• Dubai

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 5:56 pm**

Has anyone been?

It may be part of my holiday next year, so I just want to hear people's experiences of a place I've never visited.

Thanks in advance.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:08 pm**

Never been to Dubai but have been to the Trafford Centre which looks very similar

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:10 pm**

Brother in law lives there, I’m not sure he will ever come back, loves the place

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:10 pm**

Only the airport for a stop off and refuel.

Didn’t buy owt… couldn’t afford owt.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:11 pm**

Stopped in the airport whilst transiting through and it was bloody warm in the middle of the night.

Not quite enought experience for a full review of the place though ha ha.

It's a place I have fancied visiting though.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:19 pm**

bobinho wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:10 pm
Only the airport for a stop off and refuel.

Didn’t buy owt… couldn’t afford owt.

Where was your final destination? Taiwan?

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:41 pm**

Have family there so visit once a year,fantastic place but I’d recommend you go late October onwards otherwise it’s far too hot to enjoy.
Drinking is not the big no no that people think but very expensive
Get on the brunch deals you will pay about £70 for 3-4 hours all you can drink and eat.
Outside of the brunch you are paying about £12 a pint.
We usually stay around the Marina you can get decent rooms around there and your pretty well placed there for getting around.
I’m going over again at Christmas and can’t wait

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:55 pm**

Went on my honeymoon and really enjoyed it. It was only a three-day trip, though, so we spent hardly any time outside. You're either in air-conditioned taxis (as everything is bloody miles away) or in super-sized shopping centres that have giant aquariums in the middle. All stunning to look at, though!

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:59 pm**

Decent if you’re into soulless tat

Crap if you’re not

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:00 pm**

Went September 2019. Was 40+ degrees every day. It’s very expensive for everything but had a great time.

Did jet skiing and then a buggy in the desert at sunset which both were great. Rest of the time was on the beach and round the pool.

Food is great everywhere. Beer very expensive.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:02 pm**

The airport is enough for me.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:06 pm**

Been about 8 times …. some great things to do and see and play golf if that’s your bag. Expensive - paid nearly £14 for a pint of Stella on Jumeirah Beach . Most hotels do weekend brunches which give you an all in good and drink package for about 4 hours.

These used to be on a Friday but have been moved to Saturdays.
Usual attractions of the Malls ( air conditioned) - a trip to Atlantis on the monorail is a good afternoon trip.

You can go on desert safari and even camp out if that floats yer boat.

A great place to go but it’s just not real!!!

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:24 pm**

Been a couple of times.
Played golf in the morning, skied in the afternoon and had a meal & drink on the 43rd floor of a skyscraper overlooking the city in the evening, amazing place.
Lovely beaches, warm clear sea. Some of the best hotels in the world.
Go in the winter months, far to hot in summer.
It's got everything but as other posters have said , it's not 'real".

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:24 pm**

Great if you’re a premier league footballer, been there once, never again, totally false and ridiculously priced alcohol, much better places to visit in the world IMO

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:33 pm**

4midable wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:19 pm
Where was your final destination? Taiwan?

Singapore. Was off to Malaysia for work.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:46 pm**

Everyone should visit if possible imo, even though it's definitely not going to be everybody's cup of tea. It's like you've been asleep for 500 years and woken up way into the future. Bizarre place in every sense and they're so awash with cash they're basically dreaming up the most outlandish ideas and then setting about building them.... because they can and because they can afford to. A local guide I spoke to said they know nothing is forever and other civilisations have "had their day in the sun" throughout history. They are enjoying there's right now and accept one day the world will move on. They are looking for more long term sustainability away from simple oil revenues by going heavily into tourism and again as pointed out by the guide, nothing really needs to make economic sense and getting returns on investments isn't necessarily that important. Things can (and do) lose money hand over fist, but If they look amazing then it's all fine!!
As I say, ok for a reasonably short visit, but I'm not dashing back.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:48 pm**

claret2018 wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:08 pm
Never been to Dubai but have been to the Trafford Centre which looks very similar

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:57 pm**

Dark Cloud wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:46 pm
Everyone should visit if possible imo, even though it's definitely not going to be everybody's cup of tea. It's like you've been asleep for 500 years and woken up way into the future. Bizarre place in every sense and they're so awash with cash they're basically dreaming up the most outlandish ideas and then setting about building them.... because they can and because they can afford to. A local guide I spoke to said they know nothing is forever and other civilisations have "had their day in the sun" throughout history. They are enjoying there's right now and accept one day the world will move on. They are looking for more long term sustainability away from simple oil revenues by going heavily into tourism and again as pointed out by the guide, nothing really needs to make economic sense and getting returns on investments isn't necessarily that important. Things can (and do) lose money hand over fist, but If they look amazing then it's all fine!!
As I say, ok for a reasonably short visit, but I'm not dashing back.

this

We visited whilst on a Gulf Cruise a few years ago ... after the Burj Khalifa, Huge Mall (complete with Skiing centre) and Monorail ... it all gets a bit samey ... OK for a couple of days 3 at the most.

Very interesting night-time drive from Airport (flight to Manchester delayed 24 hrs due to engine problems) to hotel ... with all the lights and Glass Skyscrapers creating a rather colourful experience ... mind you the highlight was arriving at our hotel and finding Brighton v Burnley on Big Screen in the bar ... A 3-1 away win for the Clarets

then arriving back into Manchester and claiming £1300 from Virgin Atlantic a few weeks later ...

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:06 pm**

What are you after?

I went after COVID was it was the only place open. Stayed at the Ritz and Atlantis.

Not bad if you wanna eat in malls and hotels - I just literally spent all day in the pool and chilled out at night

Get a "club" room so you get some breakfast free and evening canapes and beer/wine/fizz free for a few hours -

Oh and you can get 4 litres of duty free spirits PP, I'd recommend buying 8 litres if there's 2 of you for two weeks - £15 a pint gets expensive.

I did my drinking by the pool when it was happy hour then a beer or two if we were in a drinking place - if not it's be a coke and back to the room for a few gins on the balcony.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:57 pm**

£15 a pint

and i thought New York was expensive at £10 a pint. Although I did find a bar in Hells Kitchen charging a fiver a pint.

Posted: **Tue Jul 04, 2023 10:40 pm**

Yeah £15... but I was reading - I think they've got rid of the tax or something on it now so it should be down to about a tenner.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:10 am**

Spent six days there only meet a local once in that time .

Plastic place really not for me and would never go again

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:24 am**

Dark Cloud wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:46 pm
Everyone should visit if possible imo, even though it's definitely not going to be everybody's cup of tea. It's like you've been asleep for 500 years and woken up way into the future. Bizarre place in every sense and they're so awash with cash they're basically dreaming up the most outlandish ideas and then setting about building them.... because they can and because they can afford to. A local guide I spoke to said they know nothing is forever and other civilisations have "had their day in the sun" throughout history. They are enjoying there's right now and accept one day the world will move on. They are looking for more long term sustainability away from simple oil revenues by going heavily into tourism and again as pointed out by the guide, nothing really needs to make economic sense and getting returns on investments isn't necessarily that important. Things can (and do) lose money hand over fist, but If they look amazing then it's all fine!!
As I say, ok for a reasonably short visit, but I'm not dashing back.

Or they could do something meaningful with their hoardes of wealth by actually developing a functioning country instead of building mindless crap (which has been built on explorative labour) for rich idiots to fawn over?

Similar with the Qatar and Saudi stuff, it’s all an attempt to gain influence and standing in the world with their ass backwards ruling class & law of the land.

I think going there legitimises it
I detest everything about tha part

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:30 am**

CoolClaret wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:24 am
Or they could do something meaningful with their hoardes of wealth by actually developing a functioning country instead of building mindless crap (which has been built on explorative labour) for rich idiots to fawn over?

Similar with the Qatar and Saudi stuff, it’s all an attempt to gain influence and standing in the world with their ass backwards ruling class & law of the land.

I think going there legitimises it
I detest everything about tha part

Here we go

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:33 am**

Hapag Lloyd wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:30 am
Here we go

It’s facts though - the place is abhorrent.

Things we take for granted here that took years and years to achieve. Their treatment of workers from the sub continent is beyond abhorrent.

Some people actually have a conscience you know, and these are important things to air views over.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:41 am**

Alongside Shadsworth one of the places in the world I’d least like to visit.
Absolute morally bankrupt hell hole of a place - and Dubai is not much better.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:44 am**

Dubai? It's the best little city on earth!!!

How do I know?

I’ve been everywhere else. I’m here now, right on the family patch and I miss it.

I’m the only man in history of mankind that’s swum across the Dubai Creek, to avoid the police.

Nobody’s ever done it before, not because of the currents, nothing like that; it’s sharks. Not shark-infested but none of the locals go paddling or swimming.

Sharks’ll have a look at me and think yeah I know how to do them, you punch them right in the earhole and they swim off.

So yeah go, it's bit boring but alright at times.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:46 am**

It’s a funny old place and a bit pointless.
The tip to get a club room is a good one though

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:49 am**

CoolClaret wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:33 am
It’s facts though - the place is abhorrent.

Things we take for granted here that took years and years to achieve. Their treatment of workers from the sub continent is beyond abhorrent.

Some people actually have a conscience you know, and these are important things to air views over.

So Booking.com need to put a “conscience” option on their filters when looking for holidays then.
Zzzzzz
Enjoy Clacton

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:51 am**

I lived in the UAE for 10 years so know it pretty well. I was always impressed with the way they went about their business in a "can do" attitude. It's a system of benevolent dictatorship that worked so well. Dubai is great for a short break but go in the winter months as it is hot. The sporting events "Desert Classic" (Golf) and Dubai Duty Free (Tennis) are well worth visiting as tickets are reasonable and there aren't too many problems getting them. Alcohol is freely available but expensive as are prostitutes, such is the "two faced" nature of the authorities. I'd recommend going for a package hotel in one of the "Club" rooms as previously metioned on the thread as you can get all the alcohol you want included. For a real treat go to "Bubbly Friday" at the Meridien in Deira.(Near the airport) You'll have a hoot as the food and wine flow and you can watch the antics people get up to when heat and booze are combined

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:13 am**

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:51 am
You'll have a hoot as the food and wine flow and you can watch the antics people get up to when heat and booze are combined

You can do that in Magaluf.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:53 am**

Lived there for 5 years and went for a week recently. Things to do;

Go up Burj Khalifa
Desert safari
Visit Dubai Mall.
Eat outside at Carluccios Dubai Mall and watch the fountain display
Ski-ing at Mall of the Emirates
Get an abra across the Creek
Lie on the beach (or tell the truth)
Eat at Buddha Bar in the Marina
Go out on a boat around Atlantis and The Palm

Don't go between the end of May and mid October. Just too hot

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:23 am**

A very apt topic as I am halfway through an interview process for a job out there!

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:28 am**

fidelcastro wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 5:56 pm
Has anyone been?

It may be part of my holiday next year, so I just want to hear people's experiences of a place I've never visited.

Thanks in advance.

It's a gaudy, soulless hellhole. Spend your money somewhere else.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:33 am**

From the comments I think it’s fair to say it’s a bit marmite. I’ve never been, must admit it doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest and can only imagine I’d visit if it was a stopover on the way to somewhere else.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:38 am**

Alanstevensonsgloves wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:23 am
A very apt topic as I am halfway through an interview process for a job out there!

Quick tip. Always get accomodation, utilities and if possible a car included in your deal. Don't make the mistake of getting an allowance to cover these items unless you're incredibly disciplined, otherwise you'll end up paying a large proportion of your salary for living costs in addition to the allowance.
It's a while ago since I was there but I hear the Russians have fled the USSR and Dubai has welcomed them and their zillions, so prices have gone crazy.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:11 pm**

Alanstevensonsgloves wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:23 am
A very apt topic as I am halfway through an interview process for a job out there!

Another quick tip - if you want the job dont be checking The Beehole End during the interview process !

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:31 pm**

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:38 am
Quick tip. Always get accomodation, utilities and if possible a car included in your deal. Don't make the mistake of getting an allowance to cover these items unless you're incredibly disciplined, otherwise you'll end up paying a large proportion of your salary for living costs in addition to the allowance.
It's a while ago since I was there but I hear the Russians have fled the USSR and Dubai has welcomed them and their zillions, so prices have gone crazy.

This

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:36 pm**

Marney&Mee wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:53 am
Lived there for 5 years and went for a week recently. Things to do;

Go up Burj Khalifa
Desert safari
Visit Dubai Mall.
Eat outside at Carluccios Dubai Mall and watch the fountain display
Ski-ing at Mall of the Emirates
Get an abra across the Creek
Lie on the beach (or tell the truth)
Eat at Buddha Bar in the Marina
Go out on a boat around Atlantis and The Palm

Don't go between the end of May and mid October. Just too hot

Top of the list should be 'Get a Bank Loan'.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:46 pm**

Dark Cloud wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:46 pm
...local guide I spoke to said they know nothing is forever and other civilisations have "had their day in the sun" throughout history. They are enjoying there's right now and accept one day the world will move on...

A wise man; that's something that the residents of the Western European (which includes the USA, it is a colony after all) Empire are struggling to come to terms with in the 21st Century.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:59 pm**

Bfcis4me wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:44 am
Dubai? It's the best little city on earth!!!

How do I know?

I’ve been everywhere else. I’m here now, right on the family patch and I miss it.

I’m the only man in history of mankind that’s swum across the Dubai Creek, to avoid the police.

Nobody’s ever done it before, not because of the currents, nothing like that; it’s sharks. Not shark-infested but none of the locals go paddling or swimming.

Sharks’ll have a look at me and think yeah I know how to do them, you punch them right in the earhole and they swim off.

So yeah go, it's bit boring but alright at times.

You sound such a wonderful citizen, the council are gonna give yer a house!

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:14 pm**

Amazing that the price of a pint of beer seems to be a deal breaker for many on here. Just stay home and go to the Miners. Problem solved

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:18 pm**

FCBurnley wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:14 pm
Amazing that the price of a pint of beer seems to be a deal breaker for many on here. Just stay home and go to the Miners. Problem solved

...or just leave others to their discussion?

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:23 pm**

tarkys_ears wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 1:18 pm
...or just leave others to their discussion?

or heed your own advice !

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:15 pm**

HB Claret wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 12:11 pm
Another quick tip - if you want the job dont be checking The Beehole End during the interview process !

it's a four stage interview process over a month. Two down, a presentation to give next week then potentially a psychometric test to go.

Posted: **Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:41 pm**

Alanstevensonsgloves wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:15 pm
it's a four stage interview process over a month. Two down, a presentation to give next week then potentially a psychometric test to go.

What job are you going for?

Posted: **Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:14 pm**

Marney&Mee wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:41 pm
What job are you going for?

It's with dnata group

Posted: **Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:17 pm**

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:38 am
Quick tip. Always get accomodation, utilities and if possible a car included in your deal. Don't make the mistake of getting an allowance to cover these items unless you're incredibly disciplined, otherwise you'll end up paying a large proportion of your salary for living costs in addition to the allowance.
It's a while ago since I was there but I hear the Russians have fled the USSR and Dubai has welcomed them and their zillions, so prices have gone crazy.

Great info Capt John. The package is basic salary plus accomm and transport allowance. What you don't spend you keep. No choice in the matter unfortunately.

It's with dnata so very generous benefits on flights with Emirates too

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