Dubai 2018

My first visit to this fast-paced and dare I say it, “extravagant” destination was back in 1999; when one line of hotels ran along the beach and all that was behind these hotels was the desert! Since 1999 I have now visited a further 3 times. Now buildings have appeared in front of (and behind) these original hotels that I saw back in the late 90s.

The beachfront along “jbr” (Jumeriah Beach Residence) has been extremely nicely finished with a “walk” that leads from one end to the other. This pristine pedestrian area is lined with shops and restaurants and bars along the front - and has a very western ‘holiday resort’ feel about it. When I write pristine I mean it too; you see no litter and no graffiti in Dubai.

Underneath the facade of the ‘western feel’ of the “jbr - The Walk” things are quite different though to a Mediterranean resort. No alcohol is served at all outside of the main hotel bars and restaurants - and even then, some hotels are alcohol-free. Alcoholic drinks when purchased are also very expensive - for example a glass of red-wine is approx. £10 a glass. This also means that the popularity of choices for more unusual soft drinks and ‘mocktails’ are in abundance.

As holiday destinations go though you won’t be bored! There are plenty of activities to keep travellers of all ages happy. From a trip out to the desert with a chance to ride a camel, to a trip up the world’s tallest building “Burj Khalifa” (800 metres) and its dancing fountains - to shopping in the world’s Largest Mall. Children will love the world’s largest aquarium and all guests can look forward to lazy days by the pool in the guaranteed sunshine. The weather is warm all year round - October averaging a cosy 30 degrees daily.

You can visit the old part of Dubai city too - see the famous Spice Souk (market) or enjoy an evening dinner on an old wooden dhow as it cruises up and down the Dubai Creek.

The perception is that it is a very expensive destination as the cost of living is expensive, and this is certainly true. Eating and drinking is expensive compared to the UK, but on the other hand getting about is ‘cheap as chips’ - for example a taxi all the way from “jbr” right up to the famous Dubai Shopping Mall (about 30 mins ride) only about £15.00. Local taxis from “jbr” to The Palm would cost say £4.00 (15-minute ride.) I do have some very savvy ways to make big savings on your spending money whilst you are here, so if you are thinking of making Dubai your next holiday destination, be sure to contact me.

Those who have not studied Dubai too closely may not realise that the city is divided into several defined and extremely different areas - again be careful to stay in the right area, please do contact me for advice. Manmade ‘islands’ have been built out into the sea - including two that are in the shape of palm trees (good fun to look at on google earth) and further islands supposedly in the shape of a world-map. The Jumeriah Palm is home to the famous Atlantis Hotel and its amazing waterpark.

My last trip to Dubai was in 2012. Now (2018) it looks so different again. A metro system has been built (mainly running over-ground) and stretches from the airport right up towards JBR. I cannot think of anywhere else in the world that changes as much as this ‘new land’. In the early 1960s Dubai was still predominately a busy trading port - the first oil was mined in 1966 - and tourism started in the late 1990s.

If you come here you must accept that new buildings and building work are a part of its character - but it’s people, it’s guaranteed sunshine, it’s quirky charm and its extravagance will all grow on you, and you will find that you will want to return (as I have done) time and time again. If you are staying in the right part of town, you will love what this unique destination has to offer its visitors for a "different" type of holiday. It’s very clean and both the food and accommodation are of an extremely high standard. Most hotels are minimum 4 stars and have excellent facilities for a luxury break away.

For more information on hotels, packages and prices, please contact me for an idea and some quotes.