Things to keep a PHer happy

[M159V8]

Hi guys

I'll be coming on holiday to the Middle East soon for around four weeks, I'll be staying for a while in Abu Dhabi (I have family there), as well as Dubai, and maybe Sharjah for a little while too.

Plans at the moment are Ferrari World, visiting Yas Marina circuit for a tour (will it be worthwhile?) ans also Yas Safari park.

Wanted to ask:

1. What is the best company for quad biking in the sand dunes/or a buggy maybe? Really looking forward to this
2. Any recommended water parks etc?
3. What is the temperature usually like around midnight? I'll be arriving on 18th July and leaving on 13th August, plenty of time hopefully and I'm expecting it to be quite hot
4. I'm the only car enthusiast in the family so I was hoping for some advice from fellow PHers, is there anything I've missed? Car related, something fun etc

Cheers in advance

[Eccentric M]

M159V8 said:

and maybe Sharjah for a little while too.

don't, unless if you love the rush-hour traffic, weird roads, no booze laws and the jaywalkers.

[M159V8]

Eccentric M said:

don't, unless if you love the rush-hour traffic, weird roads, no booze laws and the jaywalkers.

Doesn't sound like my cup of tea then, I'll probably give it a miss


Have you any experience regarding quad bikes/buggies on the sand dunes?

[shirt]

the desert is not a fun place to be in summer, especially not in a moto-x suit and helmet. i'd much rather work a hangover off in a sauna whilst wearing woolen pyjamas.

[thb]

Best place for dune bashing in Abu Dhabi would be Arabian Nights Village www.arabiannights.ae

Waterparks - there's one in Abu Dhabi and 2 in Dubai. All three are pretty good, Yas Waterworld is the newest - but based on a windswept dull corner of Yas Island, whereas the others are next to the Burj or Atlantis for a bit more of an 'experience'.

Midnight temperature is around 30C with quite a bit of humidity - I'd be more concerned if I were you of the 45-50C midday temperatures!

Ferrari World is great for Formula Rossa and for nosing around the few cars they have, but really don't expect to have a fulfilling day out there as a PHer. Going on a log flume ride 'through' a V8 engine is about as bad as it sounds.

Yas behind the scenes tour, can't really comment as I've been 'behind the scenes' working on racedays and media events at Yas on numerous times. But if you're a F1 person, probably worthwhile - and if you do some of the driving experiences, better than Ferrari World.

[K50 DEL]

Eccentric M said:

M159V8 said:

and maybe Sharjah for a little while too.

don't, unless if you love the rush-hour traffic, weird roads, no booze laws and the jaywalkers.

Interestingly I'd say the opposite of that.
I've taken several sets of visitors to Sharjah so far, walking along the Corniche, the maritime museum, dinner at Al Qasba and they've all really enjoyed it.
My Mother actually prefers it to Dubai !!

[Eccentric M]

K50 DEL said:

Interestingly I'd say the opposite of that.
I've taken several sets of visitors to Sharjah so far, walking along the Corniche, the maritime museum, dinner at Al Qasba and they've all really enjoyed it.
My Mother actually prefers it to Dubai !!

yeah the parts you mentioned are nice but in general it sucks (you'll realize that once you live there)...

[Harris_I]

M159V8 said:

visiting Yas Marina circuit for a tour (will it be worthwhile?)

Doing a tour sounds dull, at least to me. Yas has some good driving experiences, though. The track at the Dubai Autodrome is even better than Yas if you don't mind the trek, though the race school fleet is not as exciting. Doing a taster session in the Audi TT is actually not bad.

If you don't mind spending the wonga, drive a Radical or single seater at Yas. Or get a hot lap from one of the instructors in a Radical - better than a roller coaster. Make sure the harness buckle is halfway up your stomach, or you will lose your balls.

Best not to do the Aston GT4s in summer as they are an oven inside, (the ac compressor cuts out under acceleration) and the traction control is set to maximum idiot mode which can be frustrating if you are half decent.

The single seaters at Yas are the same as the Jaguar Palmers at Bedford Autodrome I think. Dubai Autodrome also has some single seaters but not quite as powerful, and with a slightly more agricultural gear change.

[oilydan]

Not only will it be hot, but drinking in public during the day is not allowed - it's Ramadan until the first week in August!

[aspirated]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll be departing from Heathrow in around 7 hours

Just another question - recommendations for a good barber who can do a good short back and sides with decent blending, I usually have Grade 2/3 on the sides and around 7/8cm of hair on top, and not every barber can hack the steep change in length and I'll be needing two or three haircuts, especially before Eid

Cheers in advance

[shirt]

har-harrr!

Edited by shirt on Thursday 18th July 02:24

[6th Gear]

oilydan said:

Not only will it be hot, but drinking in public during the day is not allowed - it's Ramadan until the first week in August!

This. Not exactly the best time to be visiting the UAE.

[K50 DEL]

aspirated said:

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll be departing from Heathrow in around 7 hours

Just another question - recommendations for a good barber who can do a good short back and sides with decent blending, I usually have Grade 2/3 on the sides and around 7/8cm of hair on top, and not every barber can hack the steep change in length and I'll be needing two or three haircuts, especially before Eid

Cheers in advance

You have 2 or 3 haircuts in the space of 4 weeks..... do you wash your head in miracle gro every night or something?