thinking of Dubai
 

I'm interested in visiting Dubai for a few days. It would be my first trip to the Middle East.

I will be leaving either from the US or perhaps Asia, namely Bangkok.

Do you have any suggestions as to ways to get there and things to do there?

Thanks.

I've heard good things about Emirates, and from the US a non-stop JFK-DXB is available. From Bangkok, Thai or Emirates should work. Which airline alliance do you want to credit the points to and in which cabin would you be flying?

Are you going on a family trip, or a solo trip? If I had a bit more of an idea on what you have liked to do on other trips, then we may be able to tailor some ideas?

There is a "desert bedouin" type experience that you can pay for. There are some grand hotels and even a quite good water park. There's something for everyone there. The Emirates forum has some people who not only fly the airline frequently, but also has frequent Dubai visitors too.

http://dubaitourism.co.ae/

I am probably looking at Star Alliance.

I plan to go solo or perhaps with my brother. I'm interested in taking in the local ambiance and going only for a few days.

I work in and out of Dubai and am there around 11days a month. PM me any specific questions you may have.

Marc

http://www.britishairways.com/travel...?prim=plantrip

I find the miniguides that BA has as part of its destination guides to be quite useful.

On BA's website, these are found under "Planning My Trip" with the submenu "Destination Guides" located therein. Hope that helps.

If you're going from BKK, you might be interested in checking out Etihad, with whom I had a very positive experience. They only fly to Abu Dhabi, but limo transfer to/from DXB is thrown in for C and F (or coach transfer for Y) pax. Dubai itself is only remarkable for the recent man-made stuff as opposed to ancient remains or natural delights, but it's a nice enough place, everyone speaks English, luxury hotels and premium rental cars are about as cheap as they come and the absence of VAT and other taxes mean it's a shopper's paradise!
I only stayed a day or so in DXB, there will be posters like mtacchi who know the place better, but that's my take on it. :cool:
A shisa and cup of salep in one of the (airconditioned!) traditional cafes come highly recommended!

I think MH fly's from NY to dxb nonstop also.A lot of good reviews.

Didn't that end?

when i go to dubai, i generally have to work all the time.. but you can explore vast shopping malls, the dubai museum is really good, the desert safari trips are excellent, beach is too hot right now, so go to wild wadi water park, gold souk and of course the latest hobby.. tours of real estate developer show homes.. have fun

It looks like they now fly via Stockholm instead of DBX.

http://hq.malaysiaairlines.com/mys/e...stinations.asp

Plenty of choice as well :D :D

www.timeoutdubai.com will give you some idea of what's going on.

Not sure when you will be visiting... But just keep in mind that it is HOT in Dubai around this time (it is always hot, but summer is exceptionally hot), so keep outdoor activities to a minimum while the sun is out. Ramadan (Muslim month of fasting) starts in October (around the first week - depends on sighting of moon). I know October is a few months away, but something to keep in mind nevertheless. Dubai is my version of that "It's a small world" ride at Disney. Nevertheless, there is A LOT to see and do in the emirate.

Yes, a few months ago. MH now operate EWR-KUL with a stop in ARN instead of DXB.

So, first trip to the Mid East. I have been to Dubai three times so far and have to say: boring.

Well, if you are into shopping, great for you.

For a "whateveryouliketodoitsthere" ME destination i would definetely prefer Lebanon with its trendy, chic capital Beirut

Well I consider the Gulf States to be a different part of the world from those Arab States on the Med...