Lighting up Burj Khalifa on New Year's Eve

[Pushka]

After a fortnight of immense sadness we are continuing with our long organised trip to Dubai over the New Year period.

We started booking a year out, and anyone hoping to book with points will understand why.

This trip was my first experimentation using aa.com with purchased points and if they were tracking ISP usage they would have registered my ISP multiple times a day as the booking window opened up. I wanted to snag 2 F seats on the QF 388.

But first we had to get there. Enough points to book 2 classic award seats in J on Qantas. As Qantas bookings opened first I snagged flights ADL-MEL-DXB. Now while as WP this would have given F lounge access in MEL, the extra four hours this adds to the trip is a pain. So I was really happy a month later to book the direct Emirates ADL - DXB. I know, plane downgrade, angle seat but those four hours extra just wasn't the start we wanted.

When booking the aa seats in F, the beauty of the aa scheme is being able to hold seats. I could see the seats I wanted but wasn't able to book those seats until 5.01pm - and yes - I know the exact time as I was continually refreshing. But only 1 seat. Put that on hold. The next day I repeated the process, but again only 1 seat. Bought that one as it was our preferred travel day. Oh well, I would leave a day early so I finalised the earlier one. Now, being a tad OC I checked our preferred date a couple of weeks later. And another F seat appeared. Popped that on hold, rang the call centre and I think a change fee later we were on the same flight in F. Woot!

Me, little ole me - now being able to compare the F experience on Emirates A380 with F on Qantas. Never in my life could I have imagined I would be able to do that. Thanks AFF and everyone who had their tips.

 

[love_the_life]

Comin' along for the ride Young Dame. Envy is starting to raise its ugly head. Singapore in Y at the end of January doesn't quite stack up against yours :mrgreen:

Safe trip P

 

[Pushka]

Ok. Thats the transport settled. Rather nicely.

Now where to stay. Having been to Dubai before, we had an idea of preferred location. Last trip was blisteringly hot. This time - perfect for sightseeing.

We originally wanted to stay at Jumeirah Beach Resort. It is stunning and right next to Al Arab. But at over $2,000 a night for a standard room - nope.

The Creek? Maybe. But in the end we used booking.com and actually booked multiple hotels on a full cancellation rate until I was happy. And ended up finalising with Ibn Battuta Gate - a Movenpick resort in an Executive (Club access) room. Alcohol in Dubai is staggeringly expensive.

It looks stunning.



It gets fabulous reviews on Trip Advisor - despite its outlook - over a desal plant. But people describe the service and standards such that the location is negated. For those not familiar with Dubai it is towards Abu Dhabi - and the Hotel's water park is located on The Palm. So views from the Infinity pool overlook the Dubai skyscape.

We are staying there for 9 nights, but on NYE have double booked a room at the Ritz Carlton Financial District because the crowds around the Burj Khalifa on NYE are the stuff of legends. The RC is about a 15 minute walk. Very doable.

 

[Pushka]

The Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world, thanks to a spire) set the Guinness record on NYE 2014 for something like longest fireworks display? Most fireworks used? I dunno, but it was apparently very noisy and bright. It was pipped in 2015. So - this shall not be allowed so this year is another record attempt.

But where to go? Tried booking a restaurant near the fountains but expensive and wasn't what I was looking for. Walk to the Park with a million plus others by around 6pm. Mmm. Finally, after the last few days I made the Executive decision and booked level 43 Bar at Sheraton. Apparently a stunning view of the Dubai night sky at any time but with this view of Burj Khalifa:

(The spire at left of center)

I think this will fit the bill. The price but includes quality champagne, spirits, entertainment and an amazing buffet that includes items like Caviar (have developed quite a liking for this), Alaskan crab (apt given our cruise in June is to Alaska) and other items just not the average buffet item.

 

[kermatu]

Can't wait to see your photos and reports Pushka. I've only been to Dubai in September or October - too hot even then. But good luck with the crowds! If you get that view on NYE will be phenomenal.

 

[kpc]

I went up the Burj Khalifa earlier this month....there are 2 observation levels, 124/5 and 148...I went to level 148 and it cost a whopping AED500 (AUD$185)!!...but no Q, had private lounge area with only about 10+ of us a a time, welcome drinks and canapes...fortunately i was solo and not with the family!

 

[get me outta here]

I got on the little boat that putts around the fountains as they come on and you can get a clear view up the building and the 'captain' will take your photo and attempt to get the whole building in. I was pleased to get the boat as I got to sit down away from the 10 deep throngs standing and jostling around the edge. It was not a very clear evening, so I didn't bother going up.

 

[kermatu]

I went up the Burj Khalifa earlier this month....there are 2 observation levels, 124/5 and 148...I went to level 148 and it cost a whopping AED500 (AUD$185)!!...but no Q, had private lounge area with only about 10+ of us a a time, welcome drinks and canapes...fortunately i was solo and not with the family!

More than one drink I'd hope!

I was very lucky to skip the queues when I went up. Amazing view, albeit large chunks of open sand. Get a great perspective of the city.

 

[Pushka]

Yes - we did the tradesmen's entry to Khalifa last time but won't bother this time.
View last time:


I think we will run out of time.

The view of the Khalifa from the bar is what we should receive on NYE.
Last time 2 years ago was Ramadan and 40+. Never again at that time.

 

[Pushka]

So. Early arrival into Dubai at 6am. The limo service to get us to the airport tomorrow called on Christmas Eve so that's all sorted. Flight departs at 10.35pm.
Our plan - we have a booking for afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab (this one) at the Skyview Bar.



Must have a reservation to be allowed on the Hotel's island.

We are booked on a Desert Safari with Platinum Tours that takes you across a private desert area to see a Falcon display at sunset, in 1950's open top jeeps. No dune bashing. Then an Emirati dinner, shishka and belly dancing.

We hope to do a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Grand Mosque and Ferrari Land.

We also plan to visit the Gold, Spice, Perfume and Fabric souks.

We have also been invited to tour the International Cricket Academy and will likely be returning to Dubai sooner than later as a result.

Add some wining, dining, rest and recovery and we will come back rather refreshed.

 

[Pushka]

I think I have watched Sex and the City 2 so many times recently. Their 'private plane' is actually Emirates F.
Will watch again tonight - even though they go to Abu Dhabi - it's close enough.

 

[Pushka]

Checked in early this morning. Last minute chores done. Dash to the shops that finally opened after Christmas to buy another ham to glaze and bake for MasterP to chomp on while we are away. The third one in a week - one was used for large family gathering Xmas day. Our last taste of ham for a while.

Waiting now for three hours before Chauffeur arrives. MrP still to pack and he is watching the cricket. God knows why, its just boring.

Hope the Christmas decorations are still up. They look great on Facebook.

 

[kermatu]

A tradition in my home as well to bake a ham and enjoy through the New Year. Usually one is enough for us though! Safe travels.

 

[JessicaTam]

Enjoy your trip, Pushka. A good opportunity to refresh indeed.

 

[Pushka]

What a wonderful start. I Emirates.

 

[love_the_life]

Way to go girl!

 

[Pushka]

Way to go girl!

Nice.

 

[Pushka]

Actually. This is better.


Theres an old lady who was in my seat. Now she is whinging and giving me dirty looks coz I booted her. Care factor zero but clearly she doesn't understand that.

 

[kermatu]

If she is still in F why whinge???

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Do Emirates a380 have suites in F? What sit did you have?
And I'm subscribed and reading with interest!! Sounds like a lot of fun.