I am doubtful I can stay awake until 2am at the BBQ.....will it be easy to get a cab and go back to the hotel(s) earlier?

Thanks!
dede

Well - if you're interested in architecture, and not afraid of heights, I'm planning to go to the top of Burj Khalifa on Friday evening (circa 6pm). Mainly to take pictures. Sunset is at 7pm (Dubai Time)

Eightblack has not planned anything Friday evening.

PM for details if you want to join.

I highly recommend getting tickets in advance (28USD/ 105 AED), which is a lot cheaper than showing up (120 US / 400 AED )

Feel free to dress as you please, it is pretty liberal as long as you are not out in a bikini

Although ung1 or 8B might be able to guide better in terms of the Brunch dress code if any

I'ver never been to Dubai before.
So it's a good opportunity to take part in this fantastic inaugural Dubai-DO.

Count me in as a Gold ^

I will register via eventbrite using the provided link in post #2.
What else do I have to do?

You have to choose which events you'd like to join :

THURSDAY 23 June
Welcome drinks and kick-off, 6pm
Venue: The Vista Bar, InterContinental Hotel, Festival City Dubai

FRIDAY 24 June
The Big Brunch
Time: 12.30pm until we fall off the chairs
Venue: The Park Hyatt, Dubai
Don't eat breakfast. And bring your Lipitor. You may want to wear pants with an elastic waist band! You're going to need to have a good lie down after you finish this. If you finish at all. It's a spectacular hotel and a wonderful setting. We have our own private dining area.
http://www.restaurants.dubai.hyatt.c...urant=Traiteur

Costs:
Option A - AED375 (US$107) No alcohol option. Just lunch + free flow soft drink
Option B - AED450 (US$122) Wine and beer option. And lunch
Option C - AED595 (US$160) (The "Prospero") This is the full monty. Free flow Veuve Clicquot, unlimited "mohitos", free flow beer and wine. And if can fit anything else in, lunch as well!
Reservations are required for this event and this is the only item on the Dubai Do agenda where you will need to provide a deposit, as the organizers (ie me) are financially responsible for the final numbers and any no-shows.

SATURDAY 25th
Activity Day
Indoor Skiing
Ok, this was my idea. I'm a mad skier and thought the idea of indoor skiing with an outdoor temperature of 100 degrees was super cool. Cost is US$50 approx for 2-hours and includes all equipment hire, lift pass, etc etc. More details here. No minimum numbers. Meet at Dubai Ski at reception at 9.30am
http://www.skidxb.com/
Start: 10am
Duration: 2-hours

Desert Safari
Yes, it will be warm. Bloody hot in fact. But these desert safaris are an amazing experience. Were working with mrtdxb's office to work out what packages we can offer - and to ask which company is the best around. My suggestion is that this will be a half day event. For those of you who don't want to do the Safari - but want more action, we'll also provide a Dune Buggy option. Most people are suggesting that any desert event is done from within the confines of an air-conditioned vehicle (which sounds quite sensible to me)
Start: 9am
Duration: half-day
Logistics: Probably pick up all participants from the one central hotel. More details to come...

At The Top at the Burj Khalifa
Is it the world's tallest? I forget. For those fascinated with tall buildings, this will be something for you. I will be staying put. Cost AED100 (or US$28, but you will need to book) because if you simply rock up, the charge is AED400 (US$110). Anyone who wants to volunteer to host this event, please contact me

Official EK Board Cocktail Party/BBQ
One of our forum Ambassadors, mrtdxb, has generously donated the use of his magnificent Villa, which is located here.
We're going to kick off from 4.30pm and it will most likely run into the wee hours of the morning. mrtdxb has kindly arranged the catering but I would like to make a request that everyone bring whatever it is they drink to the event. It's a good excuse for you to pick up some duty free on the way in. You will need to RSVP for this. The address will be on the back of your name tags, which will be handed out on Thurs night and/or Friday. Best thing to do is share a cab from your hotel with others to this gig.


SUNDAY 26th
Emirates hosted event - all day
Assume 9am to 5pm
Details to be posted shortly. For those non EK people - do not worry. This is not a day where we will be locked into a room talking about the pros and cons of EK's Skywards program. Because Dubai is EK's training, pilot and crew base, the resources at their disposal are immense. From crew training to catering to everything in between. I'm dealing with EK almost daily now on putting the finishing touches on this. Standby for details. It will be great.

Dinner 6.30pm onwards
Traditional Arabian Dinner
Venue to be advised (any locals, suggestions welcome)

Wish I could come, but unfortunately leave Dubai the day before!

Folks,

Not long to go now. Just some housekeeping. Remember, if you haven't already done so, you need to confirm your attendance via the Eventbrite booking page. Just here. http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1734845971

And if you intend on joining us for lunch at the Park Hyatt on the Friday, you'll need to send your deposit (using the same booking page). You can pay securely and safely via PayPal.

We'll be closing the registrations to the lunch on Monday 20th June, as we need to have final numbers to the hotel by then.

I will be updating the program in the next few days once I have confirmed the EK component of the DO.

Remember, attendance/participation in the events are purely up to you. The main thing is to bring your sense of humor and to catch up with old friends or make new ones. In the middle of the desert. In the heat.

We're going to have a great time.

Look forward to meeting you all soon

Cheers

SIMON
(eightblack)

Flights and Hotel (Sheraton) booked ^
23rd FRA-DXB
27th DXB-MUC

Will register via Eventbrite on Monday.

Thanks!

it's great that you are coming !
Which Sheraton is it ? Deira ?

Sorry, yes it is.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to make it. Sad, as i really wanted and all hotel and air tickets have been booked. But work calls during that time, and I’m unable to reschedule the work duties.


Update:
After a phone call just now, consider me maybe! Will try to confirm by the 20th of this month.

Booked the hotels:
22-23 Hilton
23-26 Park Hyatt (Summer Special rate; if you'll be paying by AMEX, add special offer code AXSUM and you'll get 1 free dinner at the hotel)
26-27 Hyatt Regency

About to head off to the web site to officially register, then some PM's.

See you there.

BTW, the indoor ski site states that they provide all clothing as well, except for gloves and hats. If you're considering that activity, you might want to bring those small items with you.

Duba� DO points on a google map

G_G, many thanks for putting this together. Most excellent in fact. You score the first drink on me

Folks,

Quick update. I have sent a PM to all the Silvers on the "maybe" list. Also, if you're definitely coming, check to see your handle is listed on the Gold list. I'm going to get rid of the Silver list at the end of this week.

I've been talking with EK today in Dubai. Man, have we got some things planned for everyone

More details to come...

SIMON

PS. BYDB