Dubai at the end of December

[Fer]

Hi all,
I am visiting Dubai from the 25th until New Years Day, and I wondered if anyone knew if there will any fireworks on NYE, or if there is something else worth seeing. I will have Fer Jr with me, so not looking to hit Cyclone or York, just a nice (family) venue.

Also, do they still do the buffet in the hotels? I would like a decent lunch out with the family (not aiming for the 25th, btw) but do not know if there are any good ones around, or any to avoid.

I am staying at the Golden Sands, so no risk of having a nice meal there.

[Hitch78]

All of the good hotels still do brunches and evening buffets and most will have special events on over the festive season and the new year.

Pick a hotel and check out their website or give them a call.

[mgp1969]

Does anyone know what the OP means by the Cyclone or the York? Do they do brunches?;-)

[Fer]

So, ignoring the Cyclone, whatever that might be. Is there anything to see for New Years Eve?

[Ron Fellows]

Fer said:

So, ignoring the Cyclone, whatever that might be. Is there anything to see for New Years Eve?

Not to put a downer on things but personally I think new year is fackin sh ite in Dubai.

I'm just negative as I love spending new year in Edinburgh and this will now be my second year I cant make it

[Hitch78]

From what I understand it's not a massive event here Fer, the locals may follow the Gregorian calander but a) it's a Catholic derived device so is never going to be culturally big in a muslim country, and b) they don't drink so fireworks would likely be the highliht.

Therefore most events are restircted to hotels where booze is served and expats hang out. As mentioned above if you look at the hotel websites or give them a call they'll ALL have things going on.

Personally I'm just glad not to be back in the UK spending 20biffs to get into a pub I normally go in for free, only to spend the evening queueing at the bar and then having to walk home because the cabs non existent!

[Hitch78]

mgp1969 said:

Does anyone know what the OP means by the Cyclone or the York? Do they do brunches?;-)

I hear the Rattlesnake is doing an 'all you can eat' event but I'm not keen...

[Fer]

Hitch78 said:

mgp1969 said:

Does anyone know what the OP means by the Cyclone or the York? Do they do brunches?;-)

I hear the Rattlesnake is doing an 'all you can eat' event but I'm not keen...

Rattlesnake is a new one on me. Where abouts is that then? (Purely for a "must avoid going window shopping". )

[Fer]

OK, here I come, ready or not. See you in 24 hours.

[Chilli]

Fer said:

OK, here I come, ready or not. See you in 24 hours.

Good luck!

ps - The Mrs might not appreciate the Rattlesnake.

[Fer]

OK Guys, the web access at the hotel is completely fuggered, so can anyone tell me when the arrive and drive karting at Dubai Autodrome is? No links please, as I cannot access them, but me and Fer Jr would love a quick play, especially if it is not too far from Bur Dubai.

[trackdemon]

Some C&P from their site:

Introduction
The Kartdrome® offers a fleet of Karts for Arrive & Drive customers that delivers an excellent racing experience and ensures high safety in a range of specifications to satisfy those aged 7 and up. Manufactured by SODIKART, the Karts offer a comfortable driving position, top level performance and handling. The Karts are powered by a Honda 390cc, 13.5hp engines which ensure equal acceleration, guaranteeing that all clients have the most competitive karts available. They are also equipped with transponders that automate timing and scoring systems providing an accurate starting grid in qualifying. This up-to-date system displays laps completed, gap between karts and the fastest laps scored by drivers out on track.

Arrive & Drive and Corporate Kart Specifications
The SodiKarts • Ages: 13 & Upwards
• Engine: Single
• Type: 390cc Honda 4-stroke
• Power: 13.5 bhp
• Brakes: Hydraulic with flip over pedals
• Safety: Full all around protection
• Seats: Padded & adjustable
• Suit, helmet & gloves provided

The Sodi RX7 introduces some formidable technical innovations in terms of safety. Its integral protection considerably reduces the consequences of impacts: the spoiler, designed to absorb shocks, works interactively with the sliding side protectors. It increases the driver's safety and the kart's life.
The chassis is based on the genuine tradition of Sodi karts offering unequalled reliability and consistent performance. Other features include: chain drive, frame with double side rails, flexible tie rods, plastic floortray, brake disc with removable protection, machined wheel hubs, reinforced machined wheels, fully and quickly adjustable pedal/seating system, 9 litre fuel tank, vacuum petrol pump, flexible bucket seat, all-round plastic protection with high abrasion resistance, strong steering system and front wheel protections, highly efficient impact absorption devices, integral engine cover and integral rear shaft cover.
Driving a Sodikart RX7 is sure to be an unforgettable experience available for corporate activities and endurance racing - they are the most advanced machines on offer in the region.

Kid Kart Specifications
kids kartdrome1 • Ages: 7 - 12
• Engine: Single
• Type: 120cc Honda 4-stroke
• Power: 5 bhp
• Pedals: Adjustable
• Safety: Full all around protection
• Seats: Padded & adjustable
• Suit, helmet & gloves provided

CALENDAR:

December
24 Thursday Cars Track Evening - CANCELLED Club Circuit
26 Saturday Single Seater Experience - All Day
DARC/PTU Oval Circuit
29 Tuesday First Drive - All Day Controlled Area
January
2 Saturday Single Seater Experience - Morning
Saloon Experience - Afternoon
Motorcycle Track Evening - Newcomers & Advanced Oval Circuit
Club Circuit
Club Circuit
3 Sunday

Cycle Safe Dubai: Cycling Club - 18:00-21:00
Club Circuit
8 Friday Cars Track Day -Morning
Motorcycle Track Day - Afternoon Grand Prix Circuit
Grand Prix Circuit
9 Saturday Single Seater Experience - Morning
Saloon Experience - Afternoon

CONTACT

Kartdrome
David Terrien
[phone]
[phone]
[e-mail]

[Fer]

Thanks TD. Fer Jr and I popped over there last night, and had a great session. He wants to try the outdoor ones next.

Cheers again!

[trackdemon]

Make sure you Dune Buggy's in the desert - one of the most fun things I've done!! I don't know who with as it was arranged by a mate but can get details if you cant find an organizer....

[Fer]

Cheers. Was meant to be out on a desert safari today, but they wanted me to get into the back of a Land Cruiser, and at 6 foot this was never going to be easy, but then said that there was two others joining me, so I told them to forget it.

I went back to karting and the two of us had a shot at the outdoor track, which was even better.

[trackdemon]

Don't worry, the Cruiser has plenty room (I'm 6'2) - I did the desert safari trip Saturday before Christmas and it was great fun:

1-1.5hours dune buggy fun (cant remember exactly how long, but seemed 'enough'!)
Landcruiser dune ride with a pro driver; they normally stop around sunset for photo opportunities
Ride to desert camp for:
Camel ride
Food & Drinks
Belly dancer
Then they drive you back to Dubai, great day out!

Will make sure I get my mate down for karting next time I'm there.... My mates got a flat in Tiara residence on the Palm so lucky to have a place to crash whenever! And flights are <£300 with Royal Brunei