Dubai Holiday

[topspin]

I'm off to Dubai next week to celebrate my 29th birthday.As it's my first visit I could do with some help for those who have already been, so I can formulate a list broken down as follows:

1. Places to visit
2. Places to eat
3. Nightlife

 

[DeadBall]

It's Dubai, its brimming to the seams with all those things on your list. Just go with your gut feeling.

 

[Nostalgic]

It's Dubai, its brimming to the seams with all those things on your list. Just go with your gut feeling.

You should list the things to do in the seamy side of town, beyond the glitz. Surely there's an underbelly, as often is in major cities.

 

[DeadBall]

You should list the things to do in the seamy side of town, beyond the glitz. Surely there's an underbelly, as often is in major cities.

I'd rather not, it would be deleted in a jiffy. Not to mention it is very hard to access as a visitor, some solid credentials and recommendations are needed.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I'm off to Dubai next week to celebrate my 29th birthday.As it's my first visit I could do with some help for those who have already been, so I can formulate a list broken down as follows:

1. Places to visit
2. Places to eat
3. Nightlife

Happy Birthday.

1. Depends what you prefer, there is no real natural beauty but the usual tourist outings are

Top of Burj Khalifa
Wild Wadi or Aquaventure Waterpark - prefered Aqua - nice big drop shoot and beach.
Global Village, India was fun.
Dubai Mall, Beaches etc.

2. Plenty of choice. If you have HSBC, you can download the Entertainer app which gives you buy one get one free. There is a cool fruit juice place on Al Rigga Road.

3. Clubs? Club White and Club Base are the biggest and best but White closes in the Summer as it's a rooftop, too hot.

Have fun.

 

[Nostalgic]

I'd rather not, it would be deleted in a jiffy. Not to mention it is very hard to access as a visitor, some solid credentials and recommendations are needed.

Fair enough. How about places that aren't necessarily seamy but are sstill off the beaten track and aren't tourist traps? Or is there a total overlap between them and the underbelly?

As a connoisseur of all things occult and supernatural for instance, I hear there are plenty of such spots in the Gulf.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You should list the things to do in the seamy side of town, beyond the glitz. Surely there's an underbelly, as often is in major cities.

No underbelly, its more like a gut of a rhino in Dubai.

 

[DeadBall]

Fair enough. How about places that aren't necessarily seamy but are sstill off the beaten track and aren't tourist traps? Or is there a total overlap between them and the underbelly?

Yes, there are 4 such places at Jumeriah Beach itself but a couple are not known and the other two are not accessible to tourists.

As a connoisseur of all things occult and supernatural for instance, I hear there are plenty of such spots in the Gulf.

Not that much in Dubai, but more towards Al Ain and Ras Al Khaima. Oman is the best for this especially if you're from Bahla (my deceased best friends hometown) which is known for the supernatural. If you ever get caught for something in the Gulf, just mention Bahla and you will be let free.

 

[Nostalgic]

Yes, there are 4 such places at Jumeriah Beach itself but a couple are not known and the other two are not accessible to tourists.

Not that much in Dubai, but more towards Al Ain and Ras Al Khaima. Oman is the best for this especially if you're from Bahla (my deceased best friends hometown) which is known for the supernatural. If you ever get caught for something in the Gulf, just mention Bahla and you will be let free.

I've heard of Bahla. However, is it really a get-out-of-jail-free card? I would imagine the authorities would've caught on to people using some reference to the town.

 

[Nostalgic]

No underbelly, its more like a gut of a rhino in Dubai.

I'm not sure what to make of this. Gut of a rhino as in it is concealed behind such thick skin that it is impenetrable as [MENTION=146530]DeadBall[/MENTION] suggested already, or gut or a rhino as in it is cavernous and far exceeds a mere underbelly in girth? Maybe both?

 

[DeadBall]

I've heard of Bahla. However, is it really a get-out-of-jail-free card? I would imagine the authorities would've caught on to people using some reference to the town.

Back when we were teenagers in the late 90s and 2000s we used it a lot at the police stations or fights at clubs, also the fact that most policemen were Yemeni and Omani uncles helped a lot. They used to be genuinely scared of being cursed. Probably the fact that we had one local parent and that he was actually from Bahla helped too but they used to be genuinely terrified.

 

[minamino]

Dubai is the best city in the world

 

[Technics 1210]

Desert safari.

 

[topspin]

Happy Birthday.

1. Depends what you prefer, there is no real natural beauty but the usual tourist outings are

Top of Burj Khalifa
Wild Wadi or Aquaventure Waterpark - prefered Aqua - nice big drop shoot and beach.
Global Village, India was fun.
Dubai Mall, Beaches etc.

2. Plenty of choice. If you have HSBC, you can download the Entertainer app which gives you buy one get one free. There is a cool fruit juice place on Al Rigga Road.

3. Clubs? Club White and Club Base are the biggest and best but White closes in the Summer as it's a rooftop, too hot.

Have fun.

Thanks bro and this is a good list! I actually have a HSBC account and yes I was after clubs as well haha.

 

[topspin]

Desert safari.

Yes, this is definitely on my to do list. What time of the day would you recommend doing this?

 

[topspin]

Dubai is the best city in the world

If so I cannot wait to see what the hype is about. Are you a local or frequent traveller to Dubai?

 

[Zaz]

Dubai is the best city in the world

Nowhere near tbh But each to their own

 

[Technics 1210]

Yes, this is definitely on my to do list. What time of the day would you recommend doing this?

They pick you up so that you get to experience sunset, then are dropped back to your hotel in the evening.

 

[Knight_Rider]

Dubai is a soulless and plastic city. Been there a few times and didnt find it interesting.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Thanks bro and this is a good list! I actually have a HSBC account and yes I was after clubs as well haha.

If have a female with you, there is no issue getting into any clubs. But if you are with a bunch of lads, then you may well be refused entry unless you booked a table.

For beaches use the entry from Madinat Jumeirah to access the exclusive beach next to Burj Al Arab. There is a guard at the enterance towards this area but say you have a reserveration at the resturant.

 

[shaz619]

If have a female with you, there is no issue getting into any clubs. But if you are with a bunch of lads, then you may well be refused entry unless you booked a table.

For beaches use the entry from Madinat Jumeirah to access the exclusive beach next to Burj Al Arab. There is a guard at the enterance towards this area but say you have a reserveration at the resturant.

I've changed me views on Dubai, may pay a visit it's basically based off Singapore isn't it and we can't go there at the moment what were your top halal land marks, things to do and food places, it is expensive though isn't it probably biggest negative

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] Wonder if you drove a jeep in the desert as well, if you can do that worth it in itself despite how risky it is

 

[PetroDollars]

Try smokey beach and give sugar factory in La Mer a try.

 

[topspin]

If have a female with you, there is no issue getting into any clubs. But if you are with a bunch of lads, then you may well be refused entry unless you booked a table.

For beaches use the entry from Madinat Jumeirah to access the exclusive beach next to Burj Al Arab. There is a guard at the enterance towards this area but say you have a reserveration at the resturant.

Ah that sucks because it turns out I'm going with one of my closest friends (who is a male). Should we avoid clubs and look for bars instead you reckon?

 

[DeadBall]

Ah that sucks because it turns out I'm going with one of my closest friends (who is a male). Should we avoid clubs and look for bars instead you reckon?

Lolz @ asking KKWC about bar/club advice.

There are a lot of Eastern European prostitutes at the entrances or in the general vicinity you can pay to get you in as a couple as most of them can't get into the better places alone either but those are the really high class places. You should be good for most places with them.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Ah that sucks because it turns out I'm going with one of my closest friends (who is a male). Should we avoid clubs and look for bars instead you reckon?

Depends on the club, if its' Club Base or Club White on Fri/Sat you may have issues. If you drink you can buy a bottle which will gain you access to the VIP area also and no issues being 2 males but they are not cheap. Otherwise just go early or walk in behind some lasses lol.

If you like Asian tunes, try Boudoir in Jumeirah . There is also a nice food joint Karachi Grill Restaurant nearby(Pakistani food).

 

[King-Misbah]

Dubai is the best city in the world

You need to travel the world a bit more it seems, Dubai does not compare to the likes of Istanbul.

Dubai has no history, no culture, local food is bland and the city is only after your money. It can be classified to be a fake city.

 

[topspin]

Depends on the club, if its' Club Base or Club White on Fri/Sat you may have issues. If you drink you can buy a bottle which will gain you access to the VIP area also and no issues being 2 males but they are not cheap. Otherwise just go early or walk in behind some lasses lol.

If you like Asian tunes, try Boudoir in Jumeirah . There is also a nice food joint Karachi Grill Restaurant nearby(Pakistani food).

Thanks for the advice bro. I guess we might try and get there early. Don't think my friend and I will have much trouble getting in with a group of lasses if necessary.

I'll add Boudouir and Karachi Grill Restaurant to my list too

 

[topspin]

Try smokey beach and give sugar factory in La Mer a try.

Thanks - added to my list. I've heard good things about Smokey Beach too.

 

[topspin]

Lolz @ asking KKWC about bar/club advice.

There are a lot of Eastern European prostitutes at the entrances or in the general vicinity you can pay to get you in as a couple as most of them can't get into the better places alone either but those are the really high class places. You should be good for most places with them.

Lol why he is clued up?

As for your suggestion I don't think I can trust handing money over to a prossie and who knows how much they would charge to assist with a male entry...

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Dubai is a soulless and plastic city. Been there a few times and didnt find it interesting.

You are right, but at the same time, it has probably the best beaches and food you will find anywhere. For some people that is enough. Book yourself a top hotel which has it's own private beach access and you are going to have a good time, especially if you like water sports.

That said, I think you can get most of that stuff elsewhere these days, but if you've never been Dubai is still worth a visit. Probably better for families with small children though, there are a lot of facilities for them.

 

[uberkoen]

Trader Vic's at Souq Madinat Jumierah for some nice cocktails

 

[KingKhanWC]

I've changed me views on Dubai, may pay a visit it's basically based off Singapore isn't it and we can't go there at the moment what were your top halal land marks, things to do and food places, it is expensive though isn't it probably biggest negative

[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] Wonder if you drove a jeep in the desert as well, if you can do that worth it in itself despite how risky it is

Good to see you posting bro.

Dubai isnt even in my top 10 of places to visit because it lacks natural beauty apart from the desert. If you want to enjoy Dubai you need to take a fair bit of spending money, otherwise it's not worth visiting. Shopping is great , prob the best in the world(from what I've seen). Restaurants are great too but not much else tbh.

Yes I have many times driven on the sand, its a great fun. I took my own Range Rover but the first attempt was a bit of a disaster , got stuck because I didnt bother taking down the air in the tyres lol. But now Im an experienced sand dune basher! Sandboarding is great too, along with quad bikes, motor bikes. It is a lot of fun.

Here was my first attempt on driving on the desert, many years ago now. I needed help to get out which took a few hours lol

 

[KingKhanWC]

Lolz @ asking KKWC about bar/club advice.

There are a lot of Eastern European prostitutes at the entrances or in the general vicinity you can pay to get you in as a couple as most of them can't get into the better places alone either but those are the really high class places. You should be good for most places with them.

Dont you have any friends? lol

Thanks for the advice bro. I guess we might try and get there early. Don't think my friend and I will have much trouble getting in with a group of lasses if necessary.

I'll add Boudouir and Karachi Grill Restaurant to my list too

If you drink, I would also suggest you buy your stuff from the duty free outlet which is opposite the baggage claim when you arrive. There are no supermarkets or shops which sell the stuff and hotel prices are very high.

 

[Shaddy86]

Late night shisha at JBR. Something I'd do everyday of the week in Dubai.

 

[Technics 1210]

You are right, but at the same time, it has probably the best beaches and food you will find anywhere. For some people that is enough. Book yourself a top hotel which has it's own private beach access and you are going to have a good time, especially if you like water sports.

That said, I think you can get most of that stuff elsewhere these days, but if you've never been Dubai is still worth a visit. Probably better for families with small children though, there are a lot of facilities for them.

For me it's more about UAE than just Dubai. I prefer the more chilled lifestyle in Al Ain, and the balance of work and life of Abu Dhabi. While Dubai has many pros, it is ultimately a materialistic city.

 

[LongHorn]

Abu Dhabi is no less materialistic than Dubai, its just a fashionable statement to pretend Abu Dhabi is more balanced, and i say this as someone who was born in Abu Dhabi and has spent close to 3 decades there.

Yes, its quieter, which is why on Friday afternoons, the rush on E11 from Abu Dhabi towards Dubai is far busier than the other way round.
Up to a third of "Dubai" residents actually live in Sharjah/Ajman, and work in Dubai.

Al Ain is chilled, some would say a bit too chilled. Its a residential sort of city for expats while many nationals have their ancestral homes there. There is a reason why municipal ordinances dont allow any building higher than 5 or 6 floors there

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

For me it's more about UAE than just Dubai. I prefer the more chilled lifestyle in Al Ain, and the balance of work and life of Abu Dhabi. While Dubai has many pros, it is ultimately a materialistic city.

On reflection I should maybe have explored a bit wider when I was actually in Dubai. One thing which I didn't really get a feel of was civilian life which was a bit odd. I am sure it is there, but unlike other places where I have been, the residential areas didn't seem that evident. That is where you would really see what life is about in a place like that.

 

[imrankhannsu]

I dont like Dubai. But what I enjoyed there are the dancing fountains under the Burj al Khalifa . If you are looking for Desi food then Ravis. The Dubai Mall Aquarium is alright. You could go to Salt Bae's restaurant

 

[topspin]

Dont you have any friends? lol



If you drink, I would also suggest you buy your stuff from the duty free outlet which is opposite the baggage claim when you arrive. There are no supermarkets or shops which sell the stuff and hotel prices are very high.

Understood I shall do. Thanks for the tip.

 

[topspin]

Trader Vic's at Souq Madinat Jumierah for some nice cocktails

Menu looks good as well. Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[shaz619]

Good to see you posting bro.

Dubai isnt even in my top 10 of places to visit because it lacks natural beauty apart from the desert. If you want to enjoy Dubai you need to take a fair bit of spending money, otherwise it's not worth visiting. Shopping is great , prob the best in the world(from what I've seen). Restaurants are great too but not much else tbh.

Yes I have many times driven on the sand, its a great fun. I took my own Range Rover but the first attempt was a bit of a disaster , got stuck because I didnt bother taking down the air in the tyres lol. But now Im an experienced sand dune basher! Sandboarding is great too, along with quad bikes, motor bikes. It is a lot of fun.

Here was my first attempt on driving on the desert, many years ago now. I needed help to get out which took a few hours lol

Good to see you around here a good ol wise head and tbh even though I haven't been there that's the only appealing thing for me, the desert and potentially hiring a rangy or something and driving around, I guess quad biking could serve the same purpose potentially as well, which activity did you enjoy the most when you were there ? and true money is a big thing as well seems like its all very expensive but I suppose on the halal front you be sorted, it's pretty cool you took your very own mean machine there

 

[KingKhanWC]

Good to see you around here a good ol wise head and tbh even though I haven't been there that's the only appealing thing for me, the desert and potentially hiring a rangy or something and driving around, I guess quad biking could serve the same purpose potentially as well, which activity did you enjoy the most when you were there ? and true money is a big thing as well seems like its all very expensive but I suppose on the halal front you be sorted, it's pretty cool you took your very own mean machine there

The quad biking was fun but they are too slow, restricted. The moto desert biking was better, much faster and if you can ride a bike well, you can pull off some great jumps over the dunes. Food is amazing in Dubai, all types of world foods. I enjoyed the gyms too, esp Golds gym which is really cool. I bought the Range over there, as I used to go very reguarly and fuel is cheaper than water. There is something magical about the desert, woudln't mind doing a drive through the Sahara one day, if you're up for it bro??

 

[shaz619]

The quad biking was fun but they are too slow, restricted. The moto desert biking was better, much faster and if you can ride a bike well, you can pull off some great jumps over the dunes. Food is amazing in Dubai, all types of world foods. I enjoyed the gyms too, esp Golds gym which is really cool. I bought the Range over there, as I used to go very reguarly and fuel is cheaper than water. There is something magical about the desert, woudln't mind doing a drive through the Sahara one day, if you're up for it bro??

I know a guy who went Morocco and don't know what he was doing but he crashed and had bruised and everything, I laughed because he of all people would get injured from them excursions, perhaps was going too quick around a bend. Wouldn't mind giving a bike a go, need to get life insurance before I attempt it do they let you hire jeeps and stuff to drive through the desert etc ? and haha I'd be up for that, us brumies were made for the Sahara South Africa is another place very appealing to me, would love to just drive around there enjoy the scenery and wild

 

[KingKhanWC]

I know a guy who went Morocco and don't know what he was doing but he crashed and had bruised and everything, I laughed because he of all people would get injured from them excursions, perhaps was going too quick around a bend. Wouldn't mind giving a bike a go, need to get life insurance before I attempt it do they let you hire jeeps and stuff to drive through the desert etc ? and haha I'd be up for that, us brumies were made for the Sahara South Africa is another place very appealing to me, would love to just drive around there enjoy the scenery and wild

Nah, you'll be fine bro, I will coach you Yes you can hire what you like, in Dubai money rules like msot places lol. I planned to go to South Africa in August for a few weeks as a volunteer in the big game reserve park to help track animals such as Rhionos and Lions but sadly this wont happen now. My trip to Morocco has also been cancellled but there is a 2 hour wait on the lines when calling for a refund lol.
[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Dubai trip still on?

 

[topspin]

My trip to Morocco has also been cancellled but there is a 2 hour wait on the lines when calling for a refund lol. [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Dubai trip still on?

Ah man sorry to hear your Morocco trip isn't going ahead as planned. Whereabouts in the country were you gonna go? I also want to visit Morocco, so if you go soon, please let me know your thoughts.

I came back from Dubai on Tuesday. My friend and I went for 5 nights, departing from Heathrow T5 last week (on Wednesday evening) and landed there for the following morning. The return flight was on Tuesday.

My birthday was last Saturday, so we were very lucky that the bars/clubs were not closed until after this day because we had our fun from Thursday to Saturday night.

On Sunday we went to the Atlantis Aqua Waterpark. We were blessed again, as this was the last day before this was also shut down indefinitely.

We had a great time and I have to say the whole experience still hasn't sunk in. When I have a chance this weekend I will upload some pictures and videos on this thread.

Thanks so much for the recommendations, especially with the night life and duty free shopping advice

 

[KingKhanWC]

Ah man sorry to hear your Morocco trip isn't going ahead as planned. Whereabouts in the country were you gonna go? I also want to visit Morocco, so if you go soon, please let me know your thoughts.

I came back from Dubai on Tuesday. My friend and I went for 5 nights, departing from Heathrow T5 last week (on Wednesday evening) and landed there for the following morning. The return flight was on Tuesday.

My birthday was last Saturday, so we were very lucky that the bars/clubs were not closed until after this day because we had our fun from Thursday to Saturday night.

On Sunday we went to the Atlantis Aqua Waterpark. We were blessed again, as this was the last day before this was also shut down indefinitely.

We had a great time and I have to say the whole experience still hasn't sunk in. When I have a chance this weekend I will upload some pictures and videos on this thread.

Thanks so much for the recommendations, especially with the night life and duty free shopping advice

Glad you were able to enjoy your birthday before Dubai closed outlets. My friends were there at the same time, they only just returned.

We usually hire a care when we land and explore. We were landing in Marrakesh but would have drove to Agadir which is a better city, has a beach. Im planning on re booking for sometime in July and will give you some information when I returned, as it's been a few years since I last visited but you will also enjoy it, in many ways better than Dubai.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Glad you were able to enjoy your birthday before Dubai closed outlets. My friends were there at the same time, they only just returned.

We usually hire a care when we land and explore. We were landing in Marrakesh but would have drove to Agadir which is a better city, has a beach. Im planning on re booking for sometime in July and will give you some information when I returned, as it's been a few years since I last visited but you will also enjoy it, in many ways better than Dubai.

Agadir is really nice and chilled. I prefer it to the more popular Marrakesh for the same reason, and it has a better climate as well.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Agadir is really nice and chilled. I prefer it to the more popular Marrakesh for the same reason, and it has a better climate as well.

Have you been in the heat of summer? I am thinking of re-booking for July but have always visited in the spring or autumn.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Have you been in the heat of summer? I am thinking of re-booking for July but have always visited in the spring or autumn.

I was there in June, it was fantastic. But then I like hot weather during the daytime hours. You get the best of both worlds, beach life during the day and then it's a nice temperature when you go out at night time if you want to.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I was there in June, it was fantastic. But then I like hot weather during the daytime hours. You get the best of both worlds, beach life during the day and then it's a nice temperature when you go out at night time if you want to.

Sounds good, will try summer unless the planet is on lock down.

 

[topspin]

Glad you were able to enjoy your birthday before Dubai closed outlets. My friends were there at the same time, they only just returned.

We usually hire a care when we land and explore. We were landing in Marrakesh but would have drove to Agadir which is a better city, has a beach. Im planning on re booking for sometime in July and will give you some information when I returned, as it's been a few years since I last visited but you will also enjoy it, in many ways better than Dubai.

My cousin has been to both Marrakech and Agadir and he also prefers the latter. If you rate it more than Dubai then I'm certainly intrigued to visit there. What is the nightlife like?