Discussion
Evening chaps,
I'm on holiday in Dubai this week, staying in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. We arrived last night and are staying till Sunday.
We took a trip to the marina this evening and it was rather lifeless which was unexpected. Can anyone recommend anywhere a little more lively? Not necessarily night clubs and bars, we'd just rather head somewhere busy.
Also, any hints on places to see interesting cars? (This is pistonheads after all)
Thanks in advance
I'm on holiday in Dubai this week, staying in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. We arrived last night and are staying till Sunday.
We took a trip to the marina this evening and it was rather lifeless which was unexpected. Can anyone recommend anywhere a little more lively? Not necessarily night clubs and bars, we'd just rather head somewhere busy.
Also, any hints on places to see interesting cars? (This is pistonheads after all)
Thanks in advance
Life slows down here a fair bit during Ramadan, what time were you at the Marina? You need to wait until after 8pm for most places to start to get busy. The top end of the Marina gets more lively (the end near the Marina Metro station) or head to JBR (the beach where the Marina meets the sea) where all the hotels and cafes area. The other main options are madinat jumeirah (http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/) or Downtown (head for Dubai Mall and then to the restaurants overlooking the lake & fountains).
As said, it's always very quiet during the month of Ramadan. Many of the Expats head home and the locals are otherwise engaged.
As said, it's always very quiet during the month of Ramadan. Many of the Expats head home and the locals are otherwise engaged.
Seems unusually quiet this year; guess its because in part its Ramadan during the longer days.
Most bars etc won't open as said until after 8. Have been to the Madinat and Mina Salaam recently and other than football nights its pretty quiet everywhere. Restaurant that opened downstairs in my building just before the world cup started was empty last night, but you couldn't get a table for most of the last month..
Most bars etc won't open as said until after 8. Have been to the Madinat and Mina Salaam recently and other than football nights its pretty quiet everywhere. Restaurant that opened downstairs in my building just before the world cup started was empty last night, but you couldn't get a table for most of the last month..
As said Tom, it's very quiet. Three factors coming together: Ramadan, schools shut & midsummer means everyone who can has buggered off until September - I know we would if we could.
Now the footy has finished, it will be even quieter during the week - busier evenings will be Thursday & Friday after 8pm.
Now the footy has finished, it will be even quieter during the week - busier evenings will be Thursday & Friday after 8pm.
TomCooper said:
Can anyone recommend anywhere a little more lively? Not necessarily night clubs and bars, we'd just rather head somewhere busy.
Err... The Mosque?Sorry OP, Dubai during summer + Ramadan is best avoided at all costs. Were you aware it was Ramadan prior to booking your trip?
Alain Class Motors on Sheikh Zayed Road is worth a visit. Best to check Ramadan opening hours.
http://www.alainclass.com/contact-us
http://www.alainclass.com/contact-us
Thanks for the replies gents! I did know it was Ramadan but didn't think it would be this quiet. We are going to head to the Emirates mall tonight and see if that's any different.
All in all the place is absolutely lovely! I was just curious to see if there was any particular reason why it might have been empty that night.
All in all the place is absolutely lovely! I was just curious to see if there was any particular reason why it might have been empty that night.
TomCooper said:
Thanks for the replies gents! I did know it was Ramadan but didn't think it would be this quiet. We are going to head to the Emirates mall tonight and see if that's any different.
All in all the place is absolutely lovely! I was just curious to see if there was any particular reason why it might have been empty that night.
Have a peek outside at the valet parking for motors, the exit between Debenhams and Harvey Nics on ground floor.All in all the place is absolutely lovely! I was just curious to see if there was any particular reason why it might have been empty that night.
As mentioned, you will struggle for next couple of weeks to get much atmosphere.
If you are going to the Mall of The Emirates this eve, then perhaps try the tapas place - Salero - downstairs by the entrance to the Kempinski Hotel. http://www.roundmenu.com/restaurant/salero-tapas-b...
I can't say how busy it'll be during ramadan, especially this early in the week, but its normally very good, nice bar and good food.
Failing that, I guess Aprés might be busier than most places. Its not great, but nice enough for a beer or two. If you want alcohol those places just mentioned plus a few others on the ski-slope/hotel side of the mall will serve it, but the rest of the mall restaurants are dry.
If you are going to the Mall of The Emirates this eve, then perhaps try the tapas place - Salero - downstairs by the entrance to the Kempinski Hotel. http://www.roundmenu.com/restaurant/salero-tapas-b...
I can't say how busy it'll be during ramadan, especially this early in the week, but its normally very good, nice bar and good food.
Failing that, I guess Aprés might be busier than most places. Its not great, but nice enough for a beer or two. If you want alcohol those places just mentioned plus a few others on the ski-slope/hotel side of the mall will serve it, but the rest of the mall restaurants are dry.
Go for a beer in Apres, it's at the South end of the mall - Kempinski Hotel end - and watch the muppets 'skiing' in SkiDubai. Or actually go in and say hello to a Penguin. or not.
Do go to Dubai Mall and have a look at the fountain and if you fancy it, go up the Burj Khalifa (you can see my place from the Obs Deck) - I suggest you pre-book tickets online first as it will cost twice as much if you just rock up. Daft system.
Do go to Dubai Mall and have a look at the fountain and if you fancy it, go up the Burj Khalifa (you can see my place from the Obs Deck
) - I suggest you pre-book tickets online first as it will cost twice as much if you just rock up. Daft system.Asterix said:
hello to a Penguin. or not.
meet the penguins is ace! the king penguins are a bit boring but the little ones are mental and loads of fun. re: burj khalifa, i always advise to book a table at atmosphere rather than go to the obs deck. minimum spend of 200dhs for gents [none for ladies] vs 100 each just to stand and admire the view from about 10ft higher. you don't get the full 360deg view from atmosphere but the cocktails are great and if you aim for around sunset you get a much more of an 'experience'.
I believe Apres is now closed until after Ramadan for a complete refurb. The last night it was open was the prize giving for our ski club's (non muppet ) race night. We were given clear instructions that it didn't matter if we trashed the place
) race night. We were given clear instructions that it didn't matter if we trashed the place Edited by TNW on Tuesday 15th July 14:00
TNW said:
I believe Apres is now closed until after Ramadan for a complete refurb. The last night it was open was the prize giving for our ski club's (non muppet ) race night. We were given clear instructions that it didn't matter if we trashed the place
Is the ski club still going? ) race night. We were given clear instructions that it didn't matter if we trashed the place Edited by TNW on Tuesday 15th July 14:00
I was one of the inagural members when the place first opened.
Still got my jacket
got some weird looks in Austria wearing it.Gassing Station | Middle East | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff