Hi,

I'm a newbie to EK and will have about 5 hours in Dubai, wondering what everyone recommends to pass time... any "must-sees" or "gotta avoids" would be awesome!

Many thanks!!

Get a taxi to the city centre mall (10 minutes max), and jump on the Big Bus Tour. It takes around 2 hours and you'll see all the sights (Burj-al-Arab, Burj Khalifa etc.). The bus leaves from when the taxi drops you.

Alternatively, head to Le Meridien Village for a few drinks and a meal. There are a huge number of restaurants and bars. It's right across the road from T1, or a short taxi ride from T3.

Cheers,
Rick

Cab to the rug souk and work on your negotiating skills.

You don't say what time of the day you'll be there, but nowhere is more than 15-20 mins from the airport in a cab. Even with the surcharge for leaving the airport (AED20), it shouldn't cost more than AED60 into the city and AED40 back to the airport. AED100 = USD27.50.

Dubai Mall is next to the Burj Khalifa - 1200 stores, aquarium, food (and drink in the adjoining hotels). Or just get a cab to drive you around for a couple of hours. All cabs are metered.

Or the souks on either side of the creek plus a ride on an abra (ferry) between Deira and Bur Dubai for AED1.

It's still pretty warm and humid in Dubai though, if you're not used to it.

http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/dubai

hth

You can even get onto the metro from the airport, since you won't have luggage, and get a feel for the city by riding it from one end to the other. Maybe get off at a couple of stops - depends on what you're interested in seeing.

Is the rug souk up in Sharjah still there and the presumed one to go to?

Alternatively you can queue up to use the toilets(if you arrive at peak times)
Even with J lounge access it can be a bit tricky to get a toilet without some queuing up..

last year I was flying Y and had to wait for more than 30 minutes to use the toilet.

UAPremierExec,

If you are not inclined to leave the airport, try the gym and pool at Gate 17. Take the escalator upstairs to the Airport Hotel. You will NOT have to leave the secured area and thus not have to go thru security after your workout/swim. Once in the lobby of the Airport Hotel, go to the front desk and tell them that you want to use the gym/pool. It will cost you 70 UAE Dirhams ($19) for two hours and they will NOT be watching the clock closely. There is a very nice gym, heated swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna. You can use them all! This is a great way to de-compress and get refreshed for your next flight. Don't forget your swim suit and work out shorts. Plenty of towels are provided. Have a great flight.

PS: From your FT handle I would have thought you were a loyal UA FF. What happened ?? Are you going to be coming back to UA in 2012 ?

This has to be the post of the month^

Great@:-)

Safe Flying

EGT

I second EGT in voting this as the POM - I had no idea this was possible and I have lived here in Dubai for 6 years. Thanks.

I'm assuming this is the T1 hotel right? Oh and hell yes POM.

Unfortunately the pool was closed when I went to the hotel. Went to the Souk and picked up some scarves for a friend

Was it closed for maintainence?Did you check if it was open 24/7 ?