Sorry for not posting for long time but we were on vacations :D

My flights are

BA107 LHR-DXB arriving 22.40 on the 24th (F) Connecting from EDI
BA106 DXB-LHR leaving on the 01.55 27th (F) Connecting to EDI

Her flights (Lito's) are

LH638 MUC-DXB arriving 05.40 on the 25th (Y) , Connecting from EDI,FRA
LH631 DXB-FRA leaving on 01.45 on the 27th (Y), Connecting to EDI

We have currently a booking on JW but this could change for the Hilton Creek.

Our RSVP currently are

Saturday 25th
Desert Safari Attending
Official EK Board Cocktail Party/BBQ Attending

SUNDAY 26th
Emirates hosted event Maybe
Dinner 6.30pm onwards Attending


As I will arrive on the 24th evening, if someone (eightblack) is still out for drinks I will join you asap after checking in my hotel.

Both of us can invite people to lounges so if anyone need one, send me PM. Lito is a Star Gold ;)

I don't know what are the entry requirements for the FCT on FRA but if someone can guest Lito, she would be happy to accept the offer ^

Thanks for this important info. I am sure there is a limit; does anyone know how much duty free beer one can purchase at DXB? (The actual limit is probably how much I can actually carry!) ^

http://www.dubai-online.com/essential/customs.htm

Visitors to Dubai can bring the following items free of duty:

Gifts with a value not exceeding AED 3,000
400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500g of loose tobacco
4 litres of alcohol, or 2 cartons of beer (1 carton = 24 cans, each not exceeding 355 ml)

I actually chose the GH first because of this reason, too. But when I looked at the events schedule, I figured I wouldn't have time to eat and drink much more -- which is all I usually do in the Club anyway.

But just to note, if you are staying in the Regency Club, that rate should include RT private car transfers to/from the airport. This is a great service after a long flight and especially if it is your first time to Dubai. Check your rate to make sure it's included, then call the reservations line to let them know you want it. Once you leave the international arrivals, there is a Hyatt "reception desk" almost directly across from where you exit customs. (It's decked out like a mini hotel room.) A very courteous welcome, they'll offer you a cold one (water), and then take your bag and escort you to your waiting car a few steps outside the door.

Thank you! Cheers!

I would be interested in eightblack's opinion as well, if he has the time.

Most of the time, yes. I would plan on bringing a sweater...or a jumper as they are commonly referred to out here. I went to the movies today and made a point of putting on jeans, socks and shoes, a long sleeve linen shirt and brought a sweater, just in case. I put the sweater on and was still cold. I always bring a sweater to the malls and more often then not, I end up wearing it.

PS- This is the first post I've made in a long time...too bad I can't change my name to arabianjerseygirl. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Sorry I was confusing with another property we checked out.

The Grand Hyatt had a pretty nice and spacious club lounge. Here are a couple of pics we took.

http://i54.tinypic.com/255hslf.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/8x1vlf.jpg

Thanks. It does look nice.

Dune bashing/ desert safari
 

Quick update on the schedule.

The official event on Saturday morning is the dune bashing for those who don't want to go skiing. Don't worry though, you don't have to step into the sun. 4WDs/ SUVs will pick up people at their hotels at 9 am. There'll be one hour of dune bashing out in the desert from 10 am to 11 am. Expect to be back in the hotel by noon. If you haven't done this (or roller-coasters) before, I'd recommend coming on an empty stomach.

We're going to be doing this with Arabian Adventures and they are offering a price of AED 200 (US$ 55) per person based on 6 people per car (we'll let them figure out the logistics of that).

If you are interested, please send me a PM or indicate your interest on the thread as we need indicative numbers to make the booking. I'll add names to the list below:


1. Prospero
2. rcs85551
3. ClaudiSTR
4. hausrath
5. wboflyer
6. Hippo72



For those who are arriving early, leaving late or not participating in some activities and have a free evening, you might be interested in doing the full blown desert safari including campsite BBQ, belly dancing, camel rides etc.

Strangely, this works out to AED 160 (US$ 44) with Llama Tours (this is a special price - PM me and I'll send you details of who to contact) or AED 330 (US$ 90) with Arabian Adventures (this is the regular price though I can provide a contact person if required). Word has it Arabian Adventures offers a nicer experience, but this is entirely up to attendees. Just suggestions - not a part of the DO and not being organized as a group activity.

+1 ^. Yes, very nice. @ung1: Thank you for posting these pix.

Ung1 beat me to it. I'm sure the lounge is fine - but one thing you need to check is if they charge for alcohol in the evenings.


I'm staying at the Park Hyatt because they had a good summer rate (AED600 per night, you get 20% off all meals while there and I liked the rooms). The Grand Hyatt just lacked something - too big and lacked atomosphere. I'm sure its perfectly fine though.

There was also this stunningly attractive blonde girl on reception at the Park Hyatt when we visited - but I'm sure that didn't influence my decision at all ;)

Should be nice, thanks for organizing this ^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpSSTZAhEkA

Thank you. I will be sure to give her your regards when I check in!

cocktails in the Club Lounge at the GH
 

I have emailed and heard back immediately from the Grand Hyatt Dubai that yes, there are free alcohol beverages of all sorts between 1800hr and 2100hr....also received a report from another very savvy FTer who had stayed at both the Park and the Grand and she definitely preferred the Grand.

So I will stick with the Grand.