Dubai Stopover Y/N?

[Eija]

Planning on traveling MEL-DXB-AMS, August 2018 on EK. Thinking of a Dubai Stopover for a few days. Has anyone done this and if so...Looking for Tips & Tricks or just a Forgetaboutit.

 

[RooFlyer]

There's quite a bit in AFF on Dubai stop-overs - a bit of trawling in Trip Reports would be rewarding. Look out for Pushka's

I'd recommend it - there is quite a bit to fill in a few days - here's an experience of mine. There are also trips out in the desert which others have done.

If you are going in a hot time of year (and that's most of it), I'd suggest choosing a hotel close to the metro (which is very good).

 

[Pushka]

Thanks Rooflyer .

August will be exceptionally hot which might curtail some of your activities. And I mean, searingly hot. Every day.

 

[Eija]

Much appreciated RooFlyer & Pushka…off I go for “a bit of trawling in Trip Reports”. Thank you both. AMS 9-12 August 2018 is fixed. Cunning routing plan with 1 or 2 stopovers I’d be happy with. “August will be exceptionally hot” is a worry Pushka…I like comfort.

 

[Eija]

Awesome TR RooFlyer! Just read it from start to finish. You are a gem!

 

[Pushka]

Much appreciated RooFlyer & Pushka…off I go for “a bit of trawling in Trip Reports”. Thank you both. AMS 9-12 August 2018 is fixed. Cunning routing plan with 1 or 2 stopovers I’d be happy with. “August will be exceptionally hot” is a worry Pushka…I like comfort.

Just take taxis everywhere if you feel the heat and plan on indoor excursions. Malls are super cool.

 

[sinophile888]

I landed in Dubai earlier in the week. I thought that the pilot was having a lend when he said the the temperature on the ground at 7pm was 45C. But, no, he was correct. It was cooler on Thursday, only got to 44C.

 

[jb747]

No. A million times.

 

[Mattg]

Regardless of the destination, I would personally break up a long trip like that for a few days if I had the opportunity to do so. You'll feel better when you arrive in AMS.

 

[Tiki]

We had a 2 night layover in April. We had intended to use the metro but it fills up fast and we usually had to stand up so we used Uber to get around which was cheap enough and easier than having to use cash in taxis. There's a nice souk for souvenirs on the Bur Dubai side close to the abra station. The museum in Al Fahidi street is good too. The big malls felt more like Westfields than anything Middle Eastern.

 

[serfty]

Planning on traveling MEL-DXB-AMS, August 2018 on EK. Thinking of a Dubai Stopover for a few days. Has anyone done this and if so...Looking for Tips & Tricks or just a Forgetaboutit.

60 hours at most ... after that then there would be little more worth going out of your way to see/do.

No. A million times.

Well at least after the first day or so ...

 

[Eija]

Thank you everyone. Getting the drift.


…Just looked at average temperatures in August - “August is one of the two hottest months in Dubai, and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are considered normal.” NOT NORMAL for this little bunny!


Plan B; a lot of Flounging about in DXB.

 

[JohnPhelan]

No. A million times.

That's because you've been there a million times! It can be quite interesting for someone who's new to the place.

 

[jb747]

That's because you've been there a million times! It can be quite interesting for someone who's new to the place.

I’ve been to Singapore and HK a million times, but I’d be quite happy to add to that total.

It’s interesting for a short period if you can get out and about. At the time of year mentioned, you won’t go further than the hotel pool.

 

[ftm]

We find that when we organise a stopover in the ME for anyone, they only do it once. Next time they fly straight through.

 

[Pushka]

Been to Dubai multiple times. Over November through to April are the best times. Perfect for exploring the area. Once it's hot then it's very very hot and on our first trip layer Ramadan and it's pretty much unbearable. In July even sitting around the pool was difficult. How anyone works there is impossible to imagine.

 

[Renato1]

We've only been to Dubai in November. But my brother has stopped over there in the hot months and quite likes it. He usually stays in the old town near Baniyas Square. During the day he would catch the Metro or a taxi to the major malls and check out their attractions - like snow skiing. And at night he would be fascinated as the road side shops and open air market-type shops, which had been empty and devoid of people during the day, came to life and started really buzzing. He thought it great fun wandering around those areas (we did too, in November, as it was perfectly safe).

I'm not sure it would be as interesting if one stayed in the newer more touristy areas at night, though those areas are closer to the major malls. Prices in the major malls are as dear, if not dearer, than in equivalent shopping centres in Australia. But lower prices and bargains can still be found in the road side shopping areas.

Avoid the Metro at peak hour - it is not pleasant being like a sardine.
Regards,
Renato

 

[daft009]

I’ve been to Singapore and HK a million times, but I’d be quite happy to add to that total.

I'm of the same opinion. Can't stand Dubai. After 24hrs I'd had enough. Couldn't wait to leave.
Arrogant and rude people. Everything felt fake and man made (which it is but so is Singapore and HK but they don't seem so)

Give me Singapore 100x over

 

[Pushka]

Not sure where any rudeness has come from but I've found people to be really friendly in Dubai. Hotel staff of the big chains may be from overseas as part of their staff training and are formal but polite but have had wonderful conversations in the Souks etc. And when love_the_life and I were a little lost in the spice souk, one of those traders was very helpful guiding us to the gold souk even though we hadn't bought any spices.

It's a shame to generalize negatively about people in a country. Maybe people need to spend more time there and not just dash in for 24 hours and consider they've done it.

Have spent overall around 3 weeks there in several trips. Enjoyed it immensely although the heat is challenging June - Sept.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

I've never experienced rudeness in Dubai. I would highly recommend a stop over. Even if hot you can always go to a mall (there are a few to choose from). You can easily spend a few days wondering around the malls or in the evening go exploring a bit more.
Definitely worth a stop over.