Dubai Metro Green Line Now Open

So the public transport in Dubai has expanded with the opening of the Green Line of the Dubai Metro. I think this is going to be most useful for the lower paid workers who live in the huge residential areas that are covered by the green line, as well as the people who live in Sharjah and commute to Dubai every day. So far that latter contingent has yet to be seen in force in the week of opening as far as I am concerned - the Etisalat metro station which is at the end of the line nearest Sharjah, has a car park that can fit about 2500 cars but I reckon it only had about 10% of that number yesterday when I travelled on it.

Iceberg at JBR!

So what is with the iceberg that is floating out at sea on JBR beach? I am guessing that the iceberg is made out of polystyrene or something similar as in the current temperatures a real iceberg would surely melt pretty quickly? However, I wouldn't put it past anyone in Dubai to put a real iceberg in the sea at JBR, just like there was real snow on JBR beach a few years ago, with kids making snowmen! That time it was a publicity stunt by Red Bull if I remember rightly but I've yet to see any details about who came up with this stunt.

Having said that, there is a shop in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates called Iceberg, so maybe they have played some kind of role in this stunt. 

Summer - Do The Indoor Things!

So as summer has crept up in Dubai maybe it is time to do all the indoor things that you don't want to do when the weather is perfect outside. There is the visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, or if that is not your thing then try Magic Planet with or without the kids or maybe Ski Dubai. If you have family over then you could try the afternoon tea at the Burj al Arab or else maybe go up the Burj Khalifa and see the view from the top.

Dubai - Summer is Here!

Well the weather in Dubai over the last week or two has really hotted up! Yesterday it was 44 degrees and it's looking like similar temperatures today (and probably for the rest of the summer!). Spring had been pretty perfect in Dubai this year and I had been really enjoying the temperatures sticking in the 30's and even cooling down of an evening, but it was inevitable that the temperatures would suddenly jump as they had been so nice for unusually long. Oh well, lucky for me I am going to be spending the summer in the UK so I only have 10 more days of the hot weather to get through! 

Briton Beaten To Death In Dubai or Not?

So the main headlines about Dubai particularly in the UK press today are about the sad death of 39 year old Lee Bradley Brown who was on holiday from England and staying in the Burj al Arab. It has been alleged that he was beaten to death in the Bur Dubai police station by police officers after being arrested for being drunk and abusive to a member of staff. The conditions in the holding cells of the police station are notoriously grim and this is no the only allegation of mistreatment that has come out of them. Regardless of the truth of what actually happened, a full investigation needs to be carried out with complete transparency. Whether this happens or not is yet to be seen and no doubt officials will be involved from both Dubai and Britain. In any case my sympathies go to his family and what they must be going through.

This story just reasserts that anyone visiting Dubai needs to be aware of the rules and regulations that are often stringently upheld in this Muslim country. Although it is advertised widely as a great holiday destination it still comes under Shariah law and for that you need to be respectful and follow the customs and traditions of the country.

Check out my guide to what you can and can't do in Dubai for more info. There are too many cases of Brits being arrested in Dubai so know what the laws are before you go.

Iceland Waterpark, Ras al Khaimah

So a new waterpark has opened in addition to Wild Wadi, Aquaventure at Atlantis and Dreamland Aquapark. This one is called Iceland Waterpark and it i a bit out of Dubai in Ras al Khaimah. Take a look at my review of Iceland Waterpark and see what you think...

Alcohol Laws In Dubai

Drinking alcohol in Dubai is a bit of a grey area as far as the law goes. There are laws in place obviously as it is a muslim country but these can be confusing. I have written an article the describes the situation as I understand it about drinking in Dubai.

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!