When planning a trip to Dubai, try to go in January. We went in August and the temperature was between 43 and 47 degrees Celsius!!!
Various carriers fly to Dubai but we decided on Emirates. They will wrap your baggage free of charge so don’t make the same mistake we did by wrapping the baggage by the Airport company before checking in. It is advisable to make sure of this before any flight. There are so many movies, music and series to choose from so leave books and magazines at home! After the 8 hour flight we arrived at the airport. Make sure you ask the attendant at the passport control whether you are at the correct spot – there is one step before the long queue – you don’t want to stand in the wrong queue in the middle of the night.
After stamping hour passports and getting our luggage we moved towards the exit. It got increasingly warmer up to the point where hot was the operative word. Catching a taxi is very easy. Just look out for the standard cream coloured taxi. They have different coloured roofs. The cost depends on where you are going but our destination was quite far west of the airport, but it was about AED 180 (AED 1 = R2.20). I cannot describe the heat in the middle of the night. Reading glasses fog up, camera lenses fog up and sweat gathers in the small of your back. Pack cotton clothes! The average temperature during the day in August is 43 degrees Celsius. I have never experienced something like that in my life!
We stayed with friends on the Palm Jumeirah but there are so many affordable hotels in the Deira side. Look for hotel apartments if you are more than 2. The Golden Sands Hotel Apartments have specials from time to time. For bigger budgets do try to stay at the Atlantis hotel resort. It has a fabulous water park which is not only enjoyed by kids but adults alike!
Our sightseeing started with the Big Bus Tour. It is well worth it to purchase the 48hour ticket. Unfortunately the bus does its last run at 17:00, so do the red route on your first day and the blue rout the next day. They have free water on board – as much as you can drink – and they hand out earphones for your convenience.
http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/dubai/default.aspx 
You can find bargains at the Old Souq if you are looking for pashminas, clothes, traditional dress and souvenirs. The rule of thumb is, ask if the price is the bargaining price. The shop owners do not always feel like bargaining. We found a stunning Indian Vegetarian Restaurant not far from the Old Souq entrance. Walk away from the souq past the Big Bus stop and keep to the right side of the road. The Restaurant is just there – I wish I wrote down the name though.
Also included in you Big Bus Ticket is a Dhow cruise. We battled to find the boat though, so take my advice: the boat is directly across from the Radisson Hotel building.
The other thing you have to do is a Desert Safari. There are various trips you can take. We opted for the dinner Safari. Take your camera and some cash. You can buy a dvd of the whole day at the desert braai (barbeque). http://www.opdubai.com/tours.htm
A trip to Dubai is not complete without visiting the shopping malls. The Mall of the Emirates was my favourite, with its ski slope and many shops. They often have sales and you will find something to eat in the amazing food court. The Mall of Dubai is the biggest shopping mall I have ever seen. It has 5 levels and a 2 level food court. There is also an ice rink in the middle of the mall. The Burj Dubai is the tallest tower in the world and stands next to the Mall of Dubai. They host a spectacular fountain show every evening. City Centre Mall is on the Big Bus Tour route and is also worth having a look. Electronics are especially good value for money. In the Karama district you will find loads of fake name brands. Look for quality as there are different quality fakes. The Bur Juman Mall is also close to the Karama district and although it is an older shopping mall it also has lots to offer. The Dubai Metro will be up and running by the end of 2009 and will make your sightseeing experience much easier. There is a station next to every mall!
The Atlantis Hotel and Aqua park is one of Sol Kerzner’s projects and is situated on the Palm Jumeirah. This beats any water park you have ever seen. It has various rides from very scary to child friendly. Do take a full day to enjoy this site. They also have fireworks every Thursday night!
Tips
* The sun is not as strong as it is in South Africa. You can get away with a mild sun screen on your face. If you are from the Northern hemisphere use a stronger sun screen.
* Make your visa arrangements through the Dubai Visa Processing Centre. http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.aspx
* Try not to look like a tourist – however, Emirates are very tourist orientated and always friendly.
* You can use the bus – you purchase an e-card on an e-bus. This will entitle you to use the bus 10 times for AED 18. Keep in mind some busses are not e-busses and you will have to pay AED 2 per trip.
* Emirates dress very smart when going for dinner or drinks. Pack a smart outfit if you plan to go out!
* Alcohol is freely available at any hotel and most restaurants. Be prepared to pay AED 35 for a small glass of white wine!
* A can of Pepsi costs about AED 1 when you buy it in the supermarket and they also have a fabulous yogurt for the same price!
