And finally I’m packing my Osprey again, thinking about those sandy white beaches.
We’ve chosen Dubai as a stop over point to Philippines. Yes, those rumours were right; Dubai is an expensive city, it is hot here and people are competing who will built the tallest, the shiniest and the most wow factor buildings. I found Dubai extremely clean (maybe a bit too clean), super busy but fascinating. To my surprise, most of the buildings, roads and mosques are named Zayed or Khaliffa. Why?! Also you’re not allowed to eat or drink on any public transport or stations, hold hands or kiss, litter, expose shoulders or knees in public, buy alcohol or sit together with men. But you can drink in bars and run half naked on a beach. Some of these are a bit bizarre, for a westerner.
In four days we managed to see around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and still squeeze in some sun bathing time:) Most of expenses will definitely go on accommodation, but we were lucky enough to stay at my friends place and saved a lot.
Other expenses such as food and travel can be squeezed to a minimum. And I’m not saying walk around gigantic city in +38 to save some pennies.
Metro is the best way to get around, although I found it quite slow comparing to London underground. All day ticket cost 21dh/£4/$6 and is valid for bus, metro and tram journeys. You can also take taxis, that are reasonably priced and is worth over metro if you’re traveling 3 or 4 people.
Trip to Abu Dhabi and Sheik Zayed Mosque.
I would say it was a highlight of Dubai trip! Architecture and atmosphere is fascinating! Start your trip early, as bus to Abu Dhabi takes 2hours one way.
How to get there:
Get to metro station Al Ghubaiba or a green line, exit to bus station, which is across the road, take the bus to Abu Dhabi (60dh, £11, $16 return). When arrive to Abu Dhabi go inside bus terminal and take exit 4, from there all buses go to mosque, it’s 4dh/£0.70/$1 one way.
Entry is free, and so is the full black clothing.
Definitely take some time to walk around Marina and have a coffee or lunch on one of the sky scrapers rooftop lounge, visit beaches and have a cocktail on a rooftop. We went to lounge 43 at night and had early dinner at the rooftop of Ramada hotel. Neither made us broke nor made cry looking at receipts the morning after.
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