DUBAI
INTRODUCTION
An over the top destination but not necessarily in the gaudy, somewhat tasteless style of Las Vegas, the city to which it’s often compared. As a new tourist destination, the majority of Dubai’s “sites” are man-made, modern marvels - and by “man” I mean cheap, imported Indian and Pakistani laborers who are a notable presence throughout the city - the “brotherliness” factor is off the charts. Of course Dubai’s fireworks celebration has to be a world record event - but as with all things Dubai its not simply about the biggest, it’s also about the best and seeing fireworks shoot off the side of the Burj Khalifa easily ranks as the most impressive fireworks show I’ve ever seen.
An over the top destination but not necessarily in the gaudy, somewhat tasteless style of Las Vegas, the city to which it’s often compared. As a new tourist destination, the majority of Dubai’s “sites” are man-made, modern marvels - and by “man” I mean cheap, imported Indian and Pakistani laborers who are a notable presence throughout the city - the “brotherliness” factor is off the charts. Of course Dubai’s fireworks celebration has to be a world record event - but as with all things Dubai its not simply about the biggest, it’s also about the best and seeing fireworks shoot off the side of the Burj Khalifa easily ranks as the most impressive fireworks show I’ve ever seen.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS / IN COUNTRY TRAVEL
Dubai is spread out along a coastline about 20 miles long so there’s a direct relationship with where you stay and how you move around the city. You should consider whether you want to be within walking distance of a metro line (if you want to see the city and more dining options) or be near the beach. |
The metro line runs parallel to the coastline about a mile or two inland - far enough inland that it’s not practical (due to heat and indirect street routes) to walk from a metro stop to the coast. The metro stops at all, non-beach key points of interest - Bur Dubai, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, etc. The metro is reasonably priced - a ride is often less than $2.00 - via a reusable card that you can preload with fares. If you are staying near a metro station you can save on the cost of a taxi from the airport. Buses seemed to cover the area of the city the metro doesn’t but for a three day stay I didn’t bother to figure out the routes.
If you stay near the beach in the Jumeirah area the hotels will have a taxi rank to take you to tourist sites for a reasonable cost. Find a taxi rank at a mall or other hotel to return as it can be somewhat difficult to hail a cab on the street.
Costs of hotels…well…it ain’t cheap. There are a few budget options in the Bur Dubai / Burjuman areas but even these will run you $50-$70/night. Dubai Marina seemed to be the most convenient area to stay - nearby Metro Station, short cab-ride to the Palm and Burj Al Arab areas, and plenty of walkable restaurant options - but you certainly pay for this convenience.
FOOD
I typically ate the Axis of Evil food - Iranian and Pakistani - which do excellent kebabs. Ravi is a Pakistani chain visited by Bourdain. Mall food, Dubai Marina restaurants, and the lower-end restaurants in the high end hotels seemed reasonable at $10-$20/meal.
SITES, ATTRACTIONS, ADVENTURES
Book everything you want to do in advance keeping in mind that Friday is Islam’s Sunday and most major sites will be closed - although all the malls will still be open. If you want to go up the Burj Khalifa you definitely need to book this in advance. Same with getting inside the Burj Al Arab - without tea or dinner reservations you can only get as far as a barricaded gate.
A desert safari was recommended as a unique Dubai experience but I failed to connect with a tour operator in time and missed out on this. Ski Dubai actually looked pretty decent but on New Years day it was too crowded with families and young children to enjoy.
If you stay near the beach in the Jumeirah area the hotels will have a taxi rank to take you to tourist sites for a reasonable cost. Find a taxi rank at a mall or other hotel to return as it can be somewhat difficult to hail a cab on the street.
Costs of hotels…well…it ain’t cheap. There are a few budget options in the Bur Dubai / Burjuman areas but even these will run you $50-$70/night. Dubai Marina seemed to be the most convenient area to stay - nearby Metro Station, short cab-ride to the Palm and Burj Al Arab areas, and plenty of walkable restaurant options - but you certainly pay for this convenience.
FOOD
I typically ate the Axis of Evil food - Iranian and Pakistani - which do excellent kebabs. Ravi is a Pakistani chain visited by Bourdain. Mall food, Dubai Marina restaurants, and the lower-end restaurants in the high end hotels seemed reasonable at $10-$20/meal.
SITES, ATTRACTIONS, ADVENTURES
Book everything you want to do in advance keeping in mind that Friday is Islam’s Sunday and most major sites will be closed - although all the malls will still be open. If you want to go up the Burj Khalifa you definitely need to book this in advance. Same with getting inside the Burj Al Arab - without tea or dinner reservations you can only get as far as a barricaded gate.
A desert safari was recommended as a unique Dubai experience but I failed to connect with a tour operator in time and missed out on this. Ski Dubai actually looked pretty decent but on New Years day it was too crowded with families and young children to enjoy.
PHOTOS
For additional Dubai photos see FLICKR ALBUM.