Discussion
Smirnoffmark said:
July is hot but still possible to sunbathe as long as you're careful. I'm Scottish and can burn just looking at last minute.com - survived Dubai though!
Correct you won't burn in July ..... the heat index will drive you out of the sun well before you get that chance! If you enjoy sitting out in a puddle of sweat it's fine. At that time of year it's not so much the suns intensity as the sheer discomfort.Brads67 said:
Dress your missus in short shorts and give her the odd kiss in a nice public place. Should liven up your week.
Not that old chestnut again. Don't forget to sweep your clothes for poppy seeds off your bread rolls & don't take any medicines prescription or otherwise either. 
You're going to find the heat pretty restrictive but it's not going to stop you doing everything there.
If you're looking for some car related activities, and this is PH so I assume you are, here's some. These are all in Abu Dhabi, but hotels are cheap and empty at that time of year so you could easily get a night on Yas Island for little cash if you want to break the stay up.
Ferrari World at Yas Island will kill half a day, and it's inside and AC'd exceptt for some of the larger roller coasters which venture outside for stretches.
Yas Marina Circuit is open Sunday and Tuesday nights for cycling/walking/running round it. If you've never been it's worth a look, but beware even at night it's still going to be high 30's. People do still do this at that time of year but if you're not acclimatised don't go wild and drink A LOT of water!
They also do driving experiences; I did one of the track experiences at Yas in July couple of years back. The instructor warned us; spin it twice and you're out. Problem was the humidity was so heavy, that despite the fact it hadn't rained in 5 months the track was still soaked. When the instructor spun off on the "warm up" lap in a haze of spray you knew it was going to be interesting.
There's also the Emirates National Auto Museum which has some weird and wonderful things in it - also in Abu Dhabi.
Embrace the sweat fest.
If you're looking for some car related activities, and this is PH so I assume you are, here's some. These are all in Abu Dhabi, but hotels are cheap and empty at that time of year so you could easily get a night on Yas Island for little cash if you want to break the stay up.
Ferrari World at Yas Island will kill half a day, and it's inside and AC'd exceptt for some of the larger roller coasters which venture outside for stretches.
Yas Marina Circuit is open Sunday and Tuesday nights for cycling/walking/running round it. If you've never been it's worth a look, but beware even at night it's still going to be high 30's. People do still do this at that time of year but if you're not acclimatised don't go wild and drink A LOT of water!
They also do driving experiences; I did one of the track experiences at Yas in July couple of years back. The instructor warned us; spin it twice and you're out. Problem was the humidity was so heavy, that despite the fact it hadn't rained in 5 months the track was still soaked. When the instructor spun off on the "warm up" lap in a haze of spray you knew it was going to be interesting.
There's also the Emirates National Auto Museum which has some weird and wonderful things in it - also in Abu Dhabi.
Embrace the sweat fest.
Edited by Stylus on Sunday 19th February 06:29
Edited by Stylus on Sunday 19th February 06:30
Matt UK said:
schmalex said:
Dubai is pretty crap at any time of the year to be honest. July just adds vast amounts of extra heat and humidity to the misery.
I've been a couple of times as I had family living there. Now they are back in UK, I'll live happy knowing I'm not going to Dubai.I could just never really see what people thought was so good about the place. But then I don't really like shopping and I'm not massively impressed with overt displays of personal wealth, so probably just not a place for me.
The whole place just seemed like some sort of weird Disneyland for the easily impressed.
Matt UK said:
JQ said:
This thread is definitely not going the way the OP expected - tough crowd.
Fair point, the OP asked for ideas not general opinions on the place. It'll be bloody hot, but you knew that right?
It'll be bloody expensive, but you knew that right?
My wife's sister used to live there so we've been several times, it's been Interesting to see it grow over the years, incredible how much it's changed. It used to be a great place to pick up a bargain watch, jewelerrly or pair of sunglasses but not now.
There are lots of places to visit and things to do, we took our two young boys of 3 and 4 last year for th second time, they love it. We stayed at the Atlantis palm for 10 days and went during Ramadan as its cheaper and a little quieter. The Atlantis has an amazing aquarium which kept them entertained for hours, watching the sharks and rays swim past just inches away.
The Aqua Adventure water park is great, its part of the Atlantis but open to the public for about £60 per head for the day, some great rides including poseidens revenge which is definitely worth a go. Again it will be hot but it is quite cleverly designed with lots of shade over walkways which make the paths just about walkable. The lazy river has lots of tunnels and waterfalls etc
The Berj Khalifa is worh a look, as is the water fountain show at the foot of it in the evening.
I like horse racing so we went once we were the only westerners there and felt quite out of place pushing a buggy around though a sea of arabs all in white, we would have been easily spotted in a aerial photo taken from space. The racing was good though.
We don't worry about having alcohol when visitig, we treat it as a bit of a detox, it's so expensive it's just not worth it, the food has always been great with plenty of choice, the people are very friendly and it's always spotlessly clean and feels safe.
Dubai is no natural wonder but a nice relaxing break can be had.
It is bloody hot though!!
It'll be bloody expensive, but you knew that right?
My wife's sister used to live there so we've been several times, it's been Interesting to see it grow over the years, incredible how much it's changed. It used to be a great place to pick up a bargain watch, jewelerrly or pair of sunglasses but not now.
There are lots of places to visit and things to do, we took our two young boys of 3 and 4 last year for th second time, they love it. We stayed at the Atlantis palm for 10 days and went during Ramadan as its cheaper and a little quieter. The Atlantis has an amazing aquarium which kept them entertained for hours, watching the sharks and rays swim past just inches away.
The Aqua Adventure water park is great, its part of the Atlantis but open to the public for about £60 per head for the day, some great rides including poseidens revenge which is definitely worth a go. Again it will be hot but it is quite cleverly designed with lots of shade over walkways which make the paths just about walkable. The lazy river has lots of tunnels and waterfalls etc
The Berj Khalifa is worh a look, as is the water fountain show at the foot of it in the evening.
I like horse racing so we went once we were the only westerners there and felt quite out of place pushing a buggy around though a sea of arabs all in white, we would have been easily spotted in a aerial photo taken from space. The racing was good though.
We don't worry about having alcohol when visitig, we treat it as a bit of a detox, it's so expensive it's just not worth it, the food has always been great with plenty of choice, the people are very friendly and it's always spotlessly clean and feels safe.
Dubai is no natural wonder but a nice relaxing break can be had.
It is bloody hot though!!
schmalex said:
Matt UK said:
schmalex said:
Dubai is pretty crap at any time of the year to be honest. July just adds vast amounts of extra heat and humidity to the misery.
I've been a couple of times as I had family living there. Now they are back in UK, I'll live happy knowing I'm not going to Dubai.I could just never really see what people thought was so good about the place. But then I don't really like shopping and I'm not massively impressed with overt displays of personal wealth, so probably just not a place for me.
The whole place just seemed like some sort of weird Disneyland for the easily impressed.
k me it's unreal now. nonsequitur said:
schmalex said:
Matt UK said:
schmalex said:
Dubai is pretty crap at any time of the year to be honest. July just adds vast amounts of extra heat and humidity to the misery.
I've been a couple of times as I had family living there. Now they are back in UK, I'll live happy knowing I'm not going to Dubai.I could just never really see what people thought was so good about the place. But then I don't really like shopping and I'm not massively impressed with overt displays of personal wealth, so probably just not a place for me.
The whole place just seemed like some sort of weird Disneyland for the easily impressed.
All the shops in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Battuta Mall and other malls, remain open throughout the day and late into the evening.
6th Gear said:
nonsequitur said:
schmalex said:
Matt UK said:
schmalex said:
Dubai is pretty crap at any time of the year to be honest. July just adds vast amounts of extra heat and humidity to the misery.
I've been a couple of times as I had family living there. Now they are back in UK, I'll live happy knowing I'm not going to Dubai.I could just never really see what people thought was so good about the place. But then I don't really like shopping and I'm not massively impressed with overt displays of personal wealth, so probably just not a place for me.
The whole place just seemed like some sort of weird Disneyland for the easily impressed.
All the shops in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Battuta Mall and other malls, remain open throughout the day and late into the evening.
It was a horrible existence during the high summer
6th Gear said:
nonsequitur said:
schmalex said:
Matt UK said:
schmalex said:
Dubai is pretty crap at any time of the year to be honest. July just adds vast amounts of extra heat and humidity to the misery.
I've been a couple of times as I had family living there. Now they are back in UK, I'll live happy knowing I'm not going to Dubai.I could just never really see what people thought was so good about the place. But then I don't really like shopping and I'm not massively impressed with overt displays of personal wealth, so probably just not a place for me.
The whole place just seemed like some sort of weird Disneyland for the easily impressed.
Edited by nonsequitur on Monday 20th February 10:17
For unspoiled beaches, head to Abu Dhabi.
Much nicer than Dubai.
Dubai's mega development projects, including several artificial island complexes in addition to the Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira Palm, have had a massive negative effect on marine life and the sea quality. The construction process has literally buried many of the sea habitants under layers of silt, severely clouding the once was crystal clear Gulf waters.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi -
And not a ghastly skyscraper within close proximity.
As others have said, the UAE is best avoided in summer months.
I've lived here for 10 years. Feel free to PM me anytime.
Much nicer than Dubai.
Dubai's mega development projects, including several artificial island complexes in addition to the Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira Palm, have had a massive negative effect on marine life and the sea quality. The construction process has literally buried many of the sea habitants under layers of silt, severely clouding the once was crystal clear Gulf waters.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi -
And not a ghastly skyscraper within close proximity.
As others have said, the UAE is best avoided in summer months.
I've lived here for 10 years. Feel free to PM me anytime.
Edited by 6th Gear on Monday 20th February 11:00
Looks lovely 6th gear. For me the biggest drawback is the lack of beach bars. When the UAE relaxes its drinking laws to a western standard it'll be great. When I'm down at the JBR I just want to be able to sit at the top of the beach and have a drink outside one of the many restaurants whilst I'm enjoying a snack and I can't. That's just silly when their is so much alcohol available elsewhere.
HOGEPH said:
nonsequitur said:
Very good article in the Sunday Times travel section this week. 'Orlando v. Dubai' A victory for Dubai.
Got a link to the article?Personally, Dubai distinctly underwhelmed me, whereas I have been to Orlando 30+ times and always enjoyed my time there.
Was in Dubai last week for half term with the kids.
Been a million times before for business but was the first time on holiday.
Weather was ok - overcast but still 25C+. Sea water was cold but otherwise perfect for me.
Stayed at the Atlantis and kids loved it. Did all the usual beaches, water park, Lego Land, malls, etc. Food is great, its clean/safe and for kids there is a huge amount to keep them busy.
Still looks like a massive building site and clearly a lot of the big projects have gone bust. Everything has a slightly Vegas/fake feel but if you can live with that then its a great place for a family holiday. 6/7hr flight time also a bonus vs other destinations. Not a cheap place but neither is living in London so used to it.
However, as everyone else has pointed out, I would not dream of going in July - you will be stuck indoors.
Good luck!
Been a million times before for business but was the first time on holiday.
Weather was ok - overcast but still 25C+. Sea water was cold but otherwise perfect for me.
Stayed at the Atlantis and kids loved it. Did all the usual beaches, water park, Lego Land, malls, etc. Food is great, its clean/safe and for kids there is a huge amount to keep them busy.
Still looks like a massive building site and clearly a lot of the big projects have gone bust. Everything has a slightly Vegas/fake feel but if you can live with that then its a great place for a family holiday. 6/7hr flight time also a bonus vs other destinations. Not a cheap place but neither is living in London so used to it.
However, as everyone else has pointed out, I would not dream of going in July - you will be stuck indoors.
Good luck!
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