Dubai

[Rainie130]

Heading out to Dubai for 5 nights next summer. First time visitors, what are the 'must do's'?

What month are you going?

Summer temperatures are over 40 degrees, so I imagine most of the time you will want to be indoors.

Take loads of money

a desert safari is great, all the companies do the same thing so don't pay a ridiculous amount. You'll be there in the evening so take a sweat shirt.

Dh took 2 kids to Atlantis water park, saw the bill the other day, £477, they had a burger lunch, he bought 3 rash vests.

Uber operates there but there's only 2 people allowed in each cab unless there's a screen between you and the driver, could end up pricey if there's 3-4 of you. We managed to have the same cab driver all holiday, he took all 4 of us.

if you're shopping check UK prices H&M was a third more expensive than UK.

There's no booze served outside of hotels, so if you go to a chain restaurant at The Mall of Dubai there's only soft drinks.

As per the PP, it’ll be exceptionally and very unpleasantly hot! I used to live there - the British overseas workers usually try to get back to the UK during the summer months as being outside for anytime was grim.

If it’s all booked then I’d recommend a trip up the creek, visiting the gold souk and a day trip to the mountains in Hatta. The journey to Hatta takes you through proper dune landscapes.

We are going in July. Teenager still in school so weare tied to school holidays.

Loads of money?
We were thinking around £1500 for 5 nights. Hotel is half board. Was hoping that amount would be enough to cover activities.

Please spend your money elsewhere- lived in Dubai for 7 years and lived it but July is not the time to go there as it's SO hot.

It really is! Absolutely not the time to go as all you’ll want to do is run between air conditioned buildings and cars. If you are tied to school holidays and are looking at 5 days then Easter or the October/Feb half terms would be pleasanter.

I budgeted about £200 a day for just myself, slept on my friends apartment floor and only ate out once a day, plus drink and some activities. It's so so expensive and I didn't really have enough money at that, but depends what you want to do. The water park is brilliant, and a trip over to Abu Dhabi to see the mosque and cycle Yas circuit was brilliant. We did a night drinks in the Armani hotel in the burj which was fab and not too expensive for women but was for the men. Brunch somewhere is a must

Very very hot in Dubai. There is a good reason why it's much cheaper at that time of year.

Ski Dubai £100pp
Aquaventure water park £50pp
Burj Khalifa £30 - £150 depending on how high you want to go

It's too hot to venture in the desert and you'll probably want to be inside between 8am and 6pm. Fabulous malls to mooch around during the day.

Have a look at www.thebeach.ae/en/dine/ for a range of eateries at different price points around Jumeirah Beach Residence which is a pedestrianised entertainment area. The Dubai Mall website will also give you an idea of dining options / prices and things to do. It houses an aquarium, cinema, virtual reality park, trampoline park etc.

Where are you staying?. Is your hotel located near a metro station?. Bear in mind also that the Dubai Mall is a good 15 minute walk through a covered walkway from the metro station. The metro service is a good way of getting about and is air conditioned.

The Mall of the Emirates is also connected by a shorter walkway from its Metro stop.

What would you like to do there ideally?. Honestly I would go somewhere else in July, that is why it is cheaper to visit at that time of year.

Using data services in Dubai is very expensive (and the use of Facetime is banned); I would speak to your mobile phone operator about what they can do for you in terms of data services before you leave the UK. Currently also, only two people are allowed in Uber taxis or taxis.

I've been twice in August and stayed in the Jumeriah Beach Hotel (hotel next to the Wild Wadi) this was over 15 years ago now.

It was unbelievably hot - we were in Club Executive rooms so could access a different pool. The staff brought cold towels and lollies round the pool. You can't even walk from the sunbed to the pool without wearing flip flops.

Saying that though, we spent a lot of time by the pool (kids pool was covered) and the hotel was very busy so people do go during July & August. You just have to be prepared for it.

My first piece of advice would be is to visit in winter. July will be very hot! I went in December and found the weather perfect. Can you change it to December? If not - be sure to rent a car to take you places.

I like Miracle Garden, nice to wander around. The Mall of Dubai was nice! So many shops and restaurant and it’s all indoors so you won’t have to worry about melting between shops. The desert safari was fun as well.

Hi, I live there at the moment. It was 41 today on the car temperature guage. It will get hotter, even into the low 50's in the summer. You won't want to be out during the day sightseeing, you will be going from AC to AC. There are indoor things to see and do but don't expect to be lying chilling in a beach with book or beside a pool. Sorry. Try and change to October half term!
Having said all that, it is a fantastic place to live!! 😊

It will be very, very hot but remember that Dubai is geared up for heat. Plan your days accordingly - plan to snooze / rest in the early afternoon and head out first thing in the mornings, and later afternoons and evenings.

Here are some ideas:

Abra (old wooden boat) across the Creek and enjoy the Spice Market
Shawrma from Eat and Drink Restaurant
Al Lisaili Camel Market
Visit a Shisha Cafe
Early morning visit to the Fish Market
Old Dubai
Gold Souk
Dubai Museum (haven't been for a few years, but this used to have a really good AC)
Visit a Mosque

If you are going in the summer you’ll only want to go to air conditioned indoor places during the day - The Mall, skiing, ice skating