Singapore/Dubai without Kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would never stop in Dubai.

+1 I don't want any of my hard earned dollars to be supporting any of the Middle Eastern countries and their regimes.

Well, then don't vote b/c Republicans and Democrats take oil money. Or buy gas for that matter.

I know both political parties are guilty but I do try to vote for the 'lesser of the evils' to the best of my ability whenever its voting time. We have one very fuel efficient car and also try to be responsible.

This isn't an all or nothing deal, where I can make my small difference and support my conscious- I do.

I refuse to glamorize the excessive luxuries in the M.E. and go there as tourists, ooh-ing and ahh-ing and supporting their tourist economy while overlooking their funding of radicalization abroad.

Your ignorance is quite astonishing. Well, given you are likely a pompous American, not astonishing but sad.

That's quite a bold statement with nothing but a temper tantrum to back it up.

Ok. You have a fuel efficient car. Big deal. Oil from the ME is rarely refined into gasoline. And if it did, Dubai generates very little income from the petroleum business. Roughly, 5 % of their GDP. They are, however, the workd's largest re-exporter. So, given your moral superiority, I am certain you have checked the provenance of all of the items you use and regularly purchase. Including all those cut flowers, many of which are grown in east Africa and then distributed through Dubai.

Of course, perched on your high horse, you knew all this already.

Perhaps you'd like to provide some fact (and not an MSNBC, Fox News, Vice, or Vox type tantrum)

You're awfully offended that I have made a personal choice not to travel to places like Dubai due to not wanting to glamorize tourism of countries that fund radicalization globally.

The previous poster made the snide remark about gas and I responded that I try to be responsible with that regard as well. Now you're making assumptions about "all those cut flowers" that I am presumably filling up all the room of my home in to make some sort of a point??

Go ahead and glamorize those countries, but then you must also not be hypocritical and denounce the radical teachings done in madrassas and mosques around the world that get their funding from somewhere.

But then again maybe you don't find those teachings abhorrent at all and that's why you think I'm a "pompous American" and "perched on a high horse" and that my "ignorance is astonishing".

I won't be hypocritical and go to those countries with fake smiles while just talking bad about them on the internet. Then again I also wouldn't have freedoms to say whatever I want on the internet or out loud in those countries either...

[Anonymous]

NP here. I would also never visit Dubai. Awful, awful culture and I would hate myself if I showed support of it.

Singapore is lovely. Definitely plan to do dim sum for breakfast (you'll be hungry for breakfast anyway due to jet lag). They have great food from lots of different cultures, so you can (and should) eat whatever catches your eye.

Shopping is great there, too.

If I only had a few days there, I'd do the Flyer, the Gardens by the bay, go see the merlion, and watch the light show at the marina -- if you can stay awake for it (again, jet lag!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would never stop in Dubai.

+1 I don't want any of my hard earned dollars to be supporting any of the Middle Eastern countries and their regimes.

Well, then don't vote b/c Republicans and Democrats take oil money. Or buy gas for that matter.

I know both political parties are guilty but I do try to vote for the 'lesser of the evils' to the best of my ability whenever its voting time. We have one very fuel efficient car and also try to be responsible.

This isn't an all or nothing deal, where I can make my small difference and support my conscious- I do.

I refuse to glamorize the excessive luxuries in the M.E. and go there as tourists, ooh-ing and ahh-ing and supporting their tourist economy while overlooking their funding of radicalization abroad.

Your ignorance is quite astonishing. Well, given you are likely a pompous American, not astonishing but sad.

That's quite a bold statement with nothing but a temper tantrum to back it up.

Ok. You have a fuel efficient car. Big deal. Oil from the ME is rarely refined into gasoline. And if it did, Dubai generates very little income from the petroleum business. Roughly, 5 % of their GDP. They are, however, the workd's largest re-exporter. So, given your moral superiority, I am certain you have checked the provenance of all of the items you use and regularly purchase. Including all those cut flowers, many of which are grown in east Africa and then distributed through Dubai.

Of course, perched on your high horse, you knew all this already.

Perhaps you'd like to provide some fact (and not an MSNBC, Fox News, Vice, or Vox type tantrum)

You're awfully offended that I have made a personal choice not to travel to places like Dubai due to not wanting to glamorize tourism of countries that fund radicalization globally.

The previous poster made the snide remark about gas and I responded that I try to be responsible with that regard as well. Now you're making assumptions about "all those cut flowers" that I am presumably filling up all the room of my home in to make some sort of a point??

Go ahead and glamorize those countries, but then you must also not be hypocritical and denounce the radical teachings done in madrassas and mosques around the world that get their funding from somewhere.

But then again maybe you don't find those teachings abhorrent at all and that's why you think I'm a "pompous American" and "perched on a high horse" and that my "ignorance is astonishing".

I won't be hypocritical and go to those countries with fake smiles while just talking bad about them on the internet. Then again I also wouldn't have freedoms to say whatever I want on the internet or out loud in those countries either...

Show me one madrasah in Dubai. Or one mosque where that is taught. Just one. And when you can't, please think of the many millions of dollars Dubai and the UAE in general have contributed to Christian Churches in the UAE.

You can maintain whatever opinion you choose. You're ignorant and pompous and exude a since of moral superiority because you maintain those opinions without any basis in fact and being willfully blind to the fact that you support the very economies you castigate without even knowing it! Your fuel efficient car? Made from plastic. Plastic is a by-product of the refining of heavy petroleum. That is what ME oil is. Your roads? Asphalt. Heavy crude. Your roof? Asphalt shingles. Your government? Well, that's best left to the politics board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would never stop in Dubai.

+1 I don't want any of my hard earned dollars to be supporting any of the Middle Eastern countries and their regimes.

Well, then don't vote b/c Republicans and Democrats take oil money. Or buy gas for that matter.

I know both political parties are guilty but I do try to vote for the 'lesser of the evils' to the best of my ability whenever its voting time. We have one very fuel efficient car and also try to be responsible.

This isn't an all or nothing deal, where I can make my small difference and support my conscious- I do.

I refuse to glamorize the excessive luxuries in the M.E. and go there as tourists, ooh-ing and ahh-ing and supporting their tourist economy while overlooking their funding of radicalization abroad.

Your ignorance is quite astonishing. Well, given you are likely a pompous American, not astonishing but sad.

That's quite a bold statement with nothing but a temper tantrum to back it up.

Ok. You have a fuel efficient car. Big deal. Oil from the ME is rarely refined into gasoline. And if it did, Dubai generates very little income from the petroleum business. Roughly, 5 % of their GDP. They are, however, the workd's largest re-exporter. So, given your moral superiority, I am certain you have checked the provenance of all of the items you use and regularly purchase. Including all those cut flowers, many of which are grown in east Africa and then distributed through Dubai.

Of course, perched on your high horse, you knew all this already.

Perhaps you'd like to provide some fact (and not an MSNBC, Fox News, Vice, or Vox type tantrum)

You're awfully offended that I have made a personal choice not to travel to places like Dubai due to not wanting to glamorize tourism of countries that fund radicalization globally.

The previous poster made the snide remark about gas and I responded that I try to be responsible with that regard as well. Now you're making assumptions about "all those cut flowers" that I am presumably filling up all the room of my home in to make some sort of a point??

Go ahead and glamorize those countries, but then you must also not be hypocritical and denounce the radical teachings done in madrassas and mosques around the world that get their funding from somewhere.

But then again maybe you don't find those teachings abhorrent at all and that's why you think I'm a "pompous American" and "perched on a high horse" and that my "ignorance is astonishing".

I won't be hypocritical and go to those countries with fake smiles while just talking bad about them on the internet. Then again I also wouldn't have freedoms to say whatever I want on the internet or out loud in those countries either...

Show me one madrasah in Dubai. Or one mosque where that is taught. Just one. And when you can't, please think of the many millions of dollars Dubai and the UAE in general have contributed to Christian Churches in the UAE.

You can maintain whatever opinion you choose. You're ignorant and pompous and exude a since of moral superiority because you maintain those opinions without any basis in fact and being willfully blind to the fact that you support the very economies you castigate without even knowing it! Your fuel efficient car? Made from plastic. Plastic is a by-product of the refining of heavy petroleum. That is what ME oil is. Your roads? Asphalt. Heavy crude. Your roof? Asphalt shingles. Your government? Well, that's best left to the politics board.

What you seem to be willfully ignoring is that things like the roads, roofs, etc are not easily within my circle of what I can control. Where I decide to support economies by way of tourist travel is very much within the means of my control.

I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water by just saying, oh well the roof has asphalt shingles so I'm going to Dubai. I'm doing my part based on my conscious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would never stop in Dubai.

+1 I don't want any of my hard earned dollars to be supporting any of the Middle Eastern countries and their regimes.

Well, then don't vote b/c Republicans and Democrats take oil money. Or buy gas for that matter.

I know both political parties are guilty but I do try to vote for the 'lesser of the evils' to the best of my ability whenever its voting time. We have one very fuel efficient car and also try to be responsible.

This isn't an all or nothing deal, where I can make my small difference and support my conscious- I do.

I refuse to glamorize the excessive luxuries in the M.E. and go there as tourists, ooh-ing and ahh-ing and supporting their tourist economy while overlooking their funding of radicalization abroad.

Your ignorance is quite astonishing. Well, given you are likely a pompous American, not astonishing but sad.

That's quite a bold statement with nothing but a temper tantrum to back it up.

Ok. You have a fuel efficient car. Big deal. Oil from the ME is rarely refined into gasoline. And if it did, Dubai generates very little income from the petroleum business. Roughly, 5 % of their GDP. They are, however, the workd's largest re-exporter. So, given your moral superiority, I am certain you have checked the provenance of all of the items you use and regularly purchase. Including all those cut flowers, many of which are grown in east Africa and then distributed through Dubai.

Of course, perched on your high horse, you knew all this already.

Perhaps you'd like to provide some fact (and not an MSNBC, Fox News, Vice, or Vox type tantrum)

You're awfully offended that I have made a personal choice not to travel to places like Dubai due to not wanting to glamorize tourism of countries that fund radicalization globally.

The previous poster made the snide remark about gas and I responded that I try to be responsible with that regard as well. Now you're making assumptions about "all those cut flowers" that I am presumably filling up all the room of my home in to make some sort of a point??

Go ahead and glamorize those countries, but then you must also not be hypocritical and denounce the radical teachings done in madrassas and mosques around the world that get their funding from somewhere.

But then again maybe you don't find those teachings abhorrent at all and that's why you think I'm a "pompous American" and "perched on a high horse" and that my "ignorance is astonishing".

I won't be hypocritical and go to those countries with fake smiles while just talking bad about them on the internet. Then again I also wouldn't have freedoms to say whatever I want on the internet or out loud in those countries either...

Show me one madrasah in Dubai. Or one mosque where that is taught. Just one. And when you can't, please think of the many millions of dollars Dubai and the UAE in general have contributed to Christian Churches in the UAE.

You can maintain whatever opinion you choose. You're ignorant and pompous and exude a since of moral superiority because you maintain those opinions without any basis in fact and being willfully blind to the fact that you support the very economies you castigate without even knowing it! Your fuel efficient car? Made from plastic. Plastic is a by-product of the refining of heavy petroleum. That is what ME oil is. Your roads? Asphalt. Heavy crude. Your roof? Asphalt shingles. Your government? Well, that's best left to the politics board.

What you seem to be willfully ignoring is that things like the roads, roofs, etc are not easily within my circle of what I can control. Where I decide to support economies by way of tourist travel is very much within the means of my control.

I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water by just saying, oh well the roof has asphalt shingles so I'm going to Dubai. I'm doing my part based on my conscious.

Ok. I guess you're limiting your tourist dollars to Greenland. Maybe Antarctica. Those seem to be about the only places that would stand up to your standards of not exporting global radicalization.

To me, you remain an ignorant hypocrite.

[Anonymous]

There are also A LOT of human rights violations in Dubai with respect to the (mostly) South Asian workers they bring over to do a lot of contruction and lower service jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are also A LOT of human rights violations in Dubai with respect to the (mostly) South Asian workers they bring over to do a lot of contruction and lower service jobs.

Have you been there? Have you ever been to a labor camp? Spoken to one or more workers? Or, are you basing this on carefully curated news reports?

You're correct though, there are abuses. Just as there are everywhere. Including here in the US. Just look at all the wage and labor violations here. Human rights violations, go to any inner city. Or southern rural area. Or western area.

The fact is, that while these conditions seem harsh to you, the laborer you are yearning protection for is far better off than he was living in a slum in Mumbai or Kolkata. By working in the ME, many laborers are then in a position to purchase property in their home countries. Send their children to school. Have hope.

Just because the abuses are highlighted here by the media doesn't mean that the reality is not substantially different.

And yes. I lived there. Was appalled and actually went to the labor camps. Met people. And paid a lot of my own personal money to help purchase food for them. Not that they were starving or even poorly fed. But being able to help 100 people by buying them rice or sugar for a month letting them save a bit more was satisfying. To me.

And to be clear, I was a banker. Not an aid worker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are also A LOT of human rights violations in Dubai with respect to the (mostly) South Asian workers they bring over to do a lot of contruction and lower service jobs.

Have you been there? Have you ever been to a labor camp? Spoken to one or more workers? Or, are you basing this on carefully curated news reports?

You're correct though, there are abuses. Just as there are everywhere. Including here in the US. Just look at all the wage and labor violations here. Human rights violations, go to any inner city. Or southern rural area. Or western area.

The fact is, that while these conditions seem harsh to you, the laborer you are yearning protection for is far better off than he was living in a slum in Mumbai or Kolkata. By working in the ME, many laborers are then in a position to purchase property in their home countries. Send their children to school. Have hope.

Just because the abuses are highlighted here by the media doesn't mean that the reality is not substantially different.

And yes. I lived there. Was appalled and actually went to the labor camps. Met people. And paid a lot of my own personal money to help purchase food for them. Not that they were starving or even poorly fed. But being able to help 100 people by buying them rice or sugar for a month letting them save a bit more was satisfying. To me.

And to be clear, I was a banker. Not an aid worker.

So you can mistreat people as long as it's a tad better than where they came from? Even when Dubai clearly has the funds to not treat them so poorly? And I can't comment on a thread specifically about Dubai without also mentioning all the other ills in the world? Got it. Didn't realize that was the bar. ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are also A LOT of human rights violations in Dubai with respect to the (mostly) South Asian workers they bring over to do a lot of contruction and lower service jobs.

Have you been there? Have you ever been to a labor camp? Spoken to one or more workers? Or, are you basing this on carefully curated news reports?

You're correct though, there are abuses. Just as there are everywhere. Including here in the US. Just look at all the wage and labor violations here. Human rights violations, go to any inner city. Or southern rural area. Or western area.

The fact is, that while these conditions seem harsh to you, the laborer you are yearning protection for is far better off than he was living in a slum in Mumbai or Kolkata. By working in the ME, many laborers are then in a position to purchase property in their home countries. Send their children to school. Have hope.

Just because the abuses are highlighted here by the media doesn't mean that the reality is not substantially different.

And yes. I lived there. Was appalled and actually went to the labor camps. Met people. And paid a lot of my own personal money to help purchase food for them. Not that they were starving or even poorly fed. But being able to help 100 people by buying them rice or sugar for a month letting them save a bit more was satisfying. To me.

And to be clear, I was a banker. Not an aid worker.

So you can mistreat people as long as it's a tad better than where they came from? Even when Dubai clearly has the funds to not treat them so poorly? And I can't comment on a thread specifically about Dubai without also mentioning all the other ills in the world? Got it. Didn't realize that was the bar. ?

If this is your standard, where is an acceptable location? Show me one place that I cannot point out human rights abuses an ill treatment. So I guess you're left with nowhere.

Face it. You like being pompous and holier-than-thou and probably do nothing other than preach.

[Anonymous]

Hey Dubai debators, get your own thread!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are also A LOT of human rights violations in Dubai with respect to the (mostly) South Asian workers they bring over to do a lot of contruction and lower service jobs.

Have you been there? Have you ever been to a labor camp? Spoken to one or more workers? Or, are you basing this on carefully curated news reports?

You're correct though, there are abuses. Just as there are everywhere. Including here in the US. Just look at all the wage and labor violations here. Human rights violations, go to any inner city. Or southern rural area. Or western area.

The fact is, that while these conditions seem harsh to you, the laborer you are yearning protection for is far better off than he was living in a slum in Mumbai or Kolkata. By working in the ME, many laborers are then in a position to purchase property in their home countries. Send their children to school. Have hope.

Just because the abuses are highlighted here by the media doesn't mean that the reality is not substantially different.

And yes. I lived there. Was appalled and actually went to the labor camps. Met people. And paid a lot of my own personal money to help purchase food for them. Not that they were starving or even poorly fed. But being able to help 100 people by buying them rice or sugar for a month letting them save a bit more was satisfying. To me.

And to be clear, I was a banker. Not an aid worker.

So you can mistreat people as long as it's a tad better than where they came from? Even when Dubai clearly has the funds to not treat them so poorly? And I can't comment on a thread specifically about Dubai without also mentioning all the other ills in the world? Got it. Didn't realize that was the bar. ?

If this is your standard, where is an acceptable location? Show me one place that I cannot point out human rights abuses an ill treatment. So I guess you're left with nowhere.

Face it. You like being pompous and holier-than-thou and probably do nothing other than preach.

Are you from the Dubai tourism board or something? So odd. There are definite abuses, and it does give me pause. I haven't just read about this in Western publications, it's big news in South Asia as well.

Of course, there are human rights violations in most places. The difference is whether the government/business leadership are trying to address it or not. Are they in Dubai? Are they making progress? If you have sources on that, I'm happy to stand corrected. From what I've read, it just doesn't seem like they care.

I'm not sure why you care so much whether I spend my vacation dollars in Dubai.

[Anonymous]

I'm an ex-Washingtonian now living in Dubai. It's been a blast to date. It's a weird city and amazingly fun (and quite expensive if you don't watch yourself!).

For a two day visit I'd recommend the Dubai Mall (like no other mall in the world), the viewing platform from the Burj Khalifa (book tickets in advance, try to time it for sunset), the water fountains in front of the mall and many lovely restaurants to pick from. Another popular dining destination is Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, seven floors of restaurants with wonderful views of the Marina. Try to go to a rooftop bar for drinks. Level 43 on Sheikh Zayed near the Dubai Mall is a good choice, very laid back and friendly. For something more grown up go to Vault in the JW Marriott Hotel. Possibly the best top floor views of the Dubai skyline. For restaurants, do try either Lebanese (excellent) or Indian (excellent). Wafi Gourmet and Karam Beirut in Dubai Mall are good choices. Indian is everywhere and better than any Indian you can find in the US.

Then you have Old Dubai with Meena bazaar (very evocative of India and very different from the rest of Dubai), the gold souk and taking an abra across the creek. It's charming and full of character.

If you've never seen a desert, a desert safari is a popular option and one worth taking.

Check out the beaches as well. It's easy to take a taxi from your hotel to the beach (taxis are dirt cheap) and go for a stroll along the promenade or go for a swim.

As for the ethical side of Dubai, there's an amazing amount of misinformation being said on here. It's not a perfect place but then again neither is the United States. The UAE is one of the staunchest allies of the US in the middle east and has been extremely proactive in combatting Islamic terrorism behind the scenes. They do NOT fund terrorists, what an extraordinary claim to make! Yes, there are laborers who make next to nothing but they work hard and by the standards of their home countries, make a decent income that they send home to educate their children and feed their families and build a better life. The UAE is one of the most progressive Arab countries and the Emiratis are proactive in encouraging both their sons and daughters to pursue higher education and take leadership capacities in their professions. I won't deny there are things about the UAE that frustrates me, but as a well-travelled and well-educated person I'm not blind to the realities behind the scene just about everywhere in the world, including in the USA, and I would never tell anyone not to go to Dubai on principles of morality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ex-Washingtonian now living in Dubai. It's been a blast to date. It's a weird city and amazingly fun (and quite expensive if you don't watch yourself!).

For a two day visit I'd recommend the Dubai Mall (like no other mall in the world), the viewing platform from the Burj Khalifa (book tickets in advance, try to time it for sunset), the water fountains in front of the mall and many lovely restaurants to pick from. Another popular dining destination is Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, seven floors of restaurants with wonderful views of the Marina. Try to go to a rooftop bar for drinks. Level 43 on Sheikh Zayed near the Dubai Mall is a good choice, very laid back and friendly. For something more grown up go to Vault in the JW Marriott Hotel. Possibly the best top floor views of the Dubai skyline. For restaurants, do try either Lebanese (excellent) or Indian (excellent). Wafi Gourmet and Karam Beirut in Dubai Mall are good choices. Indian is everywhere and better than any Indian you can find in the US.

Then you have Old Dubai with Meena bazaar (very evocative of India and very different from the rest of Dubai), the gold souk and taking an abra across the creek. It's charming and full of character.

If you've never seen a desert, a desert safari is a popular option and one worth taking.

Check out the beaches as well. It's easy to take a taxi from your hotel to the beach (taxis are dirt cheap) and go for a stroll along the promenade or go for a swim.

As for the ethical side of Dubai, there's an amazing amount of misinformation being said on here. It's not a perfect place but then again neither is the United States. The UAE is one of the staunchest allies of the US in the middle east and has been extremely proactive in combatting Islamic terrorism behind the scenes. They do NOT fund terrorists, what an extraordinary claim to make! Yes, there are laborers who make next to nothing but they work hard and by the standards of their home countries, make a decent income that they send home to educate their children and feed their families and build a better life. The UAE is one of the most progressive Arab countries and the Emiratis are proactive in encouraging both their sons and daughters to pursue higher education and take leadership capacities in their professions. I won't deny there are things about the UAE that frustrates me, but as a well-travelled and well-educated person I'm not blind to the realities behind the scene just about everywhere in the world, including in the USA, and I would never tell anyone not to go to Dubai on principles of morality.

OP here. Thank you so much for all the recommendations.

Will we have enough time to do a desert safari? I would LOVE to do that. Can you recommend a tour operator?

I was just looking into hotels and leaning towards Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah. It is next door to Burj Al Arab and I believe it is the nicest hotel in the Madinat Jumeirah compound.

I love both Lebanese and Indian food!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ex-Washingtonian now living in Dubai. It's been a blast to date. It's a weird city and amazingly fun (and quite expensive if you don't watch yourself!).

For a two day visit I'd recommend the Dubai Mall (like no other mall in the world), the viewing platform from the Burj Khalifa (book tickets in advance, try to time it for sunset), the water fountains in front of the mall and many lovely restaurants to pick from. Another popular dining destination is Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, seven floors of restaurants with wonderful views of the Marina. Try to go to a rooftop bar for drinks. Level 43 on Sheikh Zayed near the Dubai Mall is a good choice, very laid back and friendly. For something more grown up go to Vault in the JW Marriott Hotel. Possibly the best top floor views of the Dubai skyline. For restaurants, do try either Lebanese (excellent) or Indian (excellent). Wafi Gourmet and Karam Beirut in Dubai Mall are good choices. Indian is everywhere and better than any Indian you can find in the US.

Then you have Old Dubai with Meena bazaar (very evocative of India and very different from the rest of Dubai), the gold souk and taking an abra across the creek. It's charming and full of character.

If you've never seen a desert, a desert safari is a popular option and one worth taking.

Check out the beaches as well. It's easy to take a taxi from your hotel to the beach (taxis are dirt cheap) and go for a stroll along the promenade or go for a swim.

As for the ethical side of Dubai, there's an amazing amount of misinformation being said on here. It's not a perfect place but then again neither is the United States. The UAE is one of the staunchest allies of the US in the middle east and has been extremely proactive in combatting Islamic terrorism behind the scenes. They do NOT fund terrorists, what an extraordinary claim to make! Yes, there are laborers who make next to nothing but they work hard and by the standards of their home countries, make a decent income that they send home to educate their children and feed their families and build a better life. The UAE is one of the most progressive Arab countries and the Emiratis are proactive in encouraging both their sons and daughters to pursue higher education and take leadership capacities in their professions. I won't deny there are things about the UAE that frustrates me, but as a well-travelled and well-educated person I'm not blind to the realities behind the scene just about everywhere in the world, including in the USA, and I would never tell anyone not to go to Dubai on principles of morality.

OP here. Thank you so much for all the recommendations.

Will we have enough time to do a desert safari? I would LOVE to do that. Can you recommend a tour operator?

I was just looking into hotels and leaning towards Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah. It is next door to Burj Al Arab and I believe it is the nicest hotel in the Madinat Jumeirah compound.

I love both Lebanese and Indian food!

I am the other Dubai defender. The original in this thread.

The hotel is great. Next door is the Al Qasr. Either is top rate.

For the desert safari, use the hotel's concierge. It's the easiest way.

The complex has some internal creeks that you can travel on by abra. Lots of fun. There is a huge water park right next door too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ex-Washingtonian now living in Dubai. It's been a blast to date. It's a weird city and amazingly fun (and quite expensive if you don't watch yourself!).

For a two day visit I'd recommend the Dubai Mall (like no other mall in the world), the viewing platform from the Burj Khalifa (book tickets in advance, try to time it for sunset), the water fountains in front of the mall and many lovely restaurants to pick from. Another popular dining destination is Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, seven floors of restaurants with wonderful views of the Marina. Try to go to a rooftop bar for drinks. Level 43 on Sheikh Zayed near the Dubai Mall is a good choice, very laid back and friendly. For something more grown up go to Vault in the JW Marriott Hotel. Possibly the best top floor views of the Dubai skyline. For restaurants, do try either Lebanese (excellent) or Indian (excellent). Wafi Gourmet and Karam Beirut in Dubai Mall are good choices. Indian is everywhere and better than any Indian you can find in the US.

Then you have Old Dubai with Meena bazaar (very evocative of India and very different from the rest of Dubai), the gold souk and taking an abra across the creek. It's charming and full of character.

If you've never seen a desert, a desert safari is a popular option and one worth taking.

Check out the beaches as well. It's easy to take a taxi from your hotel to the beach (taxis are dirt cheap) and go for a stroll along the promenade or go for a swim.

As for the ethical side of Dubai, there's an amazing amount of misinformation being said on here. It's not a perfect place but then again neither is the United States. The UAE is one of the staunchest allies of the US in the middle east and has been extremely proactive in combatting Islamic terrorism behind the scenes. They do NOT fund terrorists, what an extraordinary claim to make! Yes, there are laborers who make next to nothing but they work hard and by the standards of their home countries, make a decent income that they send home to educate their children and feed their families and build a better life. The UAE is one of the most progressive Arab countries and the Emiratis are proactive in encouraging both their sons and daughters to pursue higher education and take leadership capacities in their professions. I won't deny there are things about the UAE that frustrates me, but as a well-travelled and well-educated person I'm not blind to the realities behind the scene just about everywhere in the world, including in the USA, and I would never tell anyone not to go to Dubai on principles of morality.

OP here. Thank you so much for all the recommendations.

Will we have enough time to do a desert safari? I would LOVE to do that. Can you recommend a tour operator?

I was just looking into hotels and leaning towards Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah. It is next door to Burj Al Arab and I believe it is the nicest hotel in the Madinat Jumeirah compound.

I love both Lebanese and Indian food!

I am the other Dubai defender. The original in this thread.

The hotel is great. Next door is the Al Qasr. Either is top rate.

For the desert safari, use the hotel's concierge. It's the easiest way.

The complex has some internal creeks that you can travel on by abra. Lots of fun. There is a huge water park right next door too!

I thought Dar Al Masyaf was the palace hotel. It looks like Al Qasr is also a palace hotel. They all look good to me. Is one better than the other? One better located?