Long Weekend in Dubai  

Four full days in Dubai is just right especially if you do not plan to shop nor visit the various theme-park-like attractions that dot around the city. Dubai reminds me of HK wherein it is a great city to shop, has great restaurants and one can be entertained without doing much effort. Actually, Las Vegas is more apt because in Dubai there is a desert and everything is OVER THE TOP.

We flew on a direct flight on KLM from Amsterdam to Dubai and what was most interesting to me was that we had to cross the whole country of Iran to arrive in Dubai. I noticed that we avoided Egypt, Syria and Iraq because of the war and possible problems on the airspace of these countries on our way to the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is one of the Emiratis.

 

We were billeted in the SOFITEL DUBAI DOWNTOWN which is very near the Dubai Mall. Being a member of ACCOR and in the Platinum Level we were bumped up to a suite and from our living room area we had a great view of the BURJ KHALIFA. This is the view at night from the room.

 

In the daytime the Burj looks like this.

 

And it is so amazing that this very tall building looks fake in this photo. Actually we hard a hard time putting the whole tower in just one picture but I do like this photo.

Now, The whole tower can be seen from one of the entrances of Dubai Mall.

Ok. Last photo of the Burj…

DAY 2

The next day we wanted to go up the tower. There are two options – one to level 124 and the more expensive one to level 125. We opted for the level 125 because in that level there is a smaller elevator which takes you to level 148 which has an open air deck. Beware that the prices for the level 125 can be almost double so it is not cheap. To check dates and prices please go to Burj Khalifa At the Top Sky Observation Deck.

At level 148 there is a magnificent view

At the higher level there is an open air deck which I really liked because you can feel the atmospheric elements that makes you realize you are really on top of the world!

DAY 3

Then, we were in all the markets – First, the spice market

And sInce I did not buy any spices, most of the shopkeepers wanted to sell other items ..

.. like….please, don’t sell me more of that traditional garb but many thanks indeed for letting me wear it for the pic !

Then, it was quiet because this Mannequin cannot talk …

Then, just a street away we were already in the gold souk

After walking 100-200 meters we arrived at the Dubai Creek. It was very hot that day so we decided to cool down and we took the boat to cross the creek.

Then, took the very clean and beautiful metro

As you can see in the photo below, it was clear to everyone which section one should be when you are inside the Dubai Metro.

Then straight to the Dubai Marina.

 Finally, to finish the day with one of those over-the-top things on our TO DO  list we just had to have afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the “7 Star” Hotel.

Check out their reception area…

and most people don’t know that it is one of the tallest hotels in the world. It is actually the 3rd tallest Hotel in the World with a height of  321 Meters (1,053 feet). What is most interesting though is that all of the rooms/suites have two floors.

And to cap the night, what about having dinner and not seeing your food ?? Exactly, have you been to a restaurant in total darkness ?? That is exactly where we went for dinner. It is called the NOIRE RESTAURANT at the Fairmont Hotel Dubai. It is a culinary experience unlike anything else in the world and I have written a separate blog on its own. Check it here ….(Coming soon)

DAY 4

What a fun day this was. We started leaving around 3pm from the hotel and headed for the dessert dunes. What an adventure ! The 4×4 land cruisers tires were deflated and off we were to enjoy the ride as if you are in a roller coaster in the Desert.

  

Then we went to see a small camel farm.  Well……. one Camel (actually there were more) took my interest because it seemed to have a mind of its own !

Then, see an Arab in traditional garb in the dessert…

Then dinner and dance in the middle of the desert

Oh by the way many tourists were happy to be there. Kudos to Orient Tours Desert Safari.

Lastly, of course one should see at least once the Dubai Fountains right in front of the Burj Khalifa and next to the Dubai Mall. It is obligatory ! Fantastic free show every 30 mins from 6pm to 10pm and the show lasts for around 3 mins. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

Here is a complete 3.25 minute video of the whole show that we took on our last night in Dubai.