Dubai - for a holiday

[mouk786]

I know there has been a lot of talk on her about Dubai (skyscrapers etc) and quite a few have worked/lived out there.

I am going on holiday in mid December and can take a stop over in Dubai, which I will do, but currently looking for some inside info on how long to stay and what there is to do.

How many days do I need? (I went to Hong Kong and thought it was a 3 day city at most) - I am NOT that interested in shopping - but I do want to do things that are not as possible to do in the UK - i.e cameal racing

How cheap can I get a hotel? Do they do youth hostels there?

Where is the best palce for the 'action' where about is the airport from the main city centre? Where shoudl i stay for central access to the best thigns and to see all these damn skyscrapers?



Any other tips?

[ALawson]

Try the Middle East section, apart from that don't nail any birds on the beach

[Corpulent Tosser]

Some Dubai PHers will be able to help with hotels etc, but I do know that the camel racing is early morning, around 7am from memory, so I never got to see it.

[635d (mapped)]

Ok.

Option 1 , turn up to dubai without booking a hotel, when you arrive at the airport, you collect your luggage and them make your way to the exit. As soon as you leave the luggage checks there are plenty of desks for you to book a hotel. Average is around £40 - 50 for a decent double room.

Option 2 - book hotel before you go

The airport is pretty close to Dubai, its around a £15 to get into the centre. But you are expected to take the airport taxis, unless the hotel provides free transport to the airport for you.

I reccomend Deira Dubai rather than Bur, Bur is a bit more western.

You can stay near nasser square or you can stay near jumeriah where the beach is etc.

3 -4 days is adequate, for everything imo, there's plenty of shopping to do. Do a biut of internet research for that.

Edited by 635d (mapped) on Thursday 14th August 11:34

[Road2Ruin]

Have been to Dubai too many times to remember but apart from the shopping and the usual experience type days out. ie dune bashing, waddy bashing, camel riding, thing are limited. You can get a guided tour of a mosque if thats your thing and there is a camel hospital to see. In December the Rugby 7s is on and thats worth a look, depending on what dates you are there. Regarding hotels many of the city centre ones can be had for £50 and are quite good for that money. The airport is about 20 mins away depending on the traffic, which can be bad. Also if it rains be prepared for long delays as no one in Dubai can drive in the rain and floods are likely. As a laugh I would do the Wild Wadi water park, its unlike any other in the world. Temperatures should be around 18-22c maybe more if you are lucky, but it is the winter.

Peter

[mouk786]

I am thinking more budget type accom like hostels or cheap hotels - is there a market for that kind of thing there?

Dont really need a fancy room as long as it has a single bed, maybe a tv and in house restaurant.

[Chocmonster]

There is stuff going on in December at the Dubai Autodrome, worth checking out. http://www.dubaiautodrome.com

[Paracetamol]

mouk786 said:

- but I do want to do things that are not as possible to do in the UK - i.e cameal racing

If you Pakistani and under 4 foot tall- you may just get your wish granted

[Schermerhorn]

Go to the York International Club and go into the disco room on the second floor. You'll love it

[anonymous-user]

mouk786 said:

How many days do I need? (I went to Hong Kong and thought it was a 3 day city at most) - I am NOT that interested in shopping - but I do want to do things that are not as possible to do in the UK - i.e cameal racing

If you thought you saw all of Hong Kong in 3 days, you'll probably only need a day in Dubai.