Dubai - things to do?

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We are after some pointers and advice on what we can be planning for our Dubai holiday, which starts this Sunday, and we are there for two weeks. Therefore we have plenty of time to not rush and cram things in.

Bearing in mind, we are a couple and will be with our 2 1/2 year old daughter. We are staying in the Atlantis on the Palm, so have the water park for that type of thing. We also have half board, so will only eat out on a few occasions.

I am looking particular for ex-pat advice, I.e. What's busy on what days, both in and out of the hotel, so we can plan places when it's not busy.

We will be booking the Burj Khalif, which isn't cheap for the top floor in prime time, but it's the tallest building in the world, so have to go, and will visit the Dubai Mall on that day.

I also intend to go to Ruth's Steakhouse, is that an area we can walk around and chill with our daughter for half a day?

Any other pointers on what to do? I would like the Dessert safari, but probably not good for the child. We are happy to jump in a taxi and visit areas for a drink and eat for some days.

Also, please don't mention the Grand Prix the weekend after we come back, that's a sore point...... Lol

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Thanks both, thats just the kind of info I am after.

I did look at the Mahrabar (sp) meet and greet at the airport, but didnt know if it was worth the cost, though the help with three carry ons, three large cases and our daughter, maybe its worth it. Flight gets in about 7pm I think.

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Well, it's warm out here isn't it.... Lol

We did the meet and greet at arrivals, and it was great. Walk off the plane, and met as you walk in. Car buggy ride straight to passport control and luggage, and someone to deal with all the luggage and stuff. Waited for us while we topped up in duty free, and then all the way to the car to the Atlantis. (This was via the hotel, as we are in a terrace suit).

Was about £70 from memory, but worth it just to drive past all the others walking with their luggage..... With a quick beep from the driver - get out of my way....lol. Mind you, it want very busy, so made things so much easier, rather than quicker.j

Will have to look at the options for leaving, but review of the lounge don't sound great.

Any ways, first day of chilling by the pool to get into the time zone (advantage of two weeks means we don't have to rush), so into the aqua adventure thing tomorrow for some fun.

Will look a he other suggestions for later on in the week. Thanks all for the input.

P.s. Anyone got an iPhone charger they don't want, think ours is as in the Marriott airport hotel in Manchester.......

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SignalGruen said:

How did you find the Atlantis OP ? Missus wants to spend a few nights there over Christmas - I hear it's a busy place and I assume it's going to be rammed over the holidays ?

Sorry for the late reply. We didn’t find it too busy at all, mind you, going for two weeks meant we didn’t have to try and fit everything it at once, so could take everything in at a slow pace. The 'open to all' areas can get busy, but the pool areas were never busy, and the restaurants were also not busy. The waterpark can get busier late morning onwards, but you can go early, come back to chill for a bit, then go back later.

Whether its because November is a quiet time, I don’t know, but we did not find any of the negative stuff that gets put on Tripadvisor, though them reports are usually from people who never stayed there.

For the added luxury, book a suit. You get room service breakfast, and the happy hour drinks (free drinks in the Imperial Lounge), can be taken in some of the good restaurants rather than the lounge. Depends how much extra that is, and I guess if your only going for a few days, a smaller room is more manageable anyway.