Something you must do in Dubai

One thing you must do if you are visiting Dubai or even if you are living here is to take a balloon ride over the desert. There are a few companies that do this I think including Balloon Adventures. Take an amazing ride over the sand dunes and see the desert from above whilst spotting the native wildlife.

Dubai Waterparks - Which Is The Best?

I have just posted a webpage on this subject which gives you my view on which is the best. Also it has videos of Aquaventure and Wild Wadi so you can see some of the rides.

Buying and Selling Property in Dubai

So yesterday I sold my flat and I may well have to move out by Monday! Property sales and purchases work quickly here in Dubai with lawyers not often involved and no surveys and the like. Most properties are less than 5 years old that are being sold anyway so maybe things will change as they get older. Buyers also tend to know what they are getting due to most apartments in the same development being standard designs and so the same as all the others.

Decency Laws in Dubai

Although Dubai appears to be a modern destination trying to attract tourists and foreign residents, it shouldn't be forgotten that it is a Muslim country with laws that can to others seem strict and that quite often the authorities turn a blind eye to. However, in light of recent cases of, in particular, a British couple caught kissing, tourists and residents alike can get caught by these laws and so should be aware of them. Detained in Dubai have published some information about these rules here

Crossing the Creek on an Abra

Another thing that you must do if you visit Dubai - or somewhere to take your guests, is a trip across the creek on an abra. For the princely sum on 1 dirham you can cross the creek on these boats that have been used for decades to transport people back and forth across the creek. Take the abra from the Bastakiya side (after having a look round the textile soukh and the art galleries) and head to the gold soukh. I have a complete video of the abra crossing on youtube.

Markets in the UAE

There are quite a few markets happening in the UAE these days so whether you are a tourist or a local check out some of the markets around your way. Whether you are looking for some second hand gear to set up home, a new painting for your empty walls, a gift to take home whilst visiting or some designer fashion then there is something here for you.

Things to Do in Dubai - Jumeirah Mosque

One essential place to visit in Dubai whether you are a visitor on holiday or a resident, is the Jumeirah Mosque. It is open for tours Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10am. Call 04 353 6666 for details. You get an insight as to what happens in the mosque and why and also about UAE culture.

Getting Certificates Notarised

One thing you need to do if you are planning to come to Dubai and work, is to get your certificates notarised. It is much better and easier to do this in your home country before you arrive especially as you will probably need it all to be complete to get your work visa. There are 3 parts to the procedure of notarising them. Check for up to date policies as these change all the time in the UAE. A lot of jobs require a degree certificate so make sure you get this sorted!

Burj Al Arab

One place you have to go whether you are a visitor to Dubai or you have lived there for years, is the Burj al Arab. Of course it is known as the only 7 star hotel in the world and it certainly lives up to that reputation. The cheapest option is to go for drinks in the skyview bar. You need to have a booking to get in and the minimum spend is 275 dirhams per person (which gets you about 3 drinks - ouch!). But the views you get from the bar and the ambiance of the hotel itself are also what you are paying for - the hotel has indoor fountains and amazing decor. Another thing to do is to go for afternoon tea there - you get the most amazing selction of teas together with sandwishes, cakes and scones, all totally delicious!

Dubai's Waterparks

So I have been to all 3 of the waterparks in Dubai - Wild Wadi, Aquaventure and Dreamland Aquapark and to be honest they all have their place and perhaps their own niche so it depends on what you are looking for. My preference I would say is Wild Wadi just because it has some great surf board type rides which the others don't. Dreamland is great if you have small kids or are on a budget and Wild Wadi and Aquaventure could get either vote otherwise I would say. In any case get yourself an Entertainer book to get a 2 for 1 voucher. Have a look at some of my videos on bother Aquaventure and Wild Wadi on youtube

Dubai International Jazz Festival

So the Dubai Jazz Festival is back on agian and this year it is even bigger and better. There are 10 nights of musicians playing at Dubai Media City, culminating in 3 big nights on 16, 17, 18 February with Brand New Heavies, David Gray and James Morrison. More info at www.dubaijazzfest.com

Dubai Shopping Festival at JBR

So Dubai Shopping Festival has started and there are plenty of things going on to entertain everyone. Down at Jumeirah Beach Residence there is a funfair on the beachfront as well as the market, which normally opens at weekends, but is now open every day during the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Dubai Jazz Festival has also kicked off at JBR with performances on a stage there during the evenings. Plenty to do for the family!

Learning Arabic

So, having been in Dubai for 5 years I have tried on a couple of occasions to make the effort to learn Arabic. Before I came here I did some evening classes and managed to learn the alphabet and how the letters were written in addition to some basic phrases.

What I should have done really was to do an intensive course like this one! I feel like maybe it is a bit late for me now as I may not stay much longer in the UAE but I really wish I had done this at the start...maybe you can rectify my mistake!