Lighting up Burj Khalifa on New Year's Eve

[Pushka]

We were taken up the 27th floor in order of arrival except for a contingent of bolshy eastern europeans who with a loud nyet said they were not going to wait.
View from the elevator

We were seated at a window view table being in the first sitting at 1pm. Second sittings sit in the next row. Great view over the Palm and Atlantis.


We were served with a glass of Roderer Champagne. Delish.

 

[Pushka]

The menus:

The food - wonderful.


Each of the serving trays was in the shape of Al Arab - even the sugar caddy.

 

[Pushka]

Gold in the bathroom and Hermes of course. And I was not the only one taking photos.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Do you book the Al Arab online? What is the pricing for the lunch? Everything looked amazing in the pics.

 

[Pushka]

We booked the Afternoon Tea via an email through Jumeirah hotels website. They have several venues and you can also just have evening drinks. Prices range from $100 to $250 pp. You must have a reservation or you will not be allowed to enter the bridge that takes you across to the Al Arab island.

 

[Pushka]

As I was signing for the bill, our waiter thought it wonderful that I was paying the bill. Told MrP he was a lucky man. I really liked the white pen I was given to sign - had gold lettering - Burj Al Arab - so he gave it to me. Nice.

After tea we went down into the Lobby area again for more oogling. You can stay for as long as you want. I had read on TA we could catch a buggy from the foyer across to the next Jumeirah resort, so we tried this and they were very obliging.

Along the short drive he would stop for photos, then he took several of MrP and I together right here on the private beach.

 

[Pushka]

We drove into Madinat Jumeirah resort which looks wonderful.



It has its own abrah

 

[Pushka]

It's architecture is like many buildings here - sand coloured Arabian castles

 

[Pushka]

At this stage we didn't realise we were still on the residents side - it was lovely and peaceful.
We came to a security point and it was crowded on the other side - these were people trying to get into the area we were in but were not allowed as they weren't residents. But eventually we had to cross back as I wanted to see the souk in the resort. This is also a stop on the HoHo bus.
The souk was very upmarket with wonderful shops and restaurants. And very busy.

 

[amaroo]

Nice photos. Looks like a decent destination for a short break.

 

[Pushka]

The gift we both received yesterday. Will be taking the boxes home sans contents.

 

[Pushka]

Nice photos. Looks like a decent destination for a short break.

I reckon you and your family would enjoy.
We have been here 9 nights and still haven't been able to fit in Abu Dhabi, water parks, and The Worlds park (cant remember the exact name).

 

[Pushka]

The ICC Cricket Academy. We will be returning.
View attachment 62064
They have pitches that have come from around the world so International cricket teams can acclimatise to each country's pitch. It is colocated with Football and Rugby. The fields are impeccable and the Sports Park has their own water desalination plant.

 

[Pushka]

This afternoon we took a taxi to the Marina. A hive of activity, multiple restaurants and more skyscrapers.


And ended up in the Observatory Bar of the Marriott.

In the photo below is the other perspective of the beach club where we spent a lot of time. It is just on the other side of the red boat.

As seen here looking back the other way again


Taxis. There is a major shift change between 3 and 4.30pm and trying to get a taxi then is impossible. They refuse to stop. Just a warning.

Our last night tonight and we leave early to fly on Qantas A380 with F seats courtesy of AA points redemption. Will be good to compare with Emirates on the 777 and the trans Tasman Emirates F service. Getting a nice collection of PJ's now.

 

[Pushka]

Departure lounge - Emirates First.
Certainly the departures experience pre lounge is not the same luxurious arrivals one. No luxury bus here.

There is a dedicated first and business check in area but not like say Cathay in HK. A long walk then to immigration where you meet up with everyone else to get through immigration. And noticed that locals are called through even though arriving later.

Onto the train then up several escalators until finally arriving in the First Lounge. Which is huge. Each departure gate has its own lounge with snacks and champagne.



And waiting for us

 

[Pushka]

Bought one of these for MasterP's birthday on Sunday. He loves his single malt.

More of the F lounge

 

[Pushka]

Almost boarding.
Breakfast

 

[love_the_life]

What's the time there now? It looks very quiet in the lounge.

 

[kermatu]

In my experience the lounge always looks quiet/empty given it's size, and you can eat a la carte in at least 3 or 4 areas, that I saw.

That breakfast menu looks identical to when I was there 15 months ago (only time I've had a breakfast departure from Dubai) and which I had seen a few times on this and other sites beforehand - salmon cakes, kippers, mushroom crepes. Bit disappointing there isn't more variety. A frequent visitor would get tired of this menu. But I really like the lounge.

Hope you enjoy(ed) the QF F experience?

 

[Pushka]

Just waiting in Sydney for flight home. Qantas F service was exceptional by Kelli - will post in that thread. Bed was super comfy but as we had a 9.30am flight didn't really need sleep. So watched so many movies in comfort.
Breakfast in F Emirates lounge was excellent and light.


More shots around the lounge