Because we lived in the Middle East for a time, Dubai was a weekend trip for us and we took advantage of that! A quick hop, skip and a jump, Dubai is actually an extremely family friendly destination. However, because of it’s distance to the U.S., a lot of people reserve it for a “stopover trip” on the way to a safari or a girl’s trip. I’ve worked on many a girl’s trip to Dubai and I have it down to a science!

Arrival:

The vast majority of flights from the west arrive into Dubai at night – sometimes as late as 11:50pm! Friends arriving from the U.S. or Europe should take this into consideration when planning a trip because you miss an entire day flying. i.e. if you leave on Friday, you generally won’t arrive in Dubai until Saturday evening. When you arrive in Dubai, it’s always good to have your transportation to your hotel secured. Dubai airport is large and chaotic. Make things easier on yourself and hire a car beforehand. Many of my services on the ground in Dubai also include a meet and greet service, helping you navigate baggage claim bureaucracy and find your way through the crowds. When you finally find your way to baggage claim, you’ll have to collect your bag and then have it X-rayed before you enter the country. Do not bring pork of any kind or porn of any kind (including magazines, toys, etc). Visa’s are available on arrival for most Western countries. Check your consulate.

A note on drinking: if you want to stock your hotel/apartment with wine, buy it at the airport before you leave. The only liquor stores around are there for residents with alcohol licenses. You won’t be able to buy wine or beer anywhere else  However, you will be able to buy it in licensed restaurants – usually attached to 4 or 5 star hotels.

Accommodations:

So many choices so little time! Dubai has everything from hostels to 5 star hotels. I definitely don’t recommend hostels or anything below a 4 star hotel 🙂 Culture is very different in Dubai and a 3 star hotel is not like a 3 star in the U.S. When I have a girl’s trip to Dubai, I try to find my clients an apartment of some sort and there are plenty to choose from. A list of some of my favorites include:

JA Oasis Beach Tower – offers 2, 3 and 4 – bedroom accommodations, all with kitchens. Oasis is a great location, with a good pool, within walking distance to plenty of restaurants and bars. There is a also a little market nearby to stock up your kitchen. It also delivers! It’s also close the Marina, a great place to explore.

Anatara The Palm Dubai – a fantastic resort located on The Palm, a manmade island jutting off the coast of the city. The island is shaped like a palm tree and something only Dubai could get away with! Anatara is an easy place to get to, yet offers some respite from the hustle of the city. This property has 1 and 2 – bedroom apartments and large villas that are perfect for groups. It also has fantastic dining options, a great pool and a beautiful beach.

Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach – a solid,  star resort that is perfect for ladies working on a budget, but still wanting to stay in a good location. This property offers everything from standard rooms up to 4 bedroom apartments. It’s pretty central and easy to get to all the places a girl’s trip to Dubai would require.

 

 

Things to Do:

What doesn’t Dubai have to do. Dubai really went all out in trying to make themselves a cultural and tourist destination and spared no expense. From indoor skiing to waterskiing, there’s a plethora of things to do. For a perfect girl’s trip to Dubai, I recommend:

*at least a half day tour of this incredible city.

*a sunset desert safari – truly an incredible experience.

*a day outing to Abu Dhabi – another very interesting Gulf city – Abu Dhabi is just as impressive as Dubai. Be sure to have lunch at Emirate’s Palace – just to say you did!

*a dinner cruise along Dubai Creek – a fantastic way to see the city by night.

 

Dubai really is an incredible place for a girl’s trip or a friend’s trip. Obviously an unusual choice, it’s better suited for people who want something really different for their trip. Something other than the typical Mexico or Caribbean vacation. If you can stomach the flight, it’s so worth it!

 

 

A complete Girl’s Trip to Dubai itinerary: for a copy of this itinerary, contact me at mdownham@departurelounge.com

Day 1 – Meet & Greet on Arrival

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

This service includes the meet and assist of passengers by our staff prior to Immigration at Terminal 3 who will be wearing a red jacket. The Guest is directed to our counter where the Welcome Pack is presented and explained. They are then directed to the transfer area with the aid of an Airport Map. Each passenger is provided with a welcome pack, which includes a welcome letter, information on Dubai, activities, city map along with client departure transfer details and contact information for emergencies. Prior to departure we confirm with each guest their departure transfer details.

Arrival at Resort

Anantara Dubai the Palm Resort and Spa (5*)

1 x Two Bedroom Apartment inclusive of complimentary upgrade to half board and taxes (excluding Tourism Dirham Fee)

Day 2 – Private Full Day Dubai City Tour with English Speaking Guide 

At the Top Burj Khalifa Tickets (148^th Floor SKY) – USD135 per person

Lunch – to be paid directly 

Pick-up: 0900 / Hotel

Drop-off: 1800/ Hotel

Today, at 09:00, our Tour Guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for your Dubai City Tour.

You will be exploring the old and historical part of Dubai mixed with the new and modern environment and learn more about the culture and the religion of the Emiratis.

The tour will start with a photo stop outside Burj Al Arab. In the shape of a sail, the hotel is representing the history of the city with its pearl diving and the years when Dubai enter the first time the trading into different countries

Next is an outside tour and photo stop of the Jumeirah Mosque, the most photographed mosque in Dubai. With its white beauty from outside and the ornament on the walls, it’s is a perfect example of Islamic architecture.

From here, you will make a photo stop at the Zabeel Palace – the house of the ruling family ‘Al Maktoum’ of Dubai. Due to security and safety, entrance is not allowed, but a small view at the front of the luxurious palace is possible for visitors.

The next stop is the Al Fahidi Heritage Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya – the oldest part in Dubai which was the place for early settlers back in the days. With its traditional architecture, the Al Bastakiya area showcases the old way of living and the use of the so-called wind towers which you can see on each of the buildings.

To learn more of the history and the time of the oil-find in Dubai, you will be visiting the Dubai Museum which is located inside the old Al Fahidi Fort, the house of the ruling family Sheikh Al Maktoum in Dubai.

Stop for lunch before proceeding with your tour (to be paid directly).

You will now start exploring ‘New’ Dubai by visiting and exploring the Palm Jumeirah, driving across the trunk up to the crescent where we will have a photo stop of one of the landmark of Dubai – the Atlantis the Palm hotel – and will visit the popular Lost Chambers Aquarium.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is telling the story of the sunken city Atlantis – the theme of the hotel and resort.

Day 3 – Day at leisure followed by a Sundowner Dune Desert Safari 

The mysterious desert is the ideal venue for a magical and memorable evening. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, trained safari guides driving 4×4 vehicles lead the thrilling journey – over the sand dunes, and through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – deep into the heart of the desert. A feast under the stars includes a Middle Eastern selection of grilled meats, fresh salads, delectable sweets and hand-picked beverages at our traditional Bedouin-style camp

Inclusions:

• Falcon viewing
• Dune driving through the desert
• Sunset photo stop in/amongst the dunes
• Arabic style buffet with unlimited select beverages under the stars at our Bedouin-style camp
• Camel rides, sandboarding, henna hand painting and aromatic shisha available at the camp
• Belly dancing

Exclusions:

– Photograph & Sand Art souvenirs.

Day 4 – Day at leisure

Day 5 – Day at leisure followed by Bateaux Dubai Premium Dinner Cruise with Private Transfers 

Enjoy a 360-degree view of Dubai Creek from the sleek, all-glass, Seine-designed Bateaux Dubai boat. This elegant two-and-a-half hour dinner cruise offers the best sightseeing with fine dining, personalised service and contemporary classical tunes. This tour also features: Luxurious enclosed Bateaux with resident DJ and personalised service. Spectacular photo opportunities of Dubai Creek at night (National Bank of Dubai, Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed’s House and Heritage Village)

Inclusions:

• One non-alcoholic welcome drink per guest

• Canapés on arrival

• International 4-course a la carte dinner

• 2½ hour dinner cruise on the creek

• Unlimited house wine, house beer, selected soft drinks, water, tea and coffee whilst cruising for 2 ½ hours

Conditions:

– Earliest boarding 19:45 – Guests may be declined boarding after 20:15

Day 6 – Private Full Day (08 hours) Abu Dhabi City Tour with English Speaking Guide

Lunch at Le Vendome at Emirates Palace (buffet; drinks to be paid directly)

 Pick-up: 0900 / Dubai Hotel

Drop-off: 1700 / Dubai Hotel

You will be collected from your hotel at 09:00 for your day at the capital!

You will start with a visit to the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Our expert tour guide will guide you around and through the mosque and will show you its beauty and its different areas. Made out of only natural materials, such as marble stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a standing out in its white colour and is visible from almost all places in Abu Dhabi.

Next stop is the Qasr Al Hosn. This exhibition centre tells the story of a city and the people who have made it to their home. It also celebrates the Emirati people alongside the origins and growth of Abu Dhabi.

Stop for lunch at Emirates Palace. With an emphasis on simplicity and quality, Le Vendôme’s sophisticated international buffet weaves together the best dishes of the Middle East and abroad, always served with impeccable style. Linger over a long breakfast, lunch or dinner choosing from healthy salads, soups and sandwiches to hearty curries or filet de boeuf at this one-of-a-kind hotel buffet.

Next you will drive towards the new Louvre Abu Dhabi. Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum, located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The museum was established on November 8th 2017.

Before heading back to your hotel, visit the Yas Island which houses the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is being held. Here, you will also see the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Our driver and guide will drop you off at your hotel around 17:00.

Day 7 – fly home. End of your perfect girl’s trip to Dubai 🙁

 

 

Melissa