Visiting Dubai

PlasticGirl · October 22nd, 2005, 07:17 AM

Any help? Ive never been there, we're going mid December. Can you name the best places to shop, stay etc?

**MaryJane** · October 22nd, 2005, 01:25 PM

PlasticGirl I want to go to Dubai too, take me with youuuuuu

PlasticGirl · October 22nd, 2005, 02:37 PM

Alrightythen, i will do.
Heard its HOT as hell, and you cant really wear bikini's n shorts without offending the men - or being followed. A myth?

**MaryJane** · October 22nd, 2005, 02:54 PM

Can I tell you something? I'm "supposed to" (long story) go to Egypt in a few weeks?/months? (long story), and I was wondering exactly the same thing.
On one side I don't want to end up in some Egyptian jail for wearing a too short skirt or a Too Pink Lipgloss, on the other side I wonder too where the truth is and where the myth is.
I guess that in big cities with a lot of western tourists all the time, things can't be too bad. Small villages are probably less safe, but that's not where I'm supposed to go to anyway, and neither are you.

PlasticGirl · October 22nd, 2005, 03:42 PM

I heard that too, so im not too worried. It just wont feel right knowing u cant prance around in a bikini and a skirt like i did in Thailand. I remember it being so hot and humid that if anything TOUCHED my skin i wanted to fling it off. Let alone wearing a long sleeved black cotton kaftan like the women do!! I'd DIE. Even a cap sleeved tshirt was too close to my armpits!

A*O · October 22nd, 2005, 06:16 PM

I was in Dubai last month so I can probably help!

1. It will be hot AND humid - up in the 90's, and it does not cool down much at night.
2. LOTS of air-conditioned shopping malls.
3. LOTS of air-conditioned hotels.
4. Most people speak enough English to get by.
5. Wear 'modest' clothing outside the hotel - Show some respect and cover shoulders and legs. Going to breakfast in only a bikini and teeshirt is a no-no too, although some ignorant assholes insisted.
6. If you go to the souks (markets) expect to haggle and some high pressure sales! It's all part of the 'game'. Most storeholders will back off if you say a polite but firm 'no thank you'. No need to be rude.
7. Take a 4WD trip out into the desert - try to use a company called Arabian Adventures for excursions.
8. Dubai is one big building site at the moment so it's not exactly beautiful once you step outside the hotels which are usually very high quality.
9. Get around in taxis - they are cheap and won't rip you off. DO NOT try to drive yourself, the traffic is shocking and the driving is horrendous.
10. Alcohol is served in hotels/restaurants, but there is sometimes a limited choice. Please don't get drunk - it causes huge offence.
11. Don't stare at women wearing the black abaya (robe and veil). It's a shock to see them wandering around at first, but you'll get used to it.
12. If you want to take a picture of a local, ask for their permission and don't be offended if they refuse.
13. Non-muslims are not permitted to enter any mosque.
14. There are a LOT of Brits and Germans in Dubai - you have been warned LOL

PlasticGirl · October 23rd, 2005, 01:53 AM

Thanks A*O!!!!
Where did YOU stay when you went, what month, and where are the good shopping destinations?

Sorry for interrogation... hehehe

A*O · October 23rd, 2005, 02:29 AM

We stayed at the Jumeira Beach Hotel - fabbo. Here's a pic (it's the place on the left. The tall one one is the famous 7* Burj al Arab hotel strictly for zillionaires)

These places are about 20min drive from the city itself. If you want to be closer there's the usual Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, etc. Too many to choose from! As for shopping, there are at least a dozen HUGE malls scattered around, all more or less the same, and the actual souk markets are nearer the old city. The gold souk is a must-see - I got some great bargains as revenge for my husband forgetting my birthday this year. LOL

**MaryJane** · October 23rd, 2005, 02:58 AM

A*O have you been to Egypt as well?

A*O · October 23rd, 2005, 04:58 AM

I visited Egypt a VERY long time ago

**MaryJane** · October 23rd, 2005, 05:31 AM

Any advice in particular?

A*O · October 23rd, 2005, 05:44 AM

Same as Dubai really - maybe a little more westernised but LOTS more history and fascinating culture. It's not 'unsafe' as such - just remember to respect the local customs about dressing appropriately and behaving with restraint and decorum and don't put yourself into a vulnerable situation. As a western woman you will be stared at and may get some unwanted verbal attention (DO NOT accept any invitation from a local to take a sailing trip down the Nile in his dhow). The bargaining in the souks is MUCH more insistant in Egypt, you may well be approached by beggars (didn't see one in Dubai) so you may have to take a harder stance in saying NO but apart from that it's really not such an enormous culture shock. Keep an open mind, accept they do things differently sometimes and go with the flow. I can't advise on hotels in Cairo (where I stayed) because I'm hopelessly out of date, but they have the usual Hilton, Sheraton, etc etc. Have a great time!

October 23rd, 2005, 06:51 AM

i want to go to north africa. not next year because we have a cruise in march. maybe 2007

**MaryJane** · October 23rd, 2005, 07:11 AM

Thank you A*O, very helpful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by A*O

As a western woman you will be stared at and may get some unwanted verbal attention

Ehm...I'm sorry to say this about my own country but this is the regular behaviour of people here, so from this point of view I definitely won't suffer from a major culture shock

A*O · October 23rd, 2005, 07:14 AM

Ciao bella!