Dubai

[box_of_frogs]

Any Clarets in Dubai? I’m going to be working out there for 6-7 months, so any info about where / how I can watch matches will be much appreciated!

[cricketfieldclarets]

I will be out there for Bournemouth and Arsenal if you are. Fancy finding somewhere for them myself.

[claret wizard]

I've watched us out on TV with a Dubai Clarets group, but that was in 2011, we were playing Villa in our first stint in the Premier League. I watched an EPL game (as it's called overseas) in McGettigans (last year) which was OK, lots of screens. One thing is that Dubai changes a lot very quickly, so one week it might be a great place to watch footy, the next week they have new management and no one knows how the TV's work!
It's also surprisingly big as well, and the cab ride (you won't want to walk in the summer) from the Creek to Jumeirah can be the cost of night out in Burnley alone.
The bar in the downstairs of the Habtoor Ground (The Underground) has had football on before.
I've seen games on at the Barasti Beach Bar near the Mina Seyahi. That's a good place to hang out anyway.
I recommend at least phoning before rocking up anywhere.

[ClaretAndJew]

Dubai is lit.

[cricketfieldclarets]

I've watched us out on TV with a Dubai Clarets group, but that was in 2011, we were playing Villa in our first stint in the Premier League. I watched an EPL game (as it's called overseas) in McGettigans (last year) which was OK, lots of screens. One thing is that Dubai changes a lot very quickly, so one week it might be a great place to watch footy, the next week they have new management and no one knows how the TV's work!
It's also surprisingly big as well, and the cab ride (you won't want to walk in the summer) from the Creek to Jumeirah can be the cost of night out in Burnley alone.
The bar in the downstairs of the Habtoor Ground (The Underground) has had football on before.
I've seen games on at the Barasti Beach Bar near the Mina Seyahi. That's a good place to hang out anyway.
I recommend at least phoning before rocking up anywhere.

Yes looks like its set over quite a fair distance between places. I dont mind walking. And walk miles especially on holiday. But have heard its not geared up to walk anywhere - no real paths or promenades by the beaches, is this the case? Cant imagine it is?

Don't mind the distance, even in the heat. But could do without walking down main roads!

Will be staying in Jumeirah Towers. Looks well connected by metro. But assumed taxis were relatively cheap with low fuel prices there?

[box_of_frogs]

Do the games go out on local tv? If I’m in Dubai then I’ll have driven in, so transport won’t be an issue!

[claret wizard]

Yes looks like its set over quite a fair distance between places. I dont mind walking. And walk miles especially on holiday. But have heard its not geared up to walk anywhere - no real paths or promenades by the beaches, is this the case? Cant imagine it is?

Don't mind the distance, even in the heat. But could do without walking down main roads!

Will be staying in Jumeirah Towers. Looks well connected by metro. But assumed taxis were relatively cheap with low fuel prices there?

Taxis are OK, but the traffic can be a nightmare and the distances are deceptive. Walking is difficult, but not impossible, however, the heat can be oppressive. Just walking around the Marina will make you get a sweat up.

I'm over the day after the Bournemouth game staying in the Grosvenor House for a week. Which Jumeirah Towers, the Lakes or the Emirates Hotel further North?

[NRC]

So I lived there for 10 years, and my original, original, original name on here was “Dubaiclaret” - what is now the new tourist area of Dubai, the marina area was still being built when I left. The MOST fun was going to an area called Bur Dubai - so the left bank of the creek. There used to be a hotel there called The International Hotel, and a ground floor bar was great for watching. Either that or any of the Irish bars.....

As for walking, only do that inside the malls or the immediate marina area

[cricketfieldclarets]

Taxis are OK, but the traffic can be a nightmare and the distances are deceptive. Walking is difficult, but not impossible, however, the heat can be oppressive. Just walking around the Marina will make you get a sweat up.

I'm over the day after the Bournemouth game staying in the Grosvenor House for a week. Which Jumeirah Towers, the Lakes or the Emirates Hotel further North?

Emirates towers. Do you know it?

Whenever we have been vegas we regularly walk from freemont street (old vegas) to the vegas sign past the strip. Which is about 15 miles round walk. More when you take in going in all the hotels etc.

Saying that vegas is very 'walker friendly'. Heat and distance is no issue if its possible?

[Rick_Muller]

Dubai is lit.

I didn’t think they were still in the dark ages... all that money - you’d expect them to have lights

[starting_11]

Emirates towers. Do you know it?

Whenever we have been vegas we regularly walk from freemont street (old vegas) to the vegas sign past the strip. Which is about 15 miles round walk. More when you take in going in all the hotels etc.

Saying that vegas is very 'walker friendly'. Heat and distance is no issue if its possible?

Not to mention all the escalators and moving walkways

Never been to Fremont street... it is as **** as everyone says?

[claret wizard]

Emirates towers. Do you know it?

Whenever we have been vegas we regularly walk from freemont street (old vegas) to the vegas sign past the strip. Which is about 15 miles round walk. More when you take in going in all the hotels etc.

Saying that vegas is very 'walker friendly'. Heat and distance is no issue if its possible?

Yes, Emirates towers is right by the WTC. I've stayed at the Sheraton Grand just up the road before.

As for walking, I find Vegas a nightmare to walk around if you're looking to cross the Strip, so getting from the Cosmo or Aria to Paris is a nightmare. Anyway, yes the heat and distance won't have an impact then. Just the fact that they don't really cater for people who want to walk.

The Grosvenor House has a sister hotel on the beach, it's 5 mins walk away. However, they have a bus, that's to avoid having to cross the 6 lane road which has no crossings. I think you'll come across that a lot walking in Dubai. Your best bet is probably Jumeirah St which is the long road by the coast. Maybe worth checking on google street view before you head out though.

[Marney&Mee]

Emirates towers. Do you know it?

Whenever we have been vegas we regularly walk from freemont street (old vegas) to the vegas sign past the strip. Which is about 15 miles round walk. More when you take in going in all the hotels etc.

Saying that vegas is very 'walker friendly'. Heat and distance is no issue if its possible?

You'll be getting taxis a lot from there CC. I think they have a reciprocal deal with one of the hotels on jumeirah beach/marina. Not much to see within walking distance of your hotel. Maybe Dubai Mall at a push. Taxis not that expensive really. Barasti best bet for a game if we are on. Outside bar with plenty of screens

[cricketfieldclarets]

Not to mention all the escalators and moving walkways

Never been to Fremont street... it is as **** as everyone says?

Freemont street? Its ******* awesome. I love it. Especially the atomic bar just off there.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Thanks all so far. And sorry for hijacking thread.

Also hoping to get to oman. But not flying. Anyone done the same before? Heard hiring a car and drivings a nightmare at the border so hoping for a bus or coach.

[cricketfieldclarets]

You'll be getting taxis a lot from there CC. I think they have a reciprocal deal with one of the hotels on jumeirah beach/marina. Not much to see within walking distance of your hotel. Maybe Dubai Mall at a push. Taxis not that expensive really. Barasti best bet for a game if we are on. Outside bar with plenty of screens

Yeah we have a free shuttle bus to beaches and waterparks.

[starting_11]

Yeah we have a free shuttle bus to beaches and waterparks.

Are you going on holiday or business?

[CoolClaret]

Couldn't think of anything worse, artificial country full of pretentious arseholes

[cricketfieldclarets]

Are you going on holiday or business?

Holiday. Hoping to venture out of dubai quite a bit though. There for a couple of weeks so plenty of time to see the rest of the country and hopefully some of oman.

[RingoMcCartney]

Couldn't think of anything worse, artificial country full of pretentious arseholes

I couldn't think of a finer post.

Good on you sir!

[DubaiClaret]

We watch all the games at The Underground at Grand Habtoor in Dubai Marina all welcome normally get there about an hour before the game.

[box_of_frogs]

‘Must remember to pack my shirt’!

[DubaiClaret]

[quote="box_of_frogs"]Any Clarets in Dubai? I’m going to be working out there for 6-7 months, so any info about where / how I can watch matches will be much appreciated![/quote

My mail address is on the Burnley website in the Supporters section. Contact me if you need anything

[claret wizard]

The McGetticans is right next door to your hotel CFC, there's another just opened in the Hilton down at Jumeirah but I've not been there.

[cricketfieldclarets]

The McGetticans is right next door to your hotel CFC, there's another just opened in the Hilton down at Jumeirah but I've not been there.

Ok thanks. Hotel looks a little way out for some things. But gets excellent reviews so went with that.

[JellyBaby]

Thanks all so far. And sorry for hijacking thread.

Also hoping to get to oman. But not flying. Anyone done the same before? Heard hiring a car and drivings a nightmare at the border so hoping for a bus or coach.

I hired a car with a mate from Abu Dhabi and we drove to Oman and around for a week. It was too hot in general (September) but Oman is well worth a visit. Get yourself to the dunes, the Wadis and a few mountainous areas. I don't think the border was too bad actually, the fact that I can't remember it is a good sign! In my experience bus/coach crossings around the middle east are an absolute nightmare, I've spent hours and hours waiting, depends on the country though

[cricketfieldclarets]

I hired a car with a mate from Abu Dhabi and we drove to Oman and around for a week. It was too hot in general (September) but Oman is well worth a visit. Get yourself to the dunes, the Wadis and a few mountainous areas. I don't think the border was too bad actually, the fact that I can't remember it is a good sign! In my experience bus/coach crossings around the middle east are an absolute nightmare, I've spent hours and hours waiting, depends on the country though

Thanks. I heard it was something to do with rented cars crossimg the border rather than uae plates as such. Any idea?

When was it you went btw? Was hoping to see the dunes some of the coast and perhaps muscat.

[JellyBaby]

Not sure about the car thing. We drove through borders in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Dubai without any problem, it's quite common I think so not a big deal. Got a speeding fine when we returned though, there are cameras everywhere in Oman so stick to the speed limit! i was there September 2015 so as someone said things can change really quickly around there so things may be different now. Dunes, coast and Muscat is a good idea, it's a really nice country in parts, not as tacky and trashy as some of the other middle eastern countries imo although still has its problems. Definetely worth a visit

[NRC]

We watch all the games at The Underground at Grand Habtoor in Dubai Marina all welcome normally get there about an hour before the game.

Wait a minute! I'm DubaiClaret. At least I was. Who the heck are you?! unless I died, and being here on this board is life after death

[cricketfieldclarets]

Not sure about the car thing. We drove through borders in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Dubai without any problem, it's quite common I think so not a big deal. Got a speeding fine when we returned though, there are cameras everywhere in Oman so stick to the speed limit! i was there September 2015 so as someone said things can change really quickly around there so things may be different now. Dunes, coast and Muscat is a good idea, it's a really nice country in parts, not as tacky and trashy as some of the other middle eastern countries imo although still has its problems. Definetely worth a visit

Great sounds like we will be able to do it easy enough after all. Thankyou

[Rumbletonk]

Wait a minute! I'm DubaiClaret. At least I was. Who the heck are you?! unless I died, and being here on this board is life after death

If it is you must have been a terrible person to deserve this.

[Marney&Mee]

if you are going to drive to Oman, have a look at Mussandam.

I lived out there for 5 years. I wouldn't recommend driving to Oman. It's a bit of a schlep and not the most picturesque of driving routes. Unless you like deserts

Flights there should be quite cheap. If you can afford twixes at TM, you should look at the Chedi hotel on Muscat

[DubaiClaret]

Wait a minute! I'm DubaiClaret. At least I was. Who the heck are you?! unless I died, and being here on this board is life after death

No worriess NRC only joined to let box-of-frogs know where we watch the games, where do you go to watch the game always good to get together with other Clarets

[claret wizard]

I'll be out twice this month, the 16th-19th and the 26th to 31st, think the play offs are on around those dates. Anybody going to to be at Barasti Bar or Underground for those?

[DubaiClaret]

I will definately be in The Underground for the Championship Play Off final on the 26th May

[NRC]

DubaiClaret, I'm on my third persona as I've moved around the world

Barasti Bar - now THAT's a name I haven't heard in years!

Oman - hmm, I would perhaps contradict - it's about picking your route. But what I WOULD highly recommend is a trip over to Fujairah and to go snorkeling at Snoopy Rock. the drive over is fantastic through the mountains (don't go off-roading in a hire car though). You can stay at Sandy Beach Motel if you want, or the Meridien, but do it in a day-drive is fine also. But the snorkeling is top class - Turtle, reef sharks, rays, and a whole bunch of fish and coral..... just a 100 metre swim from the beach. Hire equipment at Sandy beach.

[Malton_Claret]

I lived in Ras Al Khaimah for several years and went to Snoopy island too, a great day out especially if someone else is driving, so I could have a few beers there too.

[cricketfieldclarets]

DubaiClaret, I'm on my third persona as I've moved around the world

Barasti Bar - now THAT's a name I haven't heard in years!

Oman - hmm, I would perhaps contradict - it's about picking your route. But what I WOULD highly recommend is a trip over to Fujairah and to go snorkeling at Snoopy Rock. the drive over is fantastic through the mountains (don't go off-roading in a hire car though). You can stay at Sandy Beach Motel if you want, or the Meridien, but do it in a day-drive is fine also. But the snorkeling is top class - Turtle, reef sharks, rays, and a whole bunch of fish and coral..... just a 100 metre swim from the beach. Hire equipment at Sandy beach.

On our 5th day here so far. What a place. Far exceeded my expectations. Cant believe how big it is either. Seen and done ome great stuff so far and would be sure to come back already. Its certainly a lot more than shopping and commercialism although of course plenty of that too.

Going to Oman tomorrow. But heading up to musandam. And doing the snorkling there. Have you been there? Looks and sounds great.

[Zesty]

Wait a minute! I'm DubaiClaret. At least I was. Who the heck are you?! unless I died, and being here on this board is life after death

You’re just dreaming. This is your subconscious telling you to wake up. WAKE UP.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Couldn't think of anything worse, artificial country full of pretentious arseholes

Back now and have to say I did expect to see some of this.

While it was evident it does have this side, didn't see much of the pretentious side (and when I did it was mainly brits). Ended up by the pool one day next to a couple from Preston who fit this stereotype. That aside cant remember any of it. There were plenty of flash people. But never in your face and it wasn't as full of the 'Ibiza' sort as I expected.

In the main was a great place and far better than I hoped or expected. Would definitely go again and for any sceptical about it would suggest giving it a go if you have the chance.

Lots of amazing things to see and do. For everyone and anyone. Young and old, couples, families, single people.
Saw probably the best show I have ever been to. Some amazing scenery. Spectacular and ever changing skyline and architecture. Water Parks. Desert trips. Beautiful ocean. Biggest and most diverse choice of food you can imagine. Sunshine (And the odd sandstorm).

To top it all off its nowhere near as expensive as I expected. If you don't drink you wont spend much at all. Taxis are dirt cheap. The Metro is probably even cheaper and connects you to most places. Food is reasonable. Excursions and activities are cheap. The people are fantastic (locals and immigrants) and the service in restaurants and hotels is as good as anywhere I've been. Not much I could grumble about at all. Even the airport and the airline is fantastic.

There isn't much of a drinking culture - and that was a refreshing change. (Had one drink all trip and enjoyed the holiday as much as any other). There are meant to be pool parties and suchlike but didn't see much evidence of them so even they are kept discreet although obviously there are people who go there for that.

I never considered going before but am glad I did.

[paulus the woodgnome]

That's almost as impressive as the old pier at Lee-on-the-Solent.

[claret wizard]

I'm out here working this week. Back on holiday in 10 days time. What show did you see CFC?

[cricketfieldclarets]

I'm out here working this week. Back on holiday in 10 days time. What show did you see CFC?

La perle. Its a bit like cirque de soleil. But having seen both was definitely more impressed with la perle.

Also worth noting the cheapest tickets have as good a view as the more expensive. Theres not a bad view in the house. So opt for the cheapest available.

The whole place is incredibly clean. Probably the cleanest place ive ever been. The old dubai is a bit more rough and ready. But even there is still well kept. The hotels and people generally cant do enough for you. Was mrs 30th out there and they went ridiculously out of their way.

[cricketfieldclarets]

La perle is the bottom one. Doesnt really do any justice. But basically a huge stage with incredible water features as the centre piece for the acrobats. Wont give too much away as you have to see it to believe it.

[cricketfieldclarets]

No matter how many times you see burj khalifa too it cant fail to amaze you. Its bigger than pendle hill

[box_of_frogs]

I can see the Burj at the moment, from about 25km away....!

[cricketfieldclarets]

I can see the Burj at the moment, from about 25km away....!

Hard to belueve theyre building a new one in creek even bigger.

[Lancasterclaret]

Hell, my family worked out in Al Ain in the early 90s while I was at Uni.

safe to say Dubai has changed a bit!

[Rick_Muller]

nope - I rent

[I'm here all week]

[Marney&Mee]

Did you watch the Flintstones while you were out there

The people in Dubai just don't get it, whereas those in Abu Dhabi do...

I am also on all week...tho not a support act like the previous character...