Dubai Master Thread

[lybbtthl]

This has been briefly discussed here and there, but can anyone clarify the customs regulations for UAE, what food can be brought in? meat, chicken, cheese, fruits and veg, bread etc?
I'll be there for a day and a half and need to eat when I'm there!

[damaxer91]

This has been briefly discussed here and there, but can anyone clarify the customs regulations for UAE, what food can be brought in? meat, chicken, cheese, fruits and veg, bread etc?
I'll be there for a day and a half and need to eat when I'm there!

No issues bringing food into Dubai though its best to avoid bringing in fresh fruit or Veg anywhere

[lybbtthl]

Is that the official rules? Or just in practice everyone gets away? Do I have to declare?

[damaxer91]

Is that the official rules? Or just in practice everyone gets away? Do I have to declare?

Not sure the official rules but I know people who travel there regularly and don't declare and have never had issues

[shmebeble]

Not sure the official rules but I know people who travel there regularly and don't declare and have never had issues

I traveled with chicken, meat and dairy products and had no issues.
I checked online and the restrictions are pig products and Japanese products (They are afraid of radiation)

[lybbtthl]

this is cheaper (or free) 

http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/

They seem to want reservations with min spend AED250 p/p? can you just show up?

[shmebeble]

They seem to want reservations with min spend AED250 p/p? can you just show up?

Supposedly if you sign up for reservation and then go up and decide not to eat nothing will happen.
But do you really want to get into trouble there?

[lybbtthl]

Supposedly if you sign up for reservation and then go up and decide not to eat nothing will happen.
But do you really want to get into trouble there?

i tried getting in without a reservation, no luck 
just ended up booking the regular at the top for 130 aed p/p, was able to book last night and heading there soon

[lybbtthl]

does anyone know a place in Dubai where my wife and I can get dressed up in the shmoina begodim for a pic?

[D93]

does anyone know a place in Dubai where my wife and I can get dressed up in the shmoina begodim for a pic?

What's that?

[lybbtthl]

What's that?

I mean burka/kafiya/hijab etc

[Aaaron]

I mean burka/kafiya/hijab etc

If you do any of the desert tours they stop at cheap souvenir shops along the way where it costs like $8 for the whole set. 

Or if you go to the Spice Market you'll be harassed non-stop to buy them there.  They're not expensive. 

[Yehoshua]

Planning a 7:30p-2:30p (19h) layover in DXB. I'll be with DW and infant.

We plan on visiting the malls (maybe ride the ski lift)the Palm and the Khalifa.

Most SPG hotels appear to be cheap enough that paying cash is better than using points. Was thinking about the PH, though at $261 or 20k points it's also not a great value using points.

We will also be in AUH about 2 weeks later for a 10:30a-3:20a (17h) layover so we won't need to visit AUH on this stop.

It seems like people like staying at the Conrad, Sheraton (not sure which one) or Le Meridien (not sure which one). As of now Le Meridien Dubai has a Hot Escape rate of $78 ($99 incl all taxes, non cancel-able).

Based on the above:
-Does it make sense to book the Le Meridien by the airport, or is another hotel in a better location?
-Is there another points hotel I missed that's a great value?
-Is the PH worth it even if it's not a great value?

[Aaaron]

Planning a 7:30p-2:30p (19h) layover in DXB. I'll be with DW and infant.

We plan on visiting the malls (maybe ride the ski lift)the Palm and the Khalifa.

Most SPG hotels appear to be cheap enough that paying cash is better than using points. Was thinking about the PH, though at $261 or 20k points it's also not a great value using points.

We will also be in AUH about 2 weeks later for a 10:30a-3:20a (17h) layover so we won't need to visit AUH on this stop.

It seems like people like staying at the Conrad, Sheraton (not sure which one) or Le Meridien (not sure which one). As of now Le Meridien Dubai has a Hot Escape rate of $78 ($99 incl all taxes, non cancel-able).

Based on the above:
-Does it make sense to book the Le Meridien by the airport, or is another hotel in a better location?
-Is there another points hotel I missed that's a great value?
-Is the PH worth it even if it's not a great value?

Not what you're asking, but skip the Palm unless you're staying on it.  Nothing to see from the ground.  Hotels are reasonable so I wouldn't limit yourself to point options.  There are just sooo many hotels, and for one night I would just shell out the ~$200.

[Yehoshua]

Not what you're asking, but skip the Palm unless you're staying on it.  Nothing to see from the ground.  Hotels are reasonable so I wouldn't limit yourself to point options.  There are just sooo many hotels, and for one night I would just shell out the ~$200.

Thanks re:the Palm. So you wouldn't go with Le Meredien for $99? Would you do Priceline NYOP?

[Aaaron]

Thanks re:the Palm. So you wouldn't go with Le Meredien for $99? Would you do Priceline NYOP?

Personally, I'd prefer to be along S. Zayed road than out by the airport, but that's a great price.  I would just peruse any OTA for the dozens of options.

[Yehoshua]

Personally, I'd prefer to be along S. Zayed road than out by the airport, but that's a great price.  I would just peruse any OTA for the dozens of options.

Why there vs the Dubai Creek area (GH and PH)? Also my assumption is that since we're landing late we won't be doing much touring at night (also because of the baby), so why would being near the airport be detrimental?

[Aaaron]

Why there vs the Dubai Creek area (GH and PH)? Also my assumption is that since we're landing late we won't be doing much touring at night (also because of the baby), so why would being near the airport be detrimental?

Fair enough, just personal preference I guess.  For one night you really can't go wrong and you'll get to see the few main things regardless of where you stay. 

[eliteflyer]

Planning a 7:30p-2:30p (19h) layover in DXB. I'll be with DW and infant.

We plan on visiting the malls (maybe ride the ski lift)the Palm and the Khalifa.

Most SPG hotels appear to be cheap enough that paying cash is better than using points. Was thinking about the PH, though at $261 or 20k points it's also not a great value using points.

We will also be in AUH about 2 weeks later for a 10:30a-3:20a (17h) layover so we won't need to visit AUH on this stop.

It seems like people like staying at the Conrad, Sheraton (not sure which one) or Le Meridien (not sure which one). As of now Le Meridien Dubai has a Hot Escape rate of $78 ($99 incl all taxes, non cancel-able).

Based on the above:
-Does it make sense to book the Le Meridien by the airport, or is another hotel in a better location?
-Is there another points hotel I missed that's a great value?
-Is the PH worth it even if it's not a great value?

What time of year? Would think heat will factor into decisions.

[Yehoshua]

What time of year? Would think heat will factor into decisions.

July. Summer. 110+ degrees. Which way will the heat sway the decision? Is staying in the city easier in the heat? Is everything connected indoors?