The Dubai DO - June 24-27, 2011
Jun 11, 2011 | 4:22 am
#316
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,813
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.
So, we spent the next 50 minutes driving gently around before heading back to the hotel.
Cheers,
Rick
Jun 11, 2011 | 5:58 am
#317
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Delta 3MM, DM, AIA IR Shs and MLBabe
Programs: Prefer to stay where the herded cats are staying, IHG , Hyatt gold, bottom fish in other chains
Posts: 2,451
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!
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!
Jun 11, 2011 | 6:05 am
#318
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
Jun 11, 2011 | 6:17 am
#319
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Delta 3MM, DM, AIA IR Shs and MLBabe
Programs: Prefer to stay where the herded cats are staying, IHG , Hyatt gold, bottom fish in other chains
Posts: 2,451
Jun 11, 2011 | 8:59 am
#320
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUN
Programs: TK E+
Posts: 11,230
There will have nice pictures to take at this DO
Jun 11, 2011 | 9:23 am
#321
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Delta 3MM, DM, AIA IR Shs and MLBabe
Programs: Prefer to stay where the herded cats are staying, IHG , Hyatt gold, bottom fish in other chains
Posts: 2,451
Jun 11, 2011 | 12:02 pm
#322
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DXB, MAN
Programs: TK, ITA(!)
Posts: 34
dinner sunday evening?
guys looking like a great schedule, is dinner in the evening on sunday still on? there are lots of traditional arabic places - though the most authentic places I've managed to get down to have been in Sharjah so far, serving Kabsa and Madhi (spelling?!) which are originally Yemeni specialities but common across the Gulf.
I'll try and make it to any potential scran on Friday evening but daytime is likely out for me. Please put me down for the EK sesh on Sunday!
I'll try and make it to any potential scran on Friday evening but daytime is likely out for me. Please put me down for the EK sesh on Sunday!
Jun 12, 2011 | 6:18 am
#323
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dubai, UAE; Southern UK
Programs: BA Silver; EK Silver, IHG Gold
Posts: 92
Would like to add myself to this if possible,
I'm a Dubai resident so no travel involved.
Please add me to the list for
Thurs Night @ Intercon Vista bar (this is a lovely place to watch the sun go down)
Friday brunch (no alcohol option for me)
Sat - Cocktail event
Sun - EK do
Reference the cocktail event, I notice that you're asking people to bring drinks... the duty free at the airport is a little limited on beer, lager etc
I have access to a much wider range of alcohol at better prices (those who live here can probably guess how) so would be happy to put an order together if anyone's interested?
I'm a Dubai resident so no travel involved.
Please add me to the list for
Thurs Night @ Intercon Vista bar (this is a lovely place to watch the sun go down)
Friday brunch (no alcohol option for me)
Sat - Cocktail event
Sun - EK do
Reference the cocktail event, I notice that you're asking people to bring drinks... the duty free at the airport is a little limited on beer, lager etc
I have access to a much wider range of alcohol at better prices (those who live here can probably guess how) so would be happy to put an order together if anyone's interested?
Jun 12, 2011 | 7:01 am
#324
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
Folks,
We're just under 2-weeks to go. The suspense is nearly killing me.
Here's the agenda as it stands today. If you scroll back to the first page of this thread (post 2) - you will see confirmed attendees in "gold" on the master list. There is still room for both the event and the brunch, but you must register via the Eventbrite booking page. Which is here.
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1734845971
AGENDA
Thursday 23rd June
Welcome Drinks - InterContinental Hotel, Festival City
Ground floor bar (see photo). You can be sure the barman won't be smiling after he's had a bunch of FlyerTalkers for the evening.
6pm till late (or we fall over)
*Everyone pays their own way. But you can buy me as many drinks as you want
Friday 24 June
Brunch 12.30pm to 4pm
The Park Hyatt
We have a dedicated area for us - and you will need to pre-pay the balance of your meal prior to sitting down. I know it sounds a little rude - but its the only way the hotel will be able to keep track of things (as there are 3 options). I know from personal experience how hard it is to try and settle a tab at 4pm, after eating and drinking like Roman Kings and Queens. Someone always ends up getting the short end of the straw so to speak. Everyone who has registered for the brunch via the Eventbrite page, will have paid a deposit of US$73. The balance payable to the hotel will be able to be paid via cash or card and will be charged in AED.
Dress: Smart Casual
Lunch Options.
1. Just the meal AED375
2. The meal plus free-flow wine and beer AED450
3. The "Prospero". This is the fully monty. Free flow wine, beer, Mohitos and french champagne. AED595
Prospero by the way is one of the legendary BA Mods who will be joining us. We'll probably have to call him "Sir", or "Lord". Or something equally as pompous. You can be sure he doesn't drink orange-juice...(unless it's laced with Vodka)
Back to lunch logistics. Each person will be given a coloured wristband which will correspond to your choice.
The cut-off for the brunch is the 19th June - as we have to advise the hotel of final numbers on Monday the 20th and prepay the holding deposit. So if you haven't decided, you have a week to eat steamed vegetables, drink a lot of tea and hit the treadmill. Or something like that.
Here's a great write up of what to expect by a serious foodie.
http://www.whatihadfordinnertonight.com/?p=11520
Meet in the lobby from 11.30am for a coffee and a chat...it really does appear to be a cracker of a hotel. I crawled all over TripAdvisor today and the plethora of positive reviews (all 208 of them) are encouraging. The staff have also been very professional and attentive. Ung1 and I visited the Park Hyatt on our recon mission, and it was by far the best place we visited.
Directions: http://dubai.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/ho...pMapDirections
Afternoon activities (for those of you who think you will be able to move)
4.30pm - To the top of the Burj.
Saturday 25 June
"Emirates is pleased to welcome the Flyer Talk group to sunny Dubai and invites members for a special sneak peak behind the scenes look at our airline.
On Saturday 25th June from 0900-1330, Emirates will lead the team through our training facility, including the A380 simulators, the cabin crew / service delivery training centre, and the unique 'Nujoum' programme which explores the Emirates "personality". Attendees are asked to wear comfortable, informal attire, with sports/running shoes."
You will all receive a PM from me requesting your confirmation so EK can plan and cater accordingly. This is not to be missed, as it will provide a fabulous opportunity for FlyerTalkers to see first hand the A380 training environment, experience the different cabins (even the Shower Spa in F) and understand what goes on behind the scenes of operating the world's most advanced aircraft. I am eternally grateful to EK for going to such lengths and acknowledge the fact that a tour like this is not available to the general public.
I've added a specific registration link for just the Emirates visit on Eventbrite. Numbers are limited, so please register here. Friends and family are welcome, but it will be on a first come, first served basis
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1734845971
PS Don't worry, its highly unlikely you will get wet! Address to be supplied in Dubai.
We'll still have plenty of time to get to mrtdxb's place for the BBQ...that timing remains as is.
Afternoon:
The Big Barbie
Can you imagine - a group of frequent flier nerds all hanging out, enjoying a soothing drink, in a private villa on the waterfront. As a courtesy to mrtdxb, we would like to know how many are going to show up - so that he can cater accordingly. Please RSVP to me (or to mrtdxb) by the 23rd.
BBQ and Drinks at mrtdxb's Villa.
(address to be supplied on Friday)
Dress: Very Casual
What to bring: Something to drink (ie wine, beer, champagne).
Start time: 4.30pm onwards - till late.
How to get there? Share a cab with others. It's about 25km from the InterContinental, Festival City (as a rough guide). See Google Map. A = InterContinental Festival City, B = mrtdxb's place.
Sunday 26th June
Morning activities (optional)
1. Skiing with eightblack. 2 hrs probably. We'll meet at 10am at the front entrance to SkiDubai. http://www.skidxb.com/ Or whenever time I wake up and recover from drinks and the BBQ from the day prior. Don't call me. I'll call you. If you don't hear from me after emailing and texting me, start delivering double espresso's to my room every 15-mins.
What you need to bring:
- Gloves and a hat (as they don't rent these due to health reasons. But they will sell them to you - probably at a cost which would make brunch at the Park Hyatt look cheap).
- Cost is AED180 for the 2-hours. Or approx US$50. Covers all equipment rental (jacket, pants, disposable socks, boots, skis and poles). Check the website for more details.
2. Dune Bashing (co-ordinator Ung1)
The official event on Sunday morning is the dune bashing for those who don't want to go skiing. Don't worry though, you don't have to step into the sun. 4WDs/ SUVs will pick up people at their hotels at 9 am. There'll be one hour of dune bashing out in the desert from 10 am to 11 am. Expect to be back in the hotel by noon. If you haven't done this (or roller-coasters) before, I'd recommend coming on an empty stomach.
We're going to be doing this with Arabian Adventures and they are offering a price of AED 200 (US$ 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 Ung1 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. potakas
2. lito
3. Prospero
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 AED160 (US$ 44) with Llama Tours (this is a special price - PM Ung1 and I'll send you details of who to contact) or AED 330 (US$ 90) with Arabian Adventures (this is the regular price though we 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.
3. Burj (for those who didn't end up going on Friday). If anyone wants to volunteer to lead this, then let me know. I think there are already 7-8 of you signed up for this.
Dinner
We're going to go local and head to something very casual. SMART51 has made a terrific recommendation, so for those of you still in DXB and wanting a farewell dinner with friends, we're going here.
http://www.labnehwazaatar.ae/
Sadly, they don't serve alcohol, so I will be staying at home. Kidding
Do Etiquette:
1. Sense of humor is compulsory
2. Be adventurous. Have fun. There is no official "start" or "end". You come and go as you please.
3. No one will laugh at you if all you want to talk about is miles and status and elite levels. Think of it as speed dating, but without the complications in the morning
4. No means no. As in, if you don't want to participate in anything, and you want to sit in your room in your underwear and chant, then go right ahead.
5. It's perfectly fine if you don't drink alcohol. Apparently there are some FlyerTalkers who don't drink. I've never met one mind you.
6. You will be given name-tags. They are trendy. Wear them with pride.
7. Check the Dubai Do thread daily for agenda updates, compromising photos and a general recap of what's going on. Or went on. You know what I mean.
8. If you complain about the heat - the first round of drinks is on you. Remember, we are in the middle of the desert. It's summer in Dubai. Even the locals aren't happy about the weather. Taxi drivers are even less impressed. It's because of this weather that they invented beer.
9. Do not post photos of fellow FT'ers on FaceSpace, FT, or whatever the hell other social media thingy you belong to without their permission. Seriously.
10. Yes of course you may buy me a drink. You can buy me many. I am built for events such as these.
11. Any questions, please PM or ask. I will have my BlackBerry with me the whole time, so you can either text me or email me. All complaints, please refer to Ung1, between the hours of 0200 and 0210 on the 28th June, 2035.
We're just under 2-weeks to go. The suspense is nearly killing me.
Here's the agenda as it stands today. If you scroll back to the first page of this thread (post 2) - you will see confirmed attendees in "gold" on the master list. There is still room for both the event and the brunch, but you must register via the Eventbrite booking page. Which is here.
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1734845971
AGENDA
Thursday 23rd June
Welcome Drinks - InterContinental Hotel, Festival City
Ground floor bar (see photo). You can be sure the barman won't be smiling after he's had a bunch of FlyerTalkers for the evening.
6pm till late (or we fall over)
*Everyone pays their own way. But you can buy me as many drinks as you want
Friday 24 June
Brunch 12.30pm to 4pm
The Park Hyatt
We have a dedicated area for us - and you will need to pre-pay the balance of your meal prior to sitting down. I know it sounds a little rude - but its the only way the hotel will be able to keep track of things (as there are 3 options). I know from personal experience how hard it is to try and settle a tab at 4pm, after eating and drinking like Roman Kings and Queens. Someone always ends up getting the short end of the straw so to speak. Everyone who has registered for the brunch via the Eventbrite page, will have paid a deposit of US$73. The balance payable to the hotel will be able to be paid via cash or card and will be charged in AED.
Dress: Smart Casual
Lunch Options.
1. Just the meal AED375
2. The meal plus free-flow wine and beer AED450
3. The "Prospero". This is the fully monty. Free flow wine, beer, Mohitos and french champagne. AED595
Prospero by the way is one of the legendary BA Mods who will be joining us. We'll probably have to call him "Sir", or "Lord". Or something equally as pompous. You can be sure he doesn't drink orange-juice...(unless it's laced with Vodka)
Back to lunch logistics. Each person will be given a coloured wristband which will correspond to your choice.
The cut-off for the brunch is the 19th June - as we have to advise the hotel of final numbers on Monday the 20th and prepay the holding deposit. So if you haven't decided, you have a week to eat steamed vegetables, drink a lot of tea and hit the treadmill. Or something like that.
Here's a great write up of what to expect by a serious foodie.
http://www.whatihadfordinnertonight.com/?p=11520
Meet in the lobby from 11.30am for a coffee and a chat...it really does appear to be a cracker of a hotel. I crawled all over TripAdvisor today and the plethora of positive reviews (all 208 of them) are encouraging. The staff have also been very professional and attentive. Ung1 and I visited the Park Hyatt on our recon mission, and it was by far the best place we visited.
Directions: http://dubai.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/ho...pMapDirections
Afternoon activities (for those of you who think you will be able to move)
4.30pm - To the top of the Burj.
Saturday 25 June
"Emirates is pleased to welcome the Flyer Talk group to sunny Dubai and invites members for a special sneak peak behind the scenes look at our airline.
On Saturday 25th June from 0900-1330, Emirates will lead the team through our training facility, including the A380 simulators, the cabin crew / service delivery training centre, and the unique 'Nujoum' programme which explores the Emirates "personality". Attendees are asked to wear comfortable, informal attire, with sports/running shoes."
You will all receive a PM from me requesting your confirmation so EK can plan and cater accordingly. This is not to be missed, as it will provide a fabulous opportunity for FlyerTalkers to see first hand the A380 training environment, experience the different cabins (even the Shower Spa in F) and understand what goes on behind the scenes of operating the world's most advanced aircraft. I am eternally grateful to EK for going to such lengths and acknowledge the fact that a tour like this is not available to the general public.
I've added a specific registration link for just the Emirates visit on Eventbrite. Numbers are limited, so please register here. Friends and family are welcome, but it will be on a first come, first served basis
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1734845971
PS Don't worry, its highly unlikely you will get wet! Address to be supplied in Dubai.
We'll still have plenty of time to get to mrtdxb's place for the BBQ...that timing remains as is.
Afternoon:
The Big Barbie
Can you imagine - a group of frequent flier nerds all hanging out, enjoying a soothing drink, in a private villa on the waterfront. As a courtesy to mrtdxb, we would like to know how many are going to show up - so that he can cater accordingly. Please RSVP to me (or to mrtdxb) by the 23rd.
BBQ and Drinks at mrtdxb's Villa.
(address to be supplied on Friday)
Dress: Very Casual
What to bring: Something to drink (ie wine, beer, champagne).
Start time: 4.30pm onwards - till late.
How to get there? Share a cab with others. It's about 25km from the InterContinental, Festival City (as a rough guide). See Google Map. A = InterContinental Festival City, B = mrtdxb's place.
Sunday 26th June
Morning activities (optional)
1. Skiing with eightblack. 2 hrs probably. We'll meet at 10am at the front entrance to SkiDubai. http://www.skidxb.com/ Or whenever time I wake up and recover from drinks and the BBQ from the day prior. Don't call me. I'll call you. If you don't hear from me after emailing and texting me, start delivering double espresso's to my room every 15-mins.
What you need to bring:
- Gloves and a hat (as they don't rent these due to health reasons. But they will sell them to you - probably at a cost which would make brunch at the Park Hyatt look cheap).
- Cost is AED180 for the 2-hours. Or approx US$50. Covers all equipment rental (jacket, pants, disposable socks, boots, skis and poles). Check the website for more details.
2. Dune Bashing (co-ordinator Ung1)
The official event on Sunday morning is the dune bashing for those who don't want to go skiing. Don't worry though, you don't have to step into the sun. 4WDs/ SUVs will pick up people at their hotels at 9 am. There'll be one hour of dune bashing out in the desert from 10 am to 11 am. Expect to be back in the hotel by noon. If you haven't done this (or roller-coasters) before, I'd recommend coming on an empty stomach.
We're going to be doing this with Arabian Adventures and they are offering a price of AED 200 (US$ 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 Ung1 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. potakas
2. lito
3. Prospero
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 AED160 (US$ 44) with Llama Tours (this is a special price - PM Ung1 and I'll send you details of who to contact) or AED 330 (US$ 90) with Arabian Adventures (this is the regular price though we 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.
3. Burj (for those who didn't end up going on Friday). If anyone wants to volunteer to lead this, then let me know. I think there are already 7-8 of you signed up for this.
Dinner
We're going to go local and head to something very casual. SMART51 has made a terrific recommendation, so for those of you still in DXB and wanting a farewell dinner with friends, we're going here.
http://www.labnehwazaatar.ae/
Sadly, they don't serve alcohol, so I will be staying at home. Kidding
Do Etiquette:
1. Sense of humor is compulsory
2. Be adventurous. Have fun. There is no official "start" or "end". You come and go as you please.
3. No one will laugh at you if all you want to talk about is miles and status and elite levels. Think of it as speed dating, but without the complications in the morning
4. No means no. As in, if you don't want to participate in anything, and you want to sit in your room in your underwear and chant, then go right ahead.
5. It's perfectly fine if you don't drink alcohol. Apparently there are some FlyerTalkers who don't drink. I've never met one mind you.
6. You will be given name-tags. They are trendy. Wear them with pride.
7. Check the Dubai Do thread daily for agenda updates, compromising photos and a general recap of what's going on. Or went on. You know what I mean.
8. If you complain about the heat - the first round of drinks is on you. Remember, we are in the middle of the desert. It's summer in Dubai. Even the locals aren't happy about the weather. Taxi drivers are even less impressed. It's because of this weather that they invented beer.
9. Do not post photos of fellow FT'ers on FaceSpace, FT, or whatever the hell other social media thingy you belong to without their permission. Seriously.
10. Yes of course you may buy me a drink. You can buy me many. I am built for events such as these.
11. Any questions, please PM or ask. I will have my BlackBerry with me the whole time, so you can either text me or email me. All complaints, please refer to Ung1, between the hours of 0200 and 0210 on the 28th June, 2035.
Last edited by eightblack; Jun 15, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Jun 13, 2011 | 10:52 pm
#326
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Programs: BA Gold, FB Petroleum Club, HH Gold, A-Club Platinum
Posts: 1,760
It seems that there is a volcano erupting in Eritrea. Hopefully will not cause us any problems 
Jun 14, 2011 | 1:23 am
#327
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, QF LTG, EK Gold, Marriott Amb, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 4,006
Newsflash - Schedule Update
Please see agenda change. The EK event will now be on SATURDAY 25th rather than Sunday 26th. More to come...
Jun 15, 2011 | 5:04 am
#329
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Delta 3MM, DM, AIA IR Shs and MLBabe
Programs: Prefer to stay where the herded cats are staying, IHG , Hyatt gold, bottom fish in other chains
Posts: 2,451
Jun 15, 2011 | 7:52 am
#330
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: RIC
Programs: AA, IHG
Posts: 239
Here's a great write up of what to expect by a serious foodie.
http://www.whatihadfordinnertonight.com/?p=11520
http://www.whatihadfordinnertonight.com/?p=11520
The Emirates event sounds awesome and even +1 (who is not an aviation geek) is quite excited.