Dubai veterans (smccu ?)

[thebulldog]

Anyone do the Shiekh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding?

I think someone here mentioned it before. We are trying to figure if it is worth fitting in.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[gtkim]

We didn't do the cultural breakfast or lunch but we did do the Jumeriah Mosque tour which is organized and run by volunteers from SMCCU.  It was very informative and DH and I are both glad we went.  I think they cover similar topics during the breakfast.

[thebulldog]

Aug 29, 2013 13:52:04 GMT -5 gtkim said:

We didn't do the cultural breakfast or lunch but we did do the Jumeriah Mosque tour which is organized and run by volunteers from SMCCU.  It was very informative and DH and I are both glad we went.  I think they cover similar topics during the breakfast.

Thanks...we are doing a mosque tour in Abu D. So were are thinking the breakfast might be good. Glad you had a good experience.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[gtkim]

The mosque in Abu Dhabi will take your breath away.  It is one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever step foot in. And it is enormous. 

The SMCCU folks were great.  They explained the 5 pillars of Islam in great depth and detail and welcomed any and all questions about the religion or culture.  I think it's worth it if you can fit it in.

[thebulldog]

Aug 29, 2013 15:41:14 GMT -5 @sfgal530 said:

thebulldog, I'm probably the person who mentioned it. I believe H and I will do it while in Dubai next month. If we do, I'll report back and let you know what I think of it.

Thanks!!!! I think we are going just a few weeks apart....it's getting closer!

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

We are doing atmosphere for our first night dinner.
Our flights get in a like 2pm i think....will be curious how long it takes to get out of airport and to your hotel.
How long are you there? Just a layover or full trip?
We are only theee five days and it's going to be tough to jam everything in and also try to relax a little.

I do want to swim in the gulf!

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

I am so annoyed. Atmosphere emailed today amd canceled our reservation for a private event. Now we have to see what we can reshuffle.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

Well 3 days on a stopover from paradise is still pretty amazing.
We are doing a gate 1 travel package we found on groupon earlier this year. The price was pretty sweet deal.
We are playing a lot by ear on the two "free days" (we hit alot on the first day and last day is abu dhabi and mosque tour).
Dh is an architect so he basically wants to look at every nook and cranny of burj K.
We are doing tea at burj al arab on saturday. I can't wait to see that place.
Keep us posted on Mango!

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

OMG you are there already!!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME....thanks for the report.

[Brit]

@sfgal530 - Waves to you from Dubai Marina!!

[Brit]

Sept 8, 2013 12:34:23 GMT -5 @sfgal530 said:

Sept 8, 2013 9:18:19 GMT -5 Brit said:

@sfgal530 - Waves to you from Dubai Marina!!

Hello! We are no longer in Dubai but hope you are enjoying it! We are back in a few weeks so let me know if you do anything that is "can't miss".

Haha, all I see is the inside of an office building. ;-)

[thebulldog]

Sept 8, 2013 3:57:36 GMT -5 @sfgal530 said:

thebulldog, one other tip - we bought advance tickets to the At the Top at the Burj for this morning. It was so hazy when we got up there we couldn't see much that wasn't directly around the BK - could not see the Burj al Arab at all, or the Palm or the World Islands. If you can wait to check the weather forecast before you buy tickets, maybe you can avoid it. I am not sure if it is always hazy or if this is unusual, but it kind of sucked. Also maybe try to go super early in the morning because it didn't start off real hazy, but by 10 am it was crap. Just FYI.

Execellent intel! Thanks.

I really sincerely appreciate you checking in while in vacation.
We plan checking oit the fountains our first night.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[thebulldog]

brit hope you get out of the office jungle soon.

[Brit]

So I did do some things...

There is a good Lebanese restaurant overlooking the fountains. It is called Abdel Wahab - they even serve alcohol.

Also, this sounds weird when I type it, but go jewelry window shopping at Dubai Mall. The bling in the shop windows is absolutely ridiculous. I can't even wrap my head around that there are enough people buying that much mega expensive jewelry to warrant keeping that amount of it on display.

Last time we were here we did a 'Desert Safari'. We hired one of the more expensive companies and went dune bashing in a pretty decked out Land Cruiser followed by a traditional meal in the desert with belly dancers (and shisha available if that's your thing).

I'll keep thinking.

[thebulldog]

Sept 8, 2013 22:00:30 GMT -5 Brit said:

So I did do some things...

There is a good Lebanese restaurant overlooking the fountains. It is called Abdel Wahab - they even serve alcohol.

Also, this sounds weird when I type it, but go jewelry window shopping at Dubai Mall. The bling in the shop windows is absolutely ridiculous. I can't even wrap my head around that there are enough people buying that much mega expensive jewelry to warrant keeping that amount of it on display.

Last time we were here we did a 'Desert Safari'. We hired one of the more expensive companies and went dune bashing in a pretty decked out Land Cruiser followed by a traditional meal in the desert with belly dancers (and shisha available if that's your thing).

I'll keep thinking.

We have a desert safari booked! And i have read that the mall is worth it for the people watching and jewelry alone.

What are non-muslim wearing out and about? I get conflicting advice.


i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[jennybee1018]

Sept 9, 2013 7:13:57 GMT -5 thebulldog said:

Sept 8, 2013 22:00:30 GMT -5 Brit said:

So I did do some things...

There is a good Lebanese restaurant overlooking the fountains. It is called Abdel Wahab - they even serve alcohol.

Also, this sounds weird when I type it, but go jewelry window shopping at Dubai Mall. The bling in the shop windows is absolutely ridiculous. I can't even wrap my head around that there are enough people buying that much mega expensive jewelry to warrant keeping that amount of it on display.

Last time we were here we did a 'Desert Safari'. We hired one of the more expensive companies and went dune bashing in a pretty decked out Land Cruiser followed by a traditional meal in the desert with belly dancers (and shisha available if that's your thing).

I'll keep thinking.

We have a desert safari booked! And i have read that the mall is worth it for the people watching and jewelry alone.

What are non-muslim wearing out and about? I get conflicting advice.


i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

You'll see a whole range of clothing - especially at the mall. Everything from abayas to strapless maxi dresses. For me, I feel most comfortable having my shoulders and knees covered, but people really do wear whatever they want. Bring a sweater/pashmina - the malls are cold!!!!

[thebulldog]

Thanks JennyBee...I am going for long dresses but i have a few than come right to my knee too. i have a white scarf/shawl and a black scarf/shawl thing and a light jacket too for the desert at night. thanks!