Originally Posted By Mr X DavewasBaloo has mentioned several times that this is an amazing place. And another friend recently mentioned to me that he'd love to take a vacation there. So, what's the appeal? I'm curious, because of all the "major" cities, I think this might be one I've heard almost nothing about! Anyone who has been there or who has info, chime in please!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper They've got money coming out their ears and build MASSIVE buildings. In fact, they are building the world's largest man made islands for planned, mixed-use neighborhoods and business.
Originally Posted By Jonny626 The highest rated hotel in the world is there. <a href="http://www.dubai.ws/h_burjalarab.htm" target="_blank">http://www.dubai.ws/h_burjalar ab.htm</a> I am a corporate travel agent and I send a lot of business travelers there. Very industrial.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss They are building what will be the world's tallest building: the Burj. The rumor is it will be over 2600 ft. tall. For comparison, the Sears Tower in Chicago, the world's 4th tallest building, is "only" 1451 ft. tall.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Dubai has the most cosmopolitan population I have ever encountered. The architectural developments are impressive on a Vegas scale (if not greater). There is a real East meets West going on with Amazing mosques across from ferrari dealers, next to dance clubs across from Spice markets. The Gold Market has to be seen to be believed (a button up chain mail vest made of gold!!!). Beautiful beaches with warm water (bath water warm), fantastic restaurants, lavish Vegas style complexes, and they are building the world's largest entertainment centre. The golf courses and camel races, the friendly people, off roading in the desert, swimming in a desert oasis. Dubai is a state unlike any other, and it is very affordable.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Ask Tiger Woods what is so great about Dubai. He is likely going to tell you, "a million dollars just for showing up."
Originally Posted By mrichmondj Dubai is nice from Decmeber - February. Aside from that, the Middle East is a pretty miserable place to be. Particularly miserable in August, when it is usually about 120 degrees in the shade. I can't say I have any desire to go back there.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo We were there in June, and although hot, it really added to the experience for us.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo My wife had a great time! Dubai is very liberal for a Muslim country. There expectation is that Muslim's abide by their cultural norms, westerners are allowed to act as normal. Only a couple of key things - bikini's are only advised on private beaches or swimming pools/water parks. Also, drinking is only allowed in licenced clubs, and certainly not outside unless on private property.
Originally Posted By sarahwithbaloo Just to backup on Dave, I had no problems at all in treatment however we were warned that obviously it was a good idea to respect the culture and not walk the streets in shorts or mini skirts and crop tops but to cover yourself respectivly. As I burn this was not an issue for me to wear light cotton coverings anyway. As far as service in restaurants and speaking to people in shops I never felt misstreted (and we did go to some more traditional shops as well as tourist places)
Originally Posted By Mr X Thanks all for your responses...sounds like an interesting place! I would love to go there someday, if only for the fact that Emirates airlines sounds awsome! Sarah, you are a bold woman to dare travel to the middle east! Obviously, Dubai is a "reletively" cool place for women, but in general I'd have to say that if I were a woman I wouldn't set foot there! (I'm referring more to horror stories I've heard about Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and other extremely backwards countries as far as womens rights are concerned!) When you say "we were warned", was that by the people at your hotel or something? Or just warnings you heard about in passing? I'm asking because, if I ever DO travel there, it will probably be with my wife and daughter and that sounds a tad scary! What would happen if a woman DID walk around in shorts or whatever? Just dirty looks? Or do they actually have laws in place?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Just dirty looks and cat calls. It's not much different than going to the Vatecan in appropriate clothes. It was advice similar in the advice that we give people about trying to say "parler vous Anglais" while in France rather than just spouting English. The people in Dubai are really cool.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I just heard that Tiger is designing his first golf course...and it is going to be in Dubai.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Here are some pretty cool construction projects going on in Dubai: <a href="http://www.funonthenet.in/content/view/127/31/" target="_blank">http://www.funonthenet.in/cont ent/view/127/31/</a>
Originally Posted By Mr X Amazing that these are REAL projects, happening either now, or in the near future! Dubai seems like the futuristic city of the world! (I'd say maybe tied with Shanghai?...)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "Indoor ski slope was pretty impressive." And fun too - love it, though we have one slightly smaller 25 miles away and never go. Dubai is the closest thing to a real Epcot. I love it!
