A little bit of moderation in Dubai.

[markis10]

Hi Gunner. That's an interesting first post. It's a shame your first experience was marred but unfortunately there are some staff who are not so good whilst others are brilliant. Did you make your issue known to Qantas at the time? But I think you need to research a little more. Israeli stamps will not prevent your entry. UAE does not recognise Israel as an entity hence an Israeli passport isn't acceptable for entry.

Agree, unlike its neighbours and most of the Arab League, evidence of time in Israel is not an issue, just like the rules in place for Malaysia, a country much closer to our home. My time in Dubai over the last few days saw nothing but open welcome arms for the citizens of the world in so many respects, in fact the only offensive behaviour I saw was that of some visitors from I suspect was the UK dressing very inappropriately, respect is two ways!

 

[markis10]

Markis10 - What were your thoughts on the J lounge/floor at DXB there?

We did not get to experience the J lounge, I had the pleasure of guesting Lindsay and Angela Sautine from News.com into the F lounge as part of my WP membership (I know only one guest is allowed but they were generous) and despite it being early in the morning have to say it was impressive. As far as I am aware, with the direct aerobridge access, both lounges have duty free stores in them and are huge. It should be noted that DXB does have issues with immigration lines at present and this was brought up by a UK journalist at the EK press conference, he had just arrived and struggled to make the event, Tim Clark assured him that EK are aware of the issues and are working with the government to resolve them.

 

[Storyteller]

Hey, welcome to AFF
a mine of information here.

Shame about the FA on your flight, however I find that most FA do a really great job.
Why not explore the options through Dubai?

I don't think Israeli stamps are a problem at this time. If you have an Australian Passport I think you are set.

Let us know.

 

[melaus]

So absolutely no queuing with the proles then?

What a pity to downgrade a good and informative thread with a comment as such!

 

[bossreggie]

Well. I am now safely in Auckland.

 

[Pushka]

BR are you well known in your homeland? You seem to have so many connections around the world so I'm wondering how it goes in NZ?

 

[Major]

Well. I am now safely in Auckland.

Lunch at Euro tomorrow ?

 

[bossreggie]

BR are you well known in your homeland? You seem to have so many connections around the world so I'm wondering how it goes in NZ?

I wouldn't consider myself well known really. I'm just a normal guy who likes food, wine and travel. I'm certainly not famous at all.

It's fair to say....... I tend to get looked after well.

I will let LW and Markis10 say how AJ introduced me to people at the event.

That probably sums up how I get looked after and why.

 

[markis10]

The spice Souk offered some interesting spices:



Waiter, there is a Camel in my table.




Roads, what roads, 6 lane ones through the CBD

 

[Pushka]

I

I will let LW and Markis10 say how AJ introduced me to people at the event.

That probably sums up how I get looked after and why.

Ok. Now I'm really curious. LW and Markis10, it's your move.

 

[JessicaTam]

It has been delightful following this thread for the last week or so. I look forward to some more pictures when you have all caught up on your sleep.

Caption: "Then when you get to expedia.br, click here".

 

[Pollywaffle]

As interesting as the pictures are, the place seems so barren.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Great thread, thanks gents. So yes, i am intrigued about BR and AJ - spill the beans please guys!!

 

[bossreggie]

As interesting as the pictures are, the place seems so barren.

It is almost a tale of 2 cities.

There are some really lush green areas and parks. I'm not sure if anyone got photos. But there are certainly no water restrictions.

 

[irv]

No worries.

I am really trying to make more of an effort NOT to get people to jump up and down. I'm just a fussy person who likes things exactly how I want. But I DO still appreciate the things I have in my life.

Happy to have a whisky with you some time.... As long as you can tolerate watching me add coke.

The civilized world is obviously coming to an end!

 

[markis10]

Seeing as we're about to shut off from our esteemed mods for about 14 hours or so, this is where QF inflight internet would've been nice.

Ah well.

Bon voyage, gentlemen! We'll hear from you on the other side of the Indian.

Just an update on this, we asked Jo from QF Corporate and she said they tried to get it turned back on for the inaugural flight but apparently the company providing the service was not happy to do so.

 

[Paddy55]

A great TR gentlemen, and especially appreciate the photos

Thanks to QF for the AFF recognition, too.

 

[markis10]

As interesting as the pictures are, the place seems so barren.

I suppose you could say they have taken a desert and are turning it into an Oasis, there is no hotel jogging/walking guide because most places have footpaths but they are rarely used. Its certainly weird to see what would be skyscrappers in any other city appear as just normal buildings on lots with empty sand lots between them. I am looking at a two week trip to go back and do it properly, so much to do, and the food is brilliant everywhere we went.

 

[QF WP]

I've had a quiet day, looking after the kids, thankfully every time I felt tired, something happened. NM dropped by my place to pick up the headphones in order to trial them.

I'm off to bed at 9pm, as work is calling tomorrow, hopefully Saturday will give me a chance to post lots of my photos - I have a quick fire day trip to attend a clients funeral.

 

[Paddy55]

I have been a member of this site for many years but never posted a message. The last time my wife & I flew with Qantas was in 2004 when we used Qantas to fly 1st Class New York to Los Angeles...then to Oz. We encountered much needless embarrassment on the 1st leg caused by two quaint male stewards. We now still travel frequently, always First or Business, but never with Qantas.
Now that we are feeling inclined to break the shackles and use the National Carrier again, they have joined forces with Emirates. We both have Israeli stamps in our passports & Emirates do not wish do business with anyone "stamped with the mark of Cain".
Farewell Qantas and Emirates Gunner

A little research can save a lot of angst sometimes!