Dubai--- Things to see

I will have a stop-over in Dubai for 2 days from 30th April to 2nd May 2009. Considering the fact that im short on time, can anyone suggest the important sights and activities which should not be missed!!

Thanks in advance

Hi Arif

You could walk around the interesting district of Bur Dubai and hire a boat to take you down Dubai Creek. You could also do an organised excursion into the desert in a 4WD vehicle where you can meet some bedouin people and sample some traditional food. There are also plenty of opportunites for shopping if you or your wife want to do some while you are there. The shopping centres are also a nice relief from the heat!

Thanks Becky

I believe desert safari would be worth trying, with the traditional music and food !! my only conern is our 1 year old son, im not sure if we can cope with the ups and downs of the safari

desert safari sounds like a great idea would have loved to do that when we visited.

A good way to see the sights around the city is on a hop on hop off bus tour that runs around the city giving you the option of where you want to stop. a visit to the gold markets is great along with other market and a ferry ride across river wall give you a chance to feel like a local. the Buses is a double Decker with no air con so can be a little hot but escaping to a mall for some relief.

Don’t know about the local food but did have the most amazing Thai Buffet at the Blue Elephant still have cravings 3 years on.

Hi..below is what I suggested to someone on the forum earlier...Hope its helpful...

Below are some links to activities/spots that you can choose from for your 24 hour stay in Dubai. Depending on traffic conditions Dubai's Int'l Airport is just 10-15 minutes car ride and 30-45 minutes bus ride from the airport.

www.mydsf.ae (yearly main shopping festival – cultural and shopping experience)

www.skidxb.com (man made skiing slope)

www.wildwadi.com (surfing and water theme park)

http://www.dubaicity.com/shopping/shopping.htm

Dubai beaches – free, clean, safe and family oriented - Preferred is Jumeirah Beach Park

Apart from above this is my personal suggestion:-

1. Morning: City Tour: http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/dubai/default.aspx or hop on any Public Bus and explore on your own in a very economical way coz Public Buses in Dubai zig zag a lot to reach desired destination.

2. 3:00pm to 9:00pm: Desert Safari (around 50 US$) - Highly recommended - Can be taken up from the airport.

3. Night: 2 Hour Cruise dinner on Dubai Creek- Can be taken up from the airport (around 40+ US$ - Depends on how u bargain). Close by you can visit either Deira area for bargain shopping or Deira City Center for branded items shopping.

Regards Faisal

Thanks Frankie and Faisal for the info and useful links

For your little one...I thought that the below recently added attraction in Dubai might be of interest to him :-

http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/about_dubaimall.html

Safari for kid: I presume would be ok as when I went for it saw lot of kids in the group. The normal desert bashing is not very thrilling and what i remember is mostly balanced descent from heights of the sand dunes. But to be on safe side please consult with the tour operator before hand.

Further, since you would be here for more than a day, I suggest go for a safari and dinner cruise on different days as both would end with a dinner.

Driving: For travellening around, instead of using a tour operator, I suggest hiring a car and going on rounds in the city which would be economical (car hire + petrol) and also give you the freedom to move around and even travel to other cities or Emirates. Please be informed that driving in Dubai, and UAE as a whole, is very safe with east road directions. Just do remember to bring your Int'l licence. To other cities I suggest you visit Jabal Hafeet (Mount Hafeet) in Al Ain ( 2 hrs drive from Dubai) that has natural hot water spring with male/female/children dedicated swimming pools as well as great view of the city from the top especially in the night (its like u r seeing it from an aeroplane).

Hope the above is helpful...Regards