Specifically Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I’m off for a whirlwind tour at the end of October. Four days on the ground, two in each place. Staying centrally, that’s taken care of. Will have about 5-6 hours per day to sight see. Any thoughts on what’s good to do? Will be part of a group of 12, who might have different ideas of what’s fun.
Thanks,
MC
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Definately try and take one of the dinner cruises on an actual dhow . And don’t lose any oportunities to try all the fascinating cusines. I was almost overwhelmed by all the Omani, Syrian, Lebanese and other culture’s dishes.
The Al-Fahidi Fort was most enjoyable, this is where the Dubai Museum is located and don’t be fooled by it’s small size, it winds up being underground the size of an airplane hanger.
I’ve passed through Dubai and Abu Dhabi many times, but not in the last ten years, so this advice may be out of date:
Skip Abu Dhabi. There’s nothing to do there that you can’t do in Dubai.
Visit the souks (open-air markets). You can buy all sorts of neat jewelry and other knickknacks, and the best Rolex knockoffs outside Singapore.
Double agree on the souks!
Thanks, but skipping is not an option. The good people at Etihad and Intercontinental Hotels who are hosting would frown on that. Good thoughts so far, keep them coming, please.
Intercont?
Beg beg beg them to add an Oman leg to your tour. The Al Bustan Palace Hotel (which is operated by IC) is a marvel.
Is there a city tour on your itinerary?
Also, the Sundowner Desert Tour was a real hoot. 4-wheeling over dunes, watching a sunset in the desert, then you wind up in a Bedouin campsite for dinner, coffee, hookas, belly-dancing and camel rides, among other things. Wonderful time.
No city tours set up yet, and Oman isn’t in the picture.
Here’s the full deal:
Fly from Toronto to Abu Dhabi on Etihad, staying for two nights at the Inter Continental, maybe a lunch at the Hyatt. Travel to Dubai, stay at the IC Festival City, possibly dinner at the Hilton Dubai Creek or the Fairmont (I’d prefer Verre by Gordon Ramsay).
Transportation between cities/emirates not yet established. I’ve been asked not to set up any more meals to provide more sightseeing time.
Fly back to Toronto.
Date range is leave TO on the 30th of October, back on the 4th of November, back at work the next day.
Looking for something to fit into these time constraints.
Thanks again.
The best Dhow for this is the Al Monsour, run by the Intercontinental Hotel. They go the slowest so you get the most time on the water and the food is top notch. I lived there for the past 3 years so a bit of a local I guess.