Dubai – 2020 and 2024 – Geoff's Blogs

This post covers many of the key elements when planning to visit Dubai.

Topics covered on separate webpages are – The Mall, The Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, and Jumeirah Beach.

The reviews of The Mall, The Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain dated from 2020, but are still valid in 2024. The reviews for Jumeirah Beach date from both 2000 and 2024.

In addition, I have tried to summaries and review some iconic examples of Dubai architecture.

Introduction

My wife and I took a New Year trip which ran from late January 2020 to mid-March 2020, and involved 8 nights in Dubai and 43 nights in Phuket. At the time we spent 3 nights in Dubai outward bounds, and 5 nights in Dubai on our return flight. We managed to get back home just a few days before the COVID lockdown was announced.

Unfortunately my wife passed away in late 2023, so I was alone for my one week package tour to Dubai in late January 2024.

Most of the below text dates from 2020, but where necessary it has been updated for January 2024.

In this posting I’m going to look at the preparations we made in 2020 for our visit to Dubai. In many ways our visit to Dubai was almost accidental or incidental, in that it was linked to our flying with Emirates. As I noted above our holiday plan was a long stay in Phuket, with a 3-day stopover in Dubai outward bound and a 5-day stopover coming back.

I expected that one day we would visit Dubai. Many people we know had talked very positively about their holidays in Dubai, so a visit became almost inevitable. When considering a stopover in Dubai, it was natural that we would add a few extra days for tourism.

But that meant that we had no preconceived expectations, so this post tries to capture our ‘on-the-fly’ planning for our first visit to Dubai in 2020.

In late January 2024 I took a one-week package tour to Dubai, and I’ve updated this posting accordingly.

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and as Wikipedia points out it is a sovereign constitutional monarchy consisting of a federation of seven emirates consisting of Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE is situated at the Northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the East and Saudi Arabia to the South and West, as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the West and Iran to the North. This Northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula is called the Musandam Peninsula, and includes parts of the UAE and Oman.

To better understand the complex boundaries between the different emirates we need to introduce the concepts of enclaves and exclaves. An enclave is a territory entirely surrounded by one other state, for example the Vatican City State is enclaved by Italy. A semi-enclave is a territory entirely surrounded by one other state, except for its sea boarder which touches international waters, as an example Monaco is a semi-enclave. An exclave is a part of a state that is geographically separated from the rest and is entirely surrounded by one or more other states (you can also have semi-exclaves).

In the above map we can see the following:-

Abu Dhabi (code 1)
Ajman (code 2 is almost invisible on the above map), has two exclaves, Manama and Masfout.
Dubai (code 3), has an exclave called Hatta.
Fujairah (code 4), has the exclave Dibba (shared with Sharjah and Oman).
Ras Al Khaimah (code 5), has an exclave in that its territory is cut into a northern and southern region by a strip of land belonging to Fujairah.
Sharjah (code 6 is invisible on the above map), has several small exclaves Kalba, Khor Fakkan and part of Dibba, as well as the counter-enclave of Nahwa which is inside the Oman exclave of Nahwa, which itself is totally enclosed by the UAE.
Umm Al Quwain (code 7).
In addition area 8 is under the joint control of Fujairah and Sharjah, and area 9 is under joint control of Omanand Ajman.

I’m pretty sure I’ve missed more than one UAE enclave/exclave, but even if the above map is focused on the municipal areas of Sharjah, it nevertheless identifies most of the UAE enclaves/exclaves.

The UAE has an area of about 83,600 km², which makes it about the size of Austria, and about ⅓ the area of the United Kingdom. The country consists mostly of a barren landscape with gravel plains and desert dunes, and including the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world. The UAE has a population of 9.3 million people, so slightly more than Hungary and slightly less than Sweden, however Emiratis only make up about 12% of the population.

The Dubai Emirate only covers 4,114 km², which now includes an increasing amount of land reclamation. So the Dubai Emirate is about the same size as Cape Verde, and 1/10th the size of The Netherlands or Switzerland. The population of the Dubai Emirate is just over 3.3 million, so a touch more than Jamaica and bit less than Uruguay.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, but Dubai City is the most populous, with about 2.9 million people (some sources confuse the Dubai Emirate and Dubai City). So most of the people in the Dubai Emirate live in Dubai City, and in fact as far as I know the city itself is defined by a smaller area of about 1200-1500 km² (the area covered by the metro and tram). This means that Dubai City has a population bigger than Taipei, Bucharest, Vienna, or Budapest, and is around the same as the commune and capital of Rome. One quite unique feature of the Dubai Emirate is that more than 85% of the population are expatriates.

In 2020 Dubai International Airport was the fifth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, the sixth-busiest by cargo, and the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic (London Heathrow was second).

I repeat, what is written below was part of our pre-planning. What actually happened is included on one or other relevant post:-

The Mall
The Burj Khalifa
The Dubai Fountain
The Jumeirah Beach Residence
The Dubai Architecture
Shangri-La Hotel
Sofitel Jumeirah Hotel 2020
Sofitel Jumeirah Hotel 2024

Now we turn to a number of very practical topics, namely visa requirements, vaccinations, banned substances, controlled medication, dangerous goods, customs controls, security checks, do’s and don’ts, language used, currency, tipping, weekends, dress code, unmarried couples, displays of affection, swearing, photographing, drugs and drinking, electricity plugs and sockets, telephone services, crime, and disinfecting hotel rooms.

Dubai - visa requirements

According to the 2020 Emirates webpage on visa information for the United Arab Emirates there were ‘visa on arrival‘ facilities for passport holders of certain countries. For British passport holders there were no advance visa arrangements and a 30-day visit visa would be accorded free of charge (extendable). Interestingly the arrangement for holders of French passports was a little different. It said that their passports would be stamped with a multiple entry 90-days visit visa that was valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total (not extendable). Both types of visas were issued as we disembarked at Dubai International Airport. This information was confirmed on the Dubai International Airport webpage, which pointed to the webpage on visas of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

The reality was that for our first trip through Dubai my wife and I (so one French passport and one British passport) received the same stamps.

For my trip in 2024 the rules appeared to be the same, and my passport was simply stamped with entry date. For this I flew Luxair, and it landed in Al Maktoum International, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC). This is a different international airport, and is located in Jebel Ali, 37 kilometres (23 mi) southwest of Dubai. It originally opened on 27 June 2010, initially for cargo (passengers in 2013). Today it is a part of Dubai South, a planned residential, commercial and logistics complex. The airport claims to be the Dubai airport of the future, and they state that they will become the world’s largest airport with an ultimate capacity of more than 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

The major advantage in landing at DWC was that it was empty and the customs formalities were quickly processed.

Dubai International Airport was about 40 km from our hotel on Jumeirah Beach, and the drive took a little in excess of 40 minutes (in 2020). In principle the drive from the DWC to our hotel was expected to take about 20-25 minutes (under 30 km). The problem was traffic, and certainly my trip on Saturday evening (2024) from DWC to Jumeirah Beach was chaotic and took well in excess of one hour.

Anyone travelling to Dubai should check the latest visa requirements.

Dubai - vaccinations

In 2020 we spent some time checking vaccination requirements and advice for both Dubai and Phuket.

At the time for Dubai Bupa recommended a combined DTP vaccine (Tdap with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), and polio. They also suggested considering vaccinations against hepatitis A and possible hepatitis B and rabies. Travel Health Pro also mentioned MMR and a diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine (plus immunisation against infectious diseases dependent upon lifestyle, etc.). The World Health Organisation recommended in addition to the above also typhoid, anthrax, meningitis, shingles and pneumonia.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) said you should be up-to-date for MMR (measles–mumps–rubella), Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), varicella, polio and flu. They also suggested that most travellers should also be vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid. They noted that vaccination for hepatitis B and rabies were not a normal requirement.
According to the Emirates website there were no vaccination requirements for someone travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the United Kingdom. Yet other websites noted that whilst there are no requirements from the UAE authorities, it is best to be up-to-date with routine ‘jabs’.
The UAE Health Authority recommended that their citizens when travelling had up-to-date vaccination status for meningococcal (meningitis and sepsis), influenza (flu), yellow fever, pneumococcal (pneumonia), hepatitis Aand hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies.

For our trip in 2020 we spoke with our doctor about 2 months before leaving. We were advised, based upon our vaccination cards, to complete our protection for hepatitis A and hepatitis B (with the 2nd and 3rd rounds of Twinrix).

We also were vaccinated against typhoid, and we were already protected for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and pertussis (whooping cough).

For my trip to Dubai in 2024 I made no special arrangements, but I did have my COVID certificate for 4 shots, and I had a recent vaccination for flu, pneumonia, and a new vaccine for shingles. No one asked about vaccinations on entering the UAE.

Dubai - banned substances

According to the Emirates webpage on banned substances the United Arab Emirates has a zero-tolerance anti-drug policy.

Dubai - controlled medication

For all ‘controlled medication’ prior approval is needed. There is an online approval process available, along with travellers guidelines, and including an annex with an alphabetical list of all controlled substances.

As I understand it for both controlled and uncontrolled medication a prescription for the quantity of medication being brought into the country is needed (maximum of 3 months’ supply).

In one Q&A it was mentioned that medications are allowed if they have a doctors prescription letter and explanation about what they are for. They must be in the original packaging. Vitamins and supplementsare allowed provide they are also in their original packaging. No letter is needed for this. There is no need to declare medicines and vitamins at the customs. If they decide to check, just show the letter for the medicines. There will be no problem with the usual type of vitamins and supplements.

Another comment included the fact that someone had their doctors letter with a seal from the Trade Department of the Australian Government, then it was sent to the UAE Embassy for them to stamp it as well. It would appear to be a paying service in Australia and with the UAE Embassy.

It looks like the best advice is to build a list of all needed medication, check it against the list of allowed medication, and then obtain a full prescription and keep everything in their original packaging.

And remember to get a doctors letter describing the need for those medications.

Dubai - dangerous goods

Spare or loose batteries must be in your carry-on and should not be checked in (this includes any form of power source). The limit is 20 spare batteries per passenger. Lithium batteries in computers, cameras, mobile phones can be taken as carry-on’s or checked-in.

Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols, such as toiletries, etc. must be checked-in, but perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol can be either checked-in and carried-on.

It’s better to check-in any powder-like substances (better to be safe than sorry).

Emirates has a webpage with their dangerous goods policy.

Dubai - airport security and custom checks

It is worth noting that the airport is very big, and that it would appear that this means lots of walking from one place to another, and lots of queues. Many people said they got confused by the signs, and since the terminals are connected by trains a mistake could easily mean a missed connection flight. Another thing many people talked about is waiting in long queues.

Check out the Security & Customs webpage of Dubai International Airport.

We had booked assistance for my wife, and a wheelchair certainly made things much, much easier. We did not get lost, and we did not experience any long queues. This may be because of the wheelchair assistance or perhaps because we had ‘fast track’ with our business class tickets.

Dubai - customs controls

Usual rules about cigarettes, perfumes, alcohol, etc.

Allowed is medication with a doctor’s prescription for personal use for a maximum of 3-months consumption.

The Dubai International Airport website says that the personal cash allowance is AED 100,000, and more must be declared (i.e. over €24,000). This is also on the Dubai Customs website.

The airport website also mentioned that you are not allowed to bring into the country “any printed material that contradicts Islamic teachings and/or decency, or that deliberately implies immorality or turmoil“. The Dubai Customs website list banned items, including ivory and Rhinoceros horn, cooked and homemade foods, and trees, plants and soil. The website also mentions that original prints, lithographs, statues and sculptures in any material are also not allowed in. Also goods from Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos are banned.

But as far as I can see you can bring in clothes, toiletries, mobile phones, PC’s and laptops, radios and CD players, sports equipment, cameras and video cameras, and jewellery. However, you might be asked to turn on electronic devices, so make sure they are charged.

Some websites say that radios, films, books, photographs, DVD’s and CD’s, medicines of all kinds, must be declared.

We did not see anyone having their books, etc. checked, and we did not declare our books, medicines, etc.

One website mentioned that the legal documents of people entering the country are checked, including passport, visa, and other documents such as hotel reservations and itinerary. Also it claimed that biometrics will be scanned and recorded. It is possible that there are two controls, one before passing through the security check.

Our biometrics were scanned, but no one asked about hotel reservations, etc.

Dubai - security checks

Check-in comes first, then passport control will want to see the boarding card and passports. They will put an exit stamp in the passport.

Going though security control and the metal detector you must remove anything metallic, such as belt buckles and some types of shoes.
Liquids, gels, lotions, paste, and creams must be in containers with a capacity of 100 ml or less. They must be in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. You may not have more than one bag containing liquids, etc.
Exceptions are made for medications, but it’s probably better to also place them in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. Aerosols are not permitted as hand-luggage, they should be checked-in.

It is sensible to place all ‘loose’ items, mobile phone, wallet, watch, keys, jewellery, etc. in the hand baggage.

Laptops should be kept apart and easy to access because they must be placed in a separate security tray.

Dubai - do's and don'ts

Criticising Islam is forbidden for Muslims and non-muslims alike. This is not a freedom-of-speech issue, and punishment can be very severe. You should not criticise local authorities, police, politics or Palestine.

The left hand (I’m left-handed) is traditionally used for ‘body hygiene’ in Islamic culture, therefore be mindful to avoid using the left hand.
Don’t shake hands with the left.
Don’t open doors with your left hand.
Don’t hand someone something, especially food, with the left hand.
Don’t eat with the left hand.

Don’t take photographs of people without their consent, especially of women and children.

Sex out of marriage and public demonstration of affection are also punishable. So kissing and hugging in public are frowned upon, or worse.

Dress modestly. Women should cover their hair, and trousers are better than skirts. Avoid mini-skirts and low necklines.

Do not swear or curse in public.

It would appear that handshakes should be gentle, firm handshakes are considered rude or disrespectful. Do not shake hands with a Muslim woman.

Punctuality is a sign of respect, being late is considered disrespectful.

Dubai - language used

Arabic is the official language, although almost everyone speaks English.

Dubai - currency

The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (Dhs or, DH, or AED), worth about 4.14 to 1€, however it is said that the US $ is accepted in many places. There are 100 fils to one dirham. I understand that the dirham is pegged to the US $. It is difficult, if not almost impossible, to pay in €. According to Wikipedia the best place to change currency is in the currency exchange stores.

VISA and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere.

It is said that taking cash from an ATM will yield a better exchange rate than using an exchange bureau, or buying currency at home.

My pre-trip understanding was that the approximative exchange rate was 1€ = 4 AED, and that you can count up to €200/day for a couple (excluding hotel).

Frankly we did not spend much in either of our extended stop-overs in Dubai, and a lot less than the €200/day we originally envisaged. We had pre-booked and pre-paid for our visits, and both hotels offered full buffet selections as part of their ‘executive’ packages. But we did change some money, and buy a few bits and pieces.

Changing money was just a bit harder that I had anticipated. There were more ATM options than exchange desks. I did change some € for AED at an exchange rate of 4.09, whereas 4.15 was of the official rate quoted on the Web. The exchange office did not even asked for an ID.

We purchased two creams at a local chemists:-
Eucerin Atopic Control ‘Acute Care’ 40ml was 91.35 AED (€21.9), and on amazon.fr €15.66.
Avene Cleanance Hydra Cream 40ml was 126 AED (€30.1), but possibly as little as €12 in Europe.

A ‘daybed’ for 2 people on the local beach cost 210 AED (under $60), which included complimentary towels. It’s impossible to truly evaluate this cost, because daybeds can cost between $70 and $400 a day depending upon the beach, the season, and with/without the purchase of food and drinks. So my guess was that 210 AED for the day was a fair price.

One last minute purchase was a box of 15 face masks at the local Boots chemist, just next to our beach hotel. Back in Europe people were worried about the supply of face masks, yet in Boots they were almost stacked to the ceiling.

Dubai - tipping

Most restaurants include taxes and a service change on the bill, so people will leave a small tip (10%-15%) depending upon the quality of service.

Most restaurants add 10% to the bill for a service charge. This charge is divided among all the staff in the restaurant, and is not just for the waiter. There is also a 6% government tourism fee added as well. The service charge can be even higher, but the customer can refuse to pay it.

One suggestion is to leave a small tip each day for housecleaning, rather than a tip at the end of a stay ($2 to $5 per night left each morning).

In terms of tipping:-
10% or even 15% for restaurants
$1-2 for bar drinks
‘keep the change’ or ’round up’ 5-10 AED for taxis
Spa and hairdressers, 10% max
Valet 5-10 AED (or $1 per bag or a flat $5 plus $1 per bag)
Housekeeping 5-10 AED/night.

Remember 1$ is a little less than 4 AED, and 5 AED is about $1:40. So $5 is 18 AED, or 20 AED is about $5:40.

Dubai - weekends

The weekend in Dubai is Friday and Saturday. Most people have Friday off and ‘basics’ are harder to find. Generally it will be quiet on Friday morning, but everywhere will be crowded on Friday afternoon. Avoid malls and water parks on Fridays. Many Malls, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, etc. are open on Fridays.

There are lots of positive comments about a ‘100 meter long buffet’ at hotels such as the Doha Marriott.

We can’t comment on the weekend in Dubai, because neither of our stop-overs included a weekend.

Dubai - dress code

In the Dubai Emirate, women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. No plunging necklines, and no sheer tops or dress where some lingerie is visible. Knee-length dresses or short are fine, even if the shorts are just above the knee, but there are places that require knees and shoulders to be covered. So women can wear nice tops, t-shirts, fitted jeans or trousers, or knee-length dresses or skirts (or longer). It’s best to have shoulders and knees covered. In places like old Dubai it’s best to have a light scarf over the shoulders and wear something reasonably long. Some mosques are open for organised visits, so women should wear trousers and cover their shoulders, etc. They should bring a headscarf, but often women will be loaned an ‘abaya’ (traditional black robe) and a ‘shayla‘ (head scarf). Women should wear sandals, shoes or sneakers. Sneakers might not be allowed in the better restaurants for the Friday or Saturday buffets. A jacket (or shawl) is a good choice, with a top and trousers.
Swimming attire, including bikinis, can be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools (no topless), but not at beachside cafes or on the promenades. Kaftans are a great option.

In the Dubai Emirate, men should wear shirts and knee-length shorts more or less everywhere, but most restaurants and bars do not accept shorts or sneakers for men. When visiting a mosque men should wear shirts and trousers. For restaurants and bars men should wear dress shirts, dark trousers, and decent semi-formal shoes (no sneakers). A light jacket is cool.

This is a sign seen at the entrance of mosques and shows that women should wear loose clothes covering arms and legs, and cover their heads. Men should also be well dressed, certainly arms and legs covered.

More generally I found some useful suggestions for Dubai on TheBohoChica, and women should always pack a light scarf or two, and a ‘trendy’ hat and sunglasses. Men should have a hat and sunglasses, and a cross-body bag for wallet, etc. Shoes should include flip-flops for the beach, shoes for restaurant and a pair for sneakers for walking and visits. Discretion is the key in Dubai, so no flashy short shorts, short mini-skirts, crop tops or mesh dresses, etc. Underwear should not be seen.

We certainly did not test any dress code limits. However in our visit for tea at the Burj Khalifa people were in shorts, torn jeans, etc., and in The Dubai Mall almost everything appeared to be accepted. We made an effort to dress smart casual at the hotel. Concerning shoes, both my wife and I wore sport shoes with a single bland colour.

Dubai - unmarried couples

Sexual relationships outside marriage is illegal in Dubai. So cohabiting in a hotel room is illegal, however most hotels do not enforce an ‘only married couples’ rule’.

Dubai - displays of affection

Displays of affection are not well tolerated. Holding hands is fine for married couples, but kissing and hugging in public are not acceptable. You can be arrested.

Dubai - swearing

Don’t lose your temper. Avoid bad language, and any kind of vulgar language is considered obscene. Also avoid making rude gestures. You can be arrested.

Dubai - photographing

Don’t take photographs of government buildings, police, etc. You can be arrested.

Dubai - drugs and drinking

Obviously, don’t take drugs, and don’t drink-and-drive. You will be arrested.

Electricity plugs & sockets

In Dubai they have 220/240 V, 50 Hz AC, and British-style 3-pin electrical plugs (Type G or 12 amp plugs). Below is a typical hotel socket that can take a variety of plugs.

Telephone services

Using local telephone services was another issues often discussed on social media.

My local GSM provided me with information on using my iPhones in Dubai and Phuket. In addition I had a spare iPhone so it would be easy to pick-up a local SIM.

In Dubai you can buy a local SIM for about AED 20 and top it up as needed. It would appear that the authorities have blocked VoIP and Skype, but it might be still possible to phone using certain apps and the hotel wi-fi.

Crime

In Dubai person-on-person crime is low, in part due to the fact that the city is well monitored (one website called it “rigorous law enforcement“). However there are reports of petty crimes such as pickpockets and scams. But be careful because public displays of affection such as kissing, swearing, rude gestures, photographing people without their permission, drunken behaviour, dressing immodestly, criticising the government, etc. are in principle illegal (and this includes on-line). Photographing certain public buildings and military installations is not allowed (this includes airports). Do not photograph women on the beach. It is probably a good idea to avoid souks because of pickpockets, and it best to stay in the malls. One article mentioned that Jemeirah Beach, Motor City, The Greens, Green Planet, Dubai’s Old Quarter, Emirates Living, Out Metha, Umm Suqeim, Discovery Gardens, Silicon Oasis and Dubai Sports City were all safe. However it also said that both locals and tourists might consider avoiding Dubailand, Al Shindagha, Sonapur (the area with labour accommodation), Deira and Bur Dubai.

Also in Dubai there is zero tolerance for drug-related offences.

Scams in Dubai appear to be about people asking for help or offering the ‘deal of a lifetime’. Some people are approached by a man with a fake injury begging for money. Others by a breakdown on the side of the road because they don’t have money for petrol. Another one is the smartly dressed salesman who is trying to sell (at a fantastic discount) the remaining items from a successful sales meeting, e.g. designer clothes, kitchen utensils, luxury suitcases and bags, etc. In other words, the same type of scams you find everywhere.

Disinfect hotel rooms

This is a ‘side issue’ until it isn’t. We take a disinfectant spray (or anti-bac wipes) with us and spray and clean surfaces, the TV remote control, and everything in the bathroom. Don’t put things on hangers or in draws without first spraying them. Sanitise light switches and door knobs. Look for bedbugs on the mattress, bed frame and headboard (remember to look for small brown blood stains).
And whilst you are doing this also check that the heating and air-con works. Unplug and reset any alarm clocks. Check out the fire escapes. Make sure the safe works properly and disinfect the lock and inside. Remove any quilts, bedcovers, etc. and put them as far away from you as possible.

Dubai - ideas for tourism

Our travel arrangements were:-
Outbound – early arrival, 3 nights, and a late morning departure.
Return trip – early afternoon arrival, 5 nights, and an afternoon departure.

Our first hotel for 3 nights was the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, and for the return trip it was the Sofitel Jumeirah Beach.

So our first stopover was near to Emaar Square and Burj Khalifa, and not far from the City Walk. It was logical to program visits etc. as a function of these two different locations, e.g. first the city centre, and then on the beach for our return trip.

The 5-star Shangri-La Hotel Dubai has a complimentary area shuttle. It also has a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, 3 bars and 4 restaurants.

Our room included access to the ‘Horizon Club Lounge’, and included breakfast, non-alcoholic drinks served all day, and evening cocktails and canapés. The ‘Horizon Club’ is on level 41 and has views over the city.

The first thing to remember is that our 3-day stopover did not include a weekend (Friday-Saturday), so no famous Friday lunch buffet.

Being in the city centre it was logical to focus on a visit to The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (is also in The Dubai Mall) and the Burj Khalifa (is just next door to The Dubai Mall). And finally The Dubai Fountain is also in the grounds of The Dubai Mall.

During our outward bound stay over the 25th Dubai Shopping Festival was on. There was also mention of a special ceiling light display in The Dubai Mall, plus a 300-metre-long light ‘experience’ on the Waterfront Promenade.

Shopping at The Dubai Mall is also included in the Emirates Skywards Miles program (in-store purchases, dining, and leisure attractions). You do have to register here.

During our first 3-day stay we manages to see Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and The Dubai Fountain. We missed out on the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Our hotel review, and visit reviews are on separate webpages.

The 5-star Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Hotel is on what is called ‘The Walk‘ and ‘The Beach’. The hotel website looks full of ‘stuff’ but ends up not really telling clients what they might want to know. For example the ‘Club Millésime‘ in the hotel has a different website, and no obvious link from the main hotel website.

Irritating, our 5-day return stopover did not include a Friday, so no famous Friday lunch buffet.

Staying at the beach gave us the opportunity to either do nothing, or to plan a few additional visits. It looked as if the best options were:-

The beach in front of the hotel is called the JBR Beach, and is now recognised as a great place to hire sun loungers and sun shades and spend the day. It is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai.
The Dubai Miracle Garden looked interesting. It is the worlds biggest natural flower garden.
Dubai Municipality offers tours of the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque.

We actually did nothing, and stayed on the beach.

What to do if we have travel problems

Missing connecting flights can always be a problem. We in fact have no real connecting flights. Technically our flight from London–Dubai–Phuket and return was a single round trip ticket, but each leg was separately ticketed.
But it is always possible that a flight is delayed. If that is the case it is normally the airline who should reschedule, and provided accommodation and meals as necessary.
Being bumped should mean a rescheduling and a cash penalty (you can demand a cash payment rather than vouchers).

Lost baggage is a classical problem, and the airline should locate and deliver the baggage. It should provide compensation if the baggage is not found after 30 days.