Dubai

[justanotherunhappysoul]

Is it worth it, or overly expensive once you get there to eat/drink?!

I suppose it's a good place to visit once to see the big building and the undoubtedly impressive malls etc. The desert trips are great.

But, and it's a big but, the thing to remember is that it is a deeply oppressive place, and if you look just beneath the surface, the use of migrant workers in terrible conditions is not nice to see.

I've been several times due to my work, but wouldn't go on holiday.

Because it is capitalism to the extreme.

Because it is built on slavery.

Because there is genuinely no culture.

Much more besides. Take your pick.

This old article is good. www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html%3famp

Dubai is interesting for a brief visit but there are some unexpected issues: you can drink alcohol in a decent international hotel but if you go outside to eat there are zero alcoholic options. Be prepared for that. Modesty is v important. You can strut around a hotel pool in a bikini but go out and you need to cover up. The airport is amazing but the customs officials are scary. Won’t even crack a smile at the smallest child. It’s a fascinating place to visit but a bit intimidating too. Great shopping malls, lovely weather. Just a bit strange because it’s very two-faced. Wonderful in the hotels; a bit daunting when you venture out. Well worth a visit but I wouldn’t want to stay too long.

Hi

I use to live in the UAE and recently went back for a holiday and loved it. TBH I prefer Abu Dhabi to Dubai, more laid back and still plenty of things to do with kids. I must admit, things have got more expensive since we left AD, however there are still decent deals to be had. I find the people who work and live in the UAE extremely friendly and I have always felt very safe there. You can drink alcohol but these are mostly in big hotels, there is the odd pub around too. For kids, Dubai parks is fab, Kidzania (Dubai), waterparks in Dubai and AD, Warner brothers, global village, grand mosque, Ferrari world (older kids), cycle for free around the F1 track a season a family on a Tuesday. Emirates do great holiday deals and some with all inclusive. We looked to go to Spain on one school holiday and it was cheaper to go to UAE. Oman is also a lovely place, but more quiet than Dubai and AD. Saadiayt beach in AD is lovely. Perfect time to visit uae is between mid Oct and beg May, summers are too hot if you are not use the heat.