Dubai tours

I would appreciate any information on tours for Dubai. Has anyone used a guide or tour company that they would recommed? Are there tour operators at the cruise dock? Any info much appreciated.

I would appreciate any information on tours for Dubai. Has anyone used a guide or tour company that they would recommed? Are there tour operators at the cruise dock? Any info much appreciated.

Dubai is very easy to do on your own. If you do want to experience something different from the malls and restaurants, do an activity at the Sh. Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. They offer breakfast and lunch times where you actually have an opportunity to chat with Emirati people and ask what ever questions you may have. They also do walking tours in the old heritage neighborhood along the creek. The center is an easy taxi ride from the port.

http://www.cultures.ae/

When I have disembarked at the port there have been the Big Bus tours waiting and there are two different routes.

There are also tour companies that go out to the desert for dune bashing.

If you are there for more than one night, be sure to go to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sh. Zayed Grand Mosque. It is exceptional and there are free tours given in the morning. Modest dress is required. Happy to answer any other questions. Enjoy your cruise!

Dubai is very easy to do on your own. If you do want to experience something different from the malls and restaurants, do an activity at the Sh. Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. They offer breakfast and lunch times where you actually have an opportunity to chat with Emirati people and ask what ever questions you may have. They also do walking tours in the old heritage neighborhood along the creek. The center is an easy taxi ride from the port.

 

http://www.cultures.ae/

 

When I have disembarked at the port there have been the Big Bus tours waiting and there are two different routes.

 

There are also tour companies that go out to the desert for dune bashing.

If you are there for more than one night, be sure to go to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sh. Zayed Grand Mosque. It is exceptional and there are free tours given in the morning. Modest dress is required. Happy to answer any other questions. Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks so much for the information. I feel more comfortable with seeing Dubai on our own. We will need to change money before we can get on a Big Bus tour, but that might be the way to go if it stops at the places we want to see.

Should there not be a Big Bus at the port when you arrive, there is a stop for them at Dubai Mall (with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains) in the Fashion Circle Driveway on the G Level, not far from the aquarium. There are many ATM's throughout the mall. If you plan to go to "At the Top" in Burj Khalifa, be sure you get your tickets ahead of time online as the price will be substantially less and may also be sold out.:)

Thanks so much for the advice. I will also get our tickets ahead. What is your opinion of what we should not miss while in Dubai?

Thanks so much for the advice. I will also get our tickets ahead. What is your opinion of what we should not miss while in Dubai?

Burj Khalifa-as an alternative to visiting the outside observation area you could also have drinks or dinner in the lounge or restaurant of at.mosphere. reservations and minimum spend necessary but a special thing to do

Dubai Fountains-have dinner at one of the restaurants with good fountain views like Thiptara, Rivington Grill, al Wahlab, Armani Deli, Armani Amal or more casual but not licensed in Dubai Mall- Wafi Gourmet or Karam Beirut...great food at all of them too!

Burj al Arab-High Tea at Skyview-need reservations to get on the property but a real treat

Madinat Jumeirah-adjacent to Burj al Arab (sail shaped hotel) is a great area with a souk and many restaurants. Dinner at Pier Chic will give you exceptional views of Burj al Arab

See Dubai from the water by taking a ride on the Dubai Ferry. Trips run from the Marina Mall or Al Ghubaiba station which is in the old part of Dubai. Great photo opportunities!

http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/rta/home/about/agencies/public-transport/about/Marine%20Transport/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDA9NgnzALbwsXA2ejMD9Dd1NjAwgAykdiyhuZwOWJ0o0dOBLS7aUflZ6TnwR0ZTjI3WbxPu6uAf4GbmaG7q5eJgaePiamRu5BXoYGJoYQeXSzTJDciaLf38_J2cDTNMTU2NHQEyGPz58QeZw-8fPIz03VD07N0y_IDY2oDPbMDEh3VAQAcqlvng!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfTEdFUE8wRjYxR0NQNzBJQkI1RjlIODFKNzA!/

Dubai Creek-ride across the creek in an abra for just one dirham and also walk along the creek to see working dhow boats unloading/loading goods. This is the real heart of Dubai. The textile, spice, and gold souks, Cultural Center, and Dubai Museum will be found here also.

You could do these areas easily just taking a taxi between them instead of the Big Bus. Taxis in Dubai, as many have said before, are inexpensive, metered, and clean. English is widely spoken in Dubai.

Thanks again - your information is absolutely so valuable to me in planning our time in Dubai. We have decided to follow all your suggestions as it looks like that is the best way to maximize our time. Love the idea of a water tour too.

Anytime you think of anything else we should do (or not waste our time on) - please let me know.

Nancy

Just came across your thread, we are planning a day in Dubai as well.

We have been a couple of times before and so have seen many of the 'must sees' and this time are planning on the trip on the ferry looking at the city from the water!

One thing we really enjoyed when we have been in Dubai is taking a trip on the Metro. I believe there is a stop near the port as well which will be useful to get back to the port from Dubai Marina. We really enjoyed the fact that for most of the trip (we went to the end) it runs above the city so you get an excellent view of what Dubai looks like "from above". It is extremely easy to catch, runs very regularly, and spotlessly clean!.

Unfortunately this time we will be in Dubai on a Friday which might makes things a bit harder for us............Friday morning is a Prayer Day and most things are closed until early afternoon.

maybe lilybob might be able to add more info on "Fridays"

Has anyone ever had dinner on one of the boats on the river? We saw many of them and would like try one this next time in Oct.?

Has anyone ever had dinner on one of the boats on the river? We saw many of them and would like try one this next time in Oct.?

Can recommend the Dhow Dinner Cruises - did this when visiting son and family who are based in Dubai. It was lovely sailing along in the evening which gave a different view of the city from the water and the food (buffet style) was plentiful, nicely presented and very appetising. We also had entertainment on board after the meal. All in all a most enjoyable experience

Suzanne

Just came across your thread, we are planning a day in Dubai as well.

I believe there is a stop near the port as well which will be useful to get back to the port from Dubai Marina.

 

Unfortunately this time we will be in Dubai on a Friday which might makes things a bit harder for us............Friday morning is a Prayer Day and most things are closed until early afternoon.

maybe lilybob might be able to add more info on "Fridays"

Some Friday things to do-

Downtown-Burj Khalifa

Middle Eastern breakfast at Reem al Bawadi......yum! It is located on Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (formerly Emaar Blvd) in front of Burj Khalifa

Dubai Mall alternatives to shopping

have a coffee or lemon mint drink at one of the many cafes along Burj Lake

Burj Khalifa "At the Top" is open in the morning

Dubai Aquarium

Become a pilot on Emirates A380 simulator (located in The Village area of the mall) there are 12 destination routes you can choose and sessions are 30 min

I guess you have to do a little shopping since you are at the mall:D

Bring home some Arabic accessories for your home or yourself from Al Tarab located near the entrance to At the Top and Bloomingdales. They have a nice selection and no t-shirts! LG level of mall

A few doors down-select some Arabic sweets from Wafi Gourmet. You can choose your own selection as well and they will wrap them in a small hard plastic container that is great for traveling. If you go up a level to the Gold Souk area where the Cheesecake Factory is, you will find several small shops that sell different perfume oils. They are happy to explain and let you try different scents and you can even select your own bottle. Some even sell the fragrant bukhoor that is burned in your home for a nice scent. A variety of prices for every budget and a fun experience.

Creek Area-Deira side (spice and gold souk side) though souks will be closed, it is interesting to walk along the creek and see the working dhows starting near the Radisson Blu; you can also ride across the creek in an abra. You can even rent an abra by the hour and cruise the creek. They hold 20 people so get some on your roll call to join you:D rate is 120 AED ($33) per hr.

Madinat Jumeirah-walk around the property as it is quite beautiful. The shops open at ten but you can have a scrumptious breakfast at Al Muna in al Qasr Hotel or grab a coffee at Starbucks/Costa before the stores open

Breakfast in the world's largest atrium at Sahn Eddar in Burj al Arab. Yes, you probably already had breakfast on the ship but this is even more memorable, though a definite splurge. Reservations are required and smart casual dress

If you skipped breakfast, you must be waiting for a Dubai Brunch and if you are at Madinat Jumeirah you must be going to the award winning Al Qasr Brunch. Seeing is believing! Reserve ahead as it is popular and the premises beautiful

I like the Dubai Metro but the port would be too far to walk from any station and I think a taxi might be your best option out. The tram is now running in the Marina area but you will need a taxi to get to Madinat Jumeirah. If you are considering taking the water ferry by the Marina Mall, the metro station is now called the Daamac Station for the luxury developer.

http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/facilities/souk-madinat-jumeirah/

Information you may find useful

http://www.uaeinteract.com

Some Friday things to do-

Downtown-Burj Khalifa

Middle Eastern breakfast at Reem al Bawadi......yum! It is located on Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (formerly Emaar Blvd) in front of Burj Khalifa

 

Dubai Mall alternatives to shopping

have a coffee or lemon mint drink at one of the many cafes along Burj Lake

Burj Khalifa "At the Top" is open in the morning

Dubai Aquarium

Become a pilot on Emirates A380 simulator (located in The Village area of the mall) there are 12 destination routes you can choose and sessions are 30 min

 

I guess you have to do a little shopping since you are at the mall:D

Bring home some Arabic accessories for your home or yourself from Al Tarab located near the entrance to At the Top and Bloomingdales. They have a nice selection and no t-shirts! LG level of mall

A few doors down-select some Arabic sweets from Wafi Gourmet. You can choose your own selection as well and they will wrap them in a small hard plastic container that is great for traveling. If you go up a level to the Gold Souk area where the Cheesecake Factory is, you will find several small shops that sell different perfume oils. They are happy to explain and let you try different scents and you can even select your own bottle. Some even sell the fragrant bukhoor that is burned in your home for a nice scent. A variety of prices for every budget and a fun experience.

 

Creek Area-Deira side (spice and gold souk side) though souks will be closed, it is interesting to walk along the creek and see the working dhows starting near the Radisson Blu; you can also ride across the creek in an abra. You can even rent an abra by the hour and cruise the creek. They hold 20 people so get some on your roll call to join you:D rate is 120 AED ($33) per hr.

 

Madinat Jumeirah-walk around the property as it is quite beautiful. The shops open at ten but you can have a scrumptious breakfast at Al Muna in al Qasr Hotel or grab a coffee at Starbucks/Costa before the stores open

 

Breakfast in the world's largest atrium at Sahn Eddar in Burj al Arab. Yes, you probably already had breakfast on the ship but this is even more memorable, though a definite splurge. Reservations are required and smart casual dress

 

If you skipped breakfast, you must be waiting for a Dubai Brunch and if you are at Madinat Jumeirah you must be going to the award winning Al Qasr Brunch. Seeing is believing! Reserve ahead as it is popular and the premises beautiful

 

I like the Dubai Metro but the port would be too far to walk from any station and I think a taxi might be your best option out. The tram is now running in the Marina area but you will need a taxi to get to Madinat Jumeirah. If you are considering taking the water ferry by the Marina Mall, the metro station is now called the Daamac Station for the luxury developer.

 

http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/facilities/souk-madinat-jumeirah/

 

Information you may find useful

 

http://www.uaeinteract.com

Thank you "lillybob" for all this information............if you agree I will copy it to the board for our sailing for others to take advantage of.

Thank you "lillybob" for all this information............if you agree I will copy it to the board for our sailing for others to take advantage of.

Please share if it will be helpful and enjoy your cruise and time in Dubai.:)

We will be in Dubai next month for three days pre cruise. Thank you so much for all the helpful info.

Marci

Got back jlast week from yet another great trip and cruise in Dubai.

Definitely recommend Thiptara Thai restaurant for great fountain views. Went early and had a drink in the adjoining bar and manged to see 7 shows that evening. It is high end with minimum spend AEd300 pp.

Also if you are looking for a Friday brunch with a difference, try the Ivy in Emirates Tower. A lot of Friday brunches are buffet style but not this one, 3 course a la carte or a axing 8 course tasting menu. Food and service were outstanding and just loved the atmosphere and live music. Probably will appeal to Brits more than any other nationality.

Also if you are looking for a Friday brunch with a difference, try the Ivy in Emirates Tower. . Food and service were outstanding and just loved the atmosphere and live music. Probably will appeal to Brits more than any other nationality.

Why??

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Why??

Part of Caprice Holdings restaurant group in which the iconic London Ivy is a west-end favorite and reservations are in high demand. The Dubai Ivy lives up to the same high standards. Also, Rivington Grill in locations at Souk al Bahar (great Dubai Fountain views from their terrace) and Madinat Jumeirah are popular choices and part of this same group.

The HOHO bus is expensive but well worth the cost - and they accept credit cards! You can save a few dollars and pre-buy your tickets on line, then just hand the email to the operator for your ticket.

The Big Bus was at the port and the cost was about $108.00 US p.p. but that was for 24 hours in Dubai and the trip to Abu Dhabu and the big bus in Abu Dhabu

If you have time Abu Dhabu was well worth the trip. the Mosgue was amazing, we saw the Formula 1 track, the Ferrari world (only from the outside) as we wanted to take the tour of the city. It was a lot in one day but that was all the time we had. The drive was about 1 and 1/2 hours from Dubai to Abu Dhabu.

If you are leaving the port by taxi you have to show your cruise card to the security guard upon leaving the port area. Keep the card handy.

The Big Bus was at the port and the cost was about $108.00 US p.p. but that was for 24 hours in Dubai and the trip to Abu Dhabu and the big bus in Abu Dhabu

 

If you have time Abu Dhabu was well worth the trip. the Mosgue was amazing, we saw the Formula 1 track, the Ferrari world (only from the outside) as we wanted to take the tour of the city. It was a lot in one day but that was all the time we had. The drive was about 1 and 1/2 hours from Dubai to Abu Dhabu.

 

If you are leaving the port by taxi you have to show your cruise card to the security guard upon leaving the port area. Keep the card handy.

We are doing the 48-hour ticket on the Big Bus next year but will probably buy our tickets on line before we leave, then we just turn in the email receipt to the vendor on the bus who will give us the ticket and off we go. Have done this in other cities and it works well and sometimes there is a discount buying on-line.