Dubai

[Bay_Kat]

My husband had a 1 day stop-over in Dubai on his way to Afghanistan and is considering this as a place we will meet for his R&R in 4 months. Has anyone here been? Seems really expensive and I want to go to Switzerland. Which would be better? We actually have friends in Switzerland and may have a place to stay. This is definitely one of my deciding factors, although there seems to be so much to do in Dubai. Thoughts? P.S. I originally wanted to go to Scotland, but don't think my husband has much interest. I love castles.

 

[RoseRed]

I LOVE Switzerland! But I have never been to Dubai.

 

[Radiant1]

I'd opt for Dubai. How often does one get a chance to go there? I love castles and Western European history, but one can possibly manage Scotland another time. I've been to Switzerland, but Dubai seems so much more exotic to me.

Either way it's exciting! Let us know where you decide, and enjoy your R&R with your husband!

 

[mamatutu]

My husband had a 1 day stop-over in Dubai on his way to Afghanistan and is considering this as a place we will meet for his R&R in 4 months. Has anyone here been? Seems really expensive and I want to go to Switzerland. Which would be better? We actually have friends in Switzerland and may have a place to stay. This is definitely one of my deciding factors, although there seems to be so much to do in Dubai. Thoughts? P.S. I originally wanted to go to Scotland, but don't think my husband has much interest. I love castles.

My daughter literally just got back from Europe, and Switzerland was one of her stops. She said it is very expensive; she and two friends shared a pizza and ordered water, and the bill was $100. But, if you have friends there, you would save on lodging. I looked up info on Dubai, and it looks fairly expensive, too. My father used to travel to Dubai and that area alot for biz, and we thought he was going to change his citizenship; he loved that area so much. But, these days, I think anywhere you travel is expensive. I agree with radiant, Dubai looks exotic. I vote for Scotland, if you can talk your hub into it. My daughter also went there on her trip, and loved it. I went to Scotland in 1984. I love castles, too. Wherever you choose to go, I wish you a safe trip.

Edit: I don't know if you are considering any other destinations, but my daughter said her least fave place was Paris. She loved the sites like Notre Dame, Eiffel, etc. but she said it is smelly, dirty, unfriendly. Her fave place was Venice, and she liked Stuttgart and Meersburg Germany. She keeps hearing from people that Croatia is a great place to go.

 

[RPMDAD]

Not saying anything good or bad abaout Dubai, but i personally would not visit or vacation in any Moslem country. JMHO.

Religion
Islam is the official religion of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most liberal places in the Middle East and followers of other religions (except Judaism) are tolerated. Visitors should respect Islam and Arabic culture and laws.

Drugs
Like most other countries, taking and buying/selling drugs is a criminal offence. The penalties in Dubai though, are very severe. Even possession of a minute amount of cannabis (and we do mean very, very small) can result in a lengthy prison sentence. In 2007 customs officers at Dubai International Airport discovered 0.003g of cannabis in the in tread of a Briton’s shoe. Keith Brown, who was actually only flying through Dubai, received a 4 year jail sentence.

Public Displays of Affection – Kissing In Dubai
According to the ‘Dubai Code of Conduct’ published in 2009 by the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai:

Displays of affection among couples — whether married or not — in public places does not fit the local customs and culture. Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency.

Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places, are liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.

In practice, kissing in public may just be frowned on. However, if a complaint is made to the police the situation can change dramatically. In 2009 a local woman was offended by a British couple kissing in a restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Residence. The couple were arrested and received a one month prison sentence. They were subsequently deported.

Clothing
In public places dress modestly. In public places such as shopping malls and restaurants, women should not wear low-cut tops or short skirts. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach.

Alcohol
Non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol at licensed premises (hotel bars and restaurants) and at home (with an alcohol license). Being drunk outside these areas in an offence and can result in a fine or prison sentence.

Loud Music and Dancing
Dancing and loud music is not allowed in public places such as beaches and parks.

Dubai Religion

 

[dustin]

All there is to do in Dubai is a camel ride, malls, and hotels. Maybe a water park or two. You'd have more fun in Europe. Ramstein Germany is a major AMC flight hub.

 

[TGB]

My husband had a 1 day stop-over in Dubai on his way to Afghanistan and is considering this as a place we will meet for his R&R in 4 months. Has anyone here been? Seems really expensive and I want to go to Switzerland. Which would be better? We actually have friends in Switzerland and may have a place to stay. This is definitely one of my deciding factors, although there seems to be so much to do in Dubai. Thoughts? P.S. I originally wanted to go to Scotland, but don't think my husband has much interest. I love castles.

I would highly recommend Dubai. It is a very cosmopolitan. Lots of things to do. I would not buy brand name stuff(Armani, gucci, etc) there since it is expensive, However, try the wild wadi water park(adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, WonderLand : family fun park features a wide range of water attractions including speed slides, surf hills, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise.

Must Eats in Dubai:For authentic lebanese cusinine -- Al Mallah on Dhiyafah Street, has great shwarma, falafel, manakeesh
Best steak- Definitely Manhattan Grille in the Grand Hyatt, do not miss the creamed spinach with veal bacon side
Best Romantic- Pierchic in Al Qasr- absolutely amazing view of the Burj al Arab. The cuisine is mostly seafood, very up market. Food is excellent and definitely matches up with the view
Indian/Pak- Ravi's on Dhiyafah, very homey, street type food...Chicken Thikka Inn has great Pakistani bbq, don't miss the behari kebab
Chinese- great chinese/thai at Soy in Ibn Battuta Mall

This site below has the best restaurants, nightlife, and things to do whilst in Dubai
Time Out Dubai - City Guide, Information, Events, Reviews & What's On in the City of Dubai

 

[Bay_Kat]

You guys are really making this tough, I'm still undecided, but I've got a few months to think about it.

 

[punjabigyrl]

My husband had a 1 day stop-over in Dubai on his way to Afghanistan and is considering this as a place we will meet for his R&R in 4 months. Has anyone here been? Seems really expensive and I want to go to Switzerland. Which would be better? We actually have friends in Switzerland and may have a place to stay. This is definitely one of my deciding factors, although there seems to be so much to do in Dubai. Thoughts? P.S. I originally wanted to go to Scotland, but don't think my husband has much interest. I love castles.

I strongly suggest Dubai. Here is a site that tells you the 10 best sightseeing to do. Depending on how much time you have you can rent a car or bus tour to Oman which is absolutely lovely. I would take advantage.

10 to try: Dubai sightseeing - Dubai Pictures Gallery - TimeOutDubai.com

This should help you with travel information

http://www.dubaihttp://www.dubai.com/v/travel_tips/shortstay.com/city-guide/travel-tips.asp

Dubai travel guide - Wikitravel

 

[Bay_Kat]

I strongly suggest Dubai. Here is a site that tells you the 10 best sightseeing to do. Depending on how much time you have you can rent a car or bus tour to Oman which is absolutely lovely. I would take advantage.

10 to try: Dubai sightseeing - Dubai Pictures Gallery - TimeOutDubai.com

This should help you with travel information

http://www.dubaihttp://www.dubai.com/v/travel_tips/shortstay.com/city-guide/travel-tips.asp

Dubai travel guide - Wikitravel

Thanks, very helpful

 

[mamatutu]

You guys are really making this tough, I'm still undecided, but I've got a few months to think about it.

Yes, don't you hate when you look up consumer reviews on something, and it goes from a 1 star to a 5 star review, depending on opinion. It does make it hard, but wherever y'all end up, it is the reunion that counts. Tell your hub thank you for his service, and thank you, too, because I know how hard it is to be apart, and the worry. We will not forget

 

[Bay_Kat]

We're now leaning toward a cruise.

 

[nutz]

Why would you choose to vacation in any part of the world that is unfriendly to Americans?

 

[flomaster]

I am currently living in Dubai but work out of Pax. I live in an area called Jumeirah Beach Residence. I stay at the Hilton Apartments across from the beach. Bare in mind that summers here are god awful hot and humidity is miserable. Might get a better deal if you come during the summer months as far as cost but be ready to sweat. Pay attention to the calendar as Ramadan starts on July 22 and lasts for 1 month. Really crappy time to come as there isnt much to do and religion dictates the day. The Palm Jumeirah is nice. They have an Atlantis resort there. Much to see here. Emirates Mall, Dubai Mall, and all kinds of places to tour and great food. Customer service is off the charts. It is a bit pricey though.

 

[flomaster]

Why would you choose to vacation in any part of the world that is unfriendly to Americans?

That is so not true. I have been here a few times and never ever had a problem. There are tons of expats here. There are times that I actually forget I am in the middleast here. Great place.

 

[TGB]

I am currently living in Dubai but work out of Pax. I live in an area called Jumeirah Beach Residence. I stay at the Hilton Apartments across from the beach. Bare in mind that summers here are god awful hot and humidity is miserable. Might get a better deal if you come during the summer months as far as cost but be ready to sweat. Pay attention to the calendar as Ramadan starts on July 22 and lasts for 1 month. Really crappy time to come as there isnt much to do and religion dictates the day. The Palm Jumeirah is nice. They have an Atlantis resort there. Much to see here. Emirates Mall, Dubai Mall, and all kinds of places to tour and great food. Customer service is off the charts. It is a bit pricey though.

Next time you come over I have to have you get me the Al-Nassma camel milk chocolates. Ramadhan is not a good time to vacation in any middle eastern country however, do you know of the tour that you do with nomads in the middle of the dessert sleep in tents, etc. I know morrocco has one would love to try one in Dubai. I hear 4 x 4 safari and sandboarding is alot of fun. What about the mountain safaris towards a town called Hatta, you go through alot of different terrains. mountain pools turqoise pools(depending on amount of rainfall) etc. I am planning for this next year depending on if kids classes if not then in the year after.

 

[nutz]

That is so not true. I have been here a few times and never ever had a problem. There are tons of expats here. There are times that I actually forget I am in the middleast here. Great place.

Always is until someone's face is plastered on the news as being held hostage.

 

[flomaster]

Always is until someone's face is plastered on the news as being held hostage.

Its not like that here. Assuming you have never been. Suprisingly enough in my travels to Saudi, Iraq, Afghanistan and Dubai I have met good people. They arent all terrorists.

 

[flomaster]

Next time you come over I have to have you get me the Al-Nassma camel milk chocolates. Ramadhan is not a good time to vacation in any middle eastern country however, do you know of the tour that you do with nomads in the middle of the dessert sleep in tents, etc. I know morrocco has one would love to try one in Dubai. I hear 4 x 4 safari and sandboarding is alot of fun. What about the mountain safaris towards a town called Hatta, you go through alot of different terrains. mountain pools turqoise pools(depending on amount of rainfall) etc. I am planning for this next year depending on if kids classes if not then in the year after.

I come here on a rotation so plan to take the tours in the winter time when its way cooler here. I have been through Hatta a few times. There is so much to do and have no fears of being taken hostage.

 

[Chris0nllyn]

We have a few offices in the UAE (The comapny I work for provided master planning consultancy services for the "Palm Islands", and also acted as an independent verification and testing authority for concrete and steelwork for the Burj Khalifa tower, among others...), and here's a few things from our "travel guide" for the UAE....(Some may not apply)

The UAE is extremely safe for women travellers, nevertheless female travellers should keep in mind the cultural differences
among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted
attention. When socializing in local company, wait until a hand is offered to you for a handshake, some devout Muslims
prefer not to shake hands with a woman and many Muslim women do not shake hands with men.

Alcohol is served to non-Muslims in all major hotels and licensed restaurants, but drinking in public unlicenced areas ,
drunkenness, and drinking and driving are not tolerated. The latter is a serious offence, with zero tolerance for driving
while under the influence of alcohol. Staffs who are under a residence visa can apply for an alcohol permit that allows
them to purchase alcohol at certain stores.

Visitors to Abu Dhabi should avoid photographing women in general, and particularly national women, without their
permission. It is always courteous to ask before photographing people. There are few other restrictions on photography in
the emirate – only military, government and airport installations are not allowed to be photographed.

UAE is generally conservative but tolerant when it comes to dress code. The attitude to dress is relaxed, but visitors (both
men and women) are advised not to wear excessively revealing clothing in public places, as a sign of respect for local
culture and customs.

Status is important and must be recognised by using the correct title such as Sheikh (chief), Mohandas (engineer) and
Ustadh (professor). If you are unsure of someone’s title, find out beforehand or ask the person who introduced you.

The customary greeting is “As-salam alaikum,” (peace be upon you) to which the reply is “Wa alaikum as-salam,” (and
upon you be peace). When entering a meeting, general introductions will begin with a handshake. You should greet
each of your Emirati counterparts individually. In line with Muslim customs, avoid shaking hands with a woman unless
they extend their hand first.