resorts, no packs of marauding p!ssed up hen or stag parties. Beats many bucket and spade holiday destinations hands down.

OP, as you've gathered Dubai is a bit Marmite. But don't let other's put you off, it's a great place if you want it to be with plenty to do.

Ames

ThemeOne wrote: »

Be careful if you need to take any medications with you, even prescription items, as they're very strict. If you think it applies to you, read up about it online so you don't get caught out.

My one trip there was in May - the weather was very humid and about 36C every day, which I was told is normal for that time of year. Obviously later in the year will be even hotter.

I did quite like the place though - lots of chain stores familiar from the UK e.g. Costa, Waitrose, good shopping, and the old town was interesting. Would have loved to see the beaches, but didn't get a chance.

It also felt very safe when out on foot.

I remember reading that even common OTC stuff like Lemsip can be a problem.

andrewf75

peachyprice wrote: »

In what sense?

It has fantastic hotels, beaches, food, service, shopping a cultural old city, modern public transport, safe, some amazing man-made wonders, dessert resorts, no packs of marauding p!ssed up hen or stag parties. Beats many bucket and spade holiday destinations hands down.

OP, as you've gathered Dubai is a bit Marmite. But don't let other's put you off, it's a great place if you want it to be with plenty to do.

Thanks, that helps me understand the attraction a bit more. Still not my cup of tea as the whole kind of "fakeness"of it puts me off, but that's a personal choice.

Heliflyguy

We stayed at the Marriott Marquis and can recommend it but you may prefer a beach resort.

Agree the Friday brunches are good.

Have a look at the Maya restaurant at Le Royal Meridian resort which might also interest you as a place to stay as its very close to the marina.

A good guide to prices and places to eat is the RoundMenu website.

There is plenty to do and although I expect you can do it on a budget its still going to be an expensive trip especially if you visit the gold souk and its your wife's birthday.

The least expensive part of our visit was the water taxi across to the souks.

Taxis are reasonably priced as well.

Do check the medicine situation pre mentioned and E cigarettes are banned too.

[Deleted User]

Like many others on this thread I'd advise somewhere else other than Dubai unless you like Essex in the desert.

Two grand would get you a very nice week in Crete which,like most of Greece,is really gorgeous in Spring.

peachyprice

Deleted_User wrote: »

Like many others on this thread I'd advise somewhere else other than Dubai unless you like Essex in the desert.

Two grand would get you a very nice week in Crete which,like most of Greece,is really gorgeous in Spring.

Have you actually been to Dubai, or Essex for that matter? I can't see anything remotely similar between the two.

As for Crete, oh yes, Malia is a real treat :rotfl:

littlereddevil

Haha Peachy I was thinking the same thing!

littlereddevil

andrewf75 wrote: »

As others have said it seems an odd place to go for a holiday

I mean you can have a good time anywhere obviously, but when you have the whole world to choose from, why there?

What a strange comment!

gracie10

We looked at going in may halfterm as the flights were coming up cheap, then realised its the start of ramadan. Now going to rome instead for our 40ths.