United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and it is located about an hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours away by car/bus from Dubai.

Although Abu Dhabi may not be as ultramodern nor having more things to do compared to Dubai, I’d still suggest to spend at least a couple of days in Abu Dhabi to visit some of its iconic and historical landmarks. Similarly to Dubai, people here are friendly and you can also find many foreign labors that works here as well.

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PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmark is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and it should not be missed! In the Grand Mosque, it has a complimentary one hour guided tour at 10am, 11am, and 5pm for Sundays to Thursdays; and 10am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 7pm for Saturdays (subject to changes).

Admission is free and you ought to dress appropriately before entering the Grand Mosque.  No transparent (see through) clothing; no shorts and skirts; no sleeveless shirts; no clothing with profanity; no tight clothing; no swimwear; and no beachwear for any persons visiting the Grand Mosque. Click here to see the illustrative dress code from its official website. However, robes were also provided for women just in case they were not dressed properly before entering the Grand Mosque.

You may visit Sheikh Zayed G. M. – WebsiteSheikh Zayed G. M. – Website for more information on its operating hours, dress code, and others.

Etihad Towers

If you’re a fan of the Fast and the Furious movies, you ought to know the Etihad Towers from the popular scene of its sport car came crashing from one tower to another. Nevertheless, you may choose to stop for a high tea “on the top of the world” at the observation deck located inside tower 2, level 74.

The entrance fee is AED95 per person and a credit voucher of AED55 is attached to the entrance fee and can be redeemed on the day of your visit.

You may visit Etihad Towers – Observation Deck for more information.

Emirates Palace

Located really close to the Etihad Towers is the Emirates Palace. To get into the Emirates Palace, you got to dress properly as it is observed by security guards at the front gate; unless you are a guest at the Emirates Palace!

For instance, please refrain from wearing shorts, flip flops, open shoes, or any other skin-exposing garment. If you are afraid of the heat (before visiting the palace), you may always keep a spare in your bag and you can put them on later.

You don’t expect to come all the way to the Emirates Palace and be denied entry correct?

Marina Mall & Marina Eye

Located not too far from the Etihad Towers (by bus) is the Marina Mall, being one of the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi.

If you are heading to the Etihad Towers or Emirates Palace from the Marina Mall, you may take bus no. 34 (subject to changes) only if it is headed to the Etihad Towers or Emirates Palace direction; or otherwise, you will be headed to the opposite direction. Hence, please check with the bus driver as the time of arrival as specified on the timetable may be inaccurate.

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WORTH DOING

Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari (4WD) with Desert Rose Tourism

I have engaged a tour company, Desert Rose Tourism for its evening desert safari by 4WD and it was awesome. Upon having to be picked up at your agreed location with a 4WD, you will first be headed out from the city to see the camels at the camel farm. Next is the dune bashing session while one middle aged passenger with us have asked for a break before he gotten out to actually vomit. Ugh..

I love the experience and after the dune bashing session, you will be brought to a rest area where other people are also gathered there. Before the skies turn dark, you will be able to do the various activities such as camel riding and sand-boarding (to name a few); before dinner is served while there were dancing performances too.

The above tour costs about AED157.50 per adult (to be paid on-site) and it includes everything as per website, except alcoholic drinks (available for purchase) and quad bike (available for rent).

You may visit Desert Rose Tourism – Website for more information on its available tours and inclusions.

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FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe

I would highly recommend visiting the Yadoo’s House for a really good local Emirati food. This restaurant is not well accessible and I had to take a taxi there; nonetheless it was well-worth it. The service were good too!

In summary, it costs the following:

1. Loqaymat: AED21;
2. Chicken Majboos: AED48; and
3. Tea Karak with Ginger: AED10.

You may visit Yadoo’s House – Website for more information.

Shish Shawerma @ Corniche

 

A good stop for lunch on a sunny day, serving freshly baked bread (Kaakeh) with meat and others. The food tasted good and it is a good place for a quick bite. However, the hot tea was indeed ordinary.

You may visit Shish Shawerma – Website for more information.

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RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

Moving around in Abu Dhabi by foot may be difficult (not recommended) given the vast space and heat if you are in the United Arab Emirates between June – September/October.

By Bus

Taking the bus is a good option only if there is an available bus station near you; although reading the bus network map may be confusing at times.

You may visit Abu Dhabi – Bus Transportation for more information on the type of bus services; timetable; and fares.

By Taxi

Similarly to Dubai, normal taxis are generally regulated by the government; though I don’t remember seeing much/any private taxis (like the black ones in Dubai) in Abu Dhabi. It is fairly easy to identify a normal taxi so you could save your travelling costs.

Hence, taking taxi may be the most convenient way of getting around in Abu Dhabi.

By Metro / Tram

There are no options for metro/trams during my visit to Abu Dhabi; and I understand that there will be one in the near future.

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TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hostel Prices

Based on my observation, Abu Dhabi seems to have very limited options when it comes to hostelling.

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about AED140 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about AED200 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about AED20 – AED30; and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as AED50 – AED60 for an average meal.

Transportation

Upon arriving at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station from Dubai, you ought to purchase a Hafilat travel card from its ticketing “smart card” machine; and a staff member was there to assist me at that time. Also, you will be required to top-up a prepaid cash value into your card before use.

You may visit Hafilat Smart Card – Website for more information on Hafilat smart card and its fares.

Here is a glimpse of how the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station area look like:

Admission Fares

I don’t remember paying any admission fares, unless you are interested to visit the Ferrari World; or the observation deck of the Etihad Towers which may incur an admission fare of between AED300 – AED400 for both places; depending on your interest.

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Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2018) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

I have always been curious about the Middle East, and so I decided to make a spontaneous trip to the United Arab Emirates! Thanks to Emirates Airline’s ticket purchase button!

First stop, Dubai! If you don’t already know, Dubai is well known for its ultramodern architecture and its skyscrapers. Also attracted by its tourism sector, Dubai is without a doubt being one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, attracting many foreign labors and investors as well.

During my visit in early October, I felt that the weather is still considerably hotter than expected and its temperature ranges between 35 – 42 Celsius degrees; probably I get very much used to cold and freezing temperatures.

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PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

Burj Khalifa

As of today, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building of planet Earth! By going to “At the Top” of Burj Khalifa, it gives you a panoramic view of its city and if that isn’t enough, you may also experience its sunrise/sunset view and you will be one of a few persons to see its sun to rise/set in Dubai.

I bought my tickets to “At the Top” with includes admission to the Fountain Boardwalk as well for AED240 per pax; while its prices varies for “At the Top” depending on your time of visit. For instance, sunset hours (under General Admission entry) may be more expensive than any other regular hours of visit.

You may visit Burj Khalifa – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

Dubai’s Fountain Boardwalk

Next to the tallest building is the tallest performing fountain in the world that is choreographed by water, music, and lighting! To get closer upfront of its sky-rocketed fountain, you may purchase a ticket to the Fountain Boardwalk that costs about AED 25 per pax and take note that you may get soaked with water as well. Personally, I think that the tickets prices are still well worth of its purchase while you seldom see performances like these!

If you made a booking online, do remember to collect these tickets at the ticketing counters in the Dubai Mall, the same counter used for gaining entry to the Burj Khalifa’s “At the Top” experience. Not visiting the Boardwalk? There are ample spaces out there too!

You may visit The Dubai Fountain – Show Schedule for its show schedule; or Burj Khalifa – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is without a doubt being one of the largest shopping mall in the world. Yes, you hear me right!

You may literally spend your entire day in the Dubai Mall; if you were to include your visit to the “At the Top” of Burj Khalifa and its Dubai Fountain out there too.

Afraid not, dress code for the Dubai Mall is rather relaxed and nothing much to worry about. In there, you will also see an abundant of stores for clothing and cafes.

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

If you ever dreamed of visiting the most luxurious hotel, that ought to be Burj Al Arab Jumeirah! It is undoubtedly a 5-star hotel but it is also self-proclaimed to be a 7-star hotel which gives you one of the most stunning interior design and also the panoramic view from its Skyview Bar.

Take note that you’ll need a booking with the hotel or a reservation to one of its restaurants/bars so that you’ll be allowed to enter this luxury hotel. You may visit Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Website for more information.

Tips: One of the cheapest way of visiting the hotel is to make a reservation with “Gold on 27” that is located on the 27th floor. Although my booking details have indicated a minimum spending of AED150 per person; I wasn’t charged of a minimum spending although my bill hits below AED150 per person. You may also visit Restaurants & Bars – Website for more information on restaurants/bars in the hotel.

Skydive Dubai

One thing you’ll never regret in life is to jump out of a plane with one of the best skydives in the world, Skydive Dubai! Though it is expensive (AED1699 for Desert Campus) & (AED2199 for Palm Dropzone), it’s a lifetime experience and it includes photos and a professionally edited video of the skydive as well.

You may visit Skydive Dubai – Website for more information; and also Aspen’s Skydive Dubai – Youtube on my jump above the Palm Dropzone!

During my attempt, the instructor is friendly and very much professional in terms of getting you geared and to ensure that your jump is one of the lifetime experience. I will definitely take on another jump whenever possible!

Nearest Tram station: Dubai Marina; or Marina Towers

Dubai Marina & Beach

A good place to take a stroll, but try avoiding summer time if you couldn’t take the heat. I suggest a good weather between the months of November – February may be ideal!

Nearest Metro station: Damac Properties (Dubai Marina); or Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Atlantis, The Palm

The Atlantis is situated at the tip of the palm Jumeirah and it gives me one of my special moments in life (that’s a secret).

Aside of the above, I had much less than expected. Unless you are taking your children to the Aquaventure Waterpark or the Lost Chambers Aquarium, you may skip the Atlantis. Also, you are not allowed to visit the Atlantis hotel if you are not a guest.

The Monorail station: Atlantis Aquaventure

Madinat Jumeirah

This is an ancient marketplace with a re-creation of the traditional Middle Eastern style and ambience. You may find all-kind of souvenirs in this marketplace but I’d rather spend my time by the outside waters with old ancient boats and you will also notice a glimpse of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Dubai Souk

The souk area is a combination of places for its spices, gold, and souvenirs. Personally, prices there ain’t cheap and some may offer you at very high prices; to know that you will bargain down.

Saffron is one of its popular spices you ought to buy in Dubai and they are categorized at different types of grade. The higher grade will constitute a higher price. Well, I do remember buying the 2nd top grade at about AED90+ for just 5 grams of saffron!

Nearest Metro station: Al Ras; Baniyas Square; or Palm Deira

Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of Emirates is a shopping mall but it is smaller in comparison to the Dubai Mall. One of its highlights of visiting this mall is the Ski Dubai Penguins when you’ve got the chance to meet the penguins and winter in the middle of Dubai!

You may visit Ski Dubai Penguins – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro station: Mall of the Emirates

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OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Souk Al Bahar

Located just adjacent to the Dubai Mall is the bridge connecting to the Souk Al Bahar; offering souvenirs and a variety of antique items.

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

Dubai Opera

Visiting the Dubai Opera is a good option if you are keen to see a performance!

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

Dubai Frame

A Dubai Frame is known to be the biggest picture frame on the planet and it costs about AED50 per entry/adult. Seems like Dubai likes being the biggest in everything huh?

You may visit The Dubai Frame – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro station: Al Jafiliya

Dubai Festival City

This mall seems to be average in terms of things to see but my visit was merely for the purpose of dining in at the Al-Fanar Restaurant & Café; in which recommended by many for good local Emirati food!

Nearest Metro/Marine station: Creek; before transiting to Al Jaddaf Marine Station*.

*You may visit Al Jaddaf Marine Station – Website for more information on its operating hours and fares.

Dhow Cruise @ Dubai Creek

Although it was a great experience riding a Dhow cruise along the creek; it wasn’t up to the expectation in comparison to any cruises I had in Europe. Perhaps there were many buildings?

For the Dhow cruise, I took a tour organized by Rayna Tours and Travels and it was terrible. The driver picked me up at the hotel followed by the remaining passengers prior to the boarding of the cruise at a designated location. However, they dropped us at the wrong location. After that, he returned and was so clueless about the whereabouts of the correct designation location. In short, we were an hour late and we had to chase the cruise mid-way via boat like a pirate; while the food on the cruise were terrible; and its cold after we arrived.

No proper communication were made and they’ve never gotten back to me upon having to receive my feedback after checking with us on our experience after our tour is completed.

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FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

Al-Fanar Restaurant & Café

Located in Dubai’s Festival City is the Al-Fanar Restaurant & Cafe; serving local Emirati food and its portions were generous. The food were good and the dates milkshake is something you got to try.

Al-Fanar have its own stores selling sauces and ice creams as well; situated just next to its restaurant. In here, you will find the Baklava – Camel Milk Ice Cream (in the fridge) and I bought it out of experiencing how the ice cream would taste like. To be honest, it does really taste like a camel although you don’t really expect how a camel should be tasted like. Bizarre!

In summary, it costs the following:-

1. Dango (Chick Peas): AED19;
2. Leqaimat: AED26;
3. Machboos Deyay: AED55;
4. Dates Milkshake: AED24; and
5. Baklava – Camel Milk Ice Cream: AED14.

You may visit Al-Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro/Marine station: Creek; before transiting to Al Jaddaf Marine Station*.

*You may visit Al Jaddaf Marine Station – Website for more information on its operating hours and fares.

Al Ustad Special Kebab

This restaurant is highly recommended and these Persian kebabs are one of the best I have ever tried whether in Southeast Asia, or in Europe! You could request for the platter menu and they do options for mix meat platter; normally with lamb, beef, chicken, etc. with bread or rice options. A meal like this may be enough for 2 pax and it costs about AED70 (without drinks).

The meat is tender and it has a smoky taste and it was said that this restaurant has been around since year 1978 and there are no other branches.

Nearest Metro station: Al Fahidi

Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets

 

Al Hallab serves Lebanese cuisine and they are located in the Dubai Mall. Overall, the food were good, but ain’t the best among the other restaurant I have dined in.

To my surprise, I first learned about the non-alcoholic beverages they served and thereafter, I noticed that most supermarkets sells them as well.

In summary, it costs the following:-

1. Hommos: AED23;
2. Saffron Rice: AED21;
3. Chicken Kebab: AED43; and
4. Barbican (Non-Alcoholic) Beer: AED17.

You may visit Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets – Website for more information.

Nearest Metro station: Burj Khalifa; or Dubai Mall

Bu Qtair Restaurant

You’ll need some effort to get here to Bu Qtair Restaurant as they are located slightly away from the main road (Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pzfX7H6Jeky). Nevertheless, I like the food very much while your rice may go with the delicious curry too!

Unfortunately, I lost track of how much the food costs but I find that they are still reasonably priced and it was well-worth of the effort to give this place a visit. Hence, I will definitely be back!

Café Bateel

Bateel is best known for its dates and somehow, they have got their own cafes as well. Having to visit the cafe, we ordered some pudding with yoghurt ice cream on the top with some drinks that were served together with the dates.

Pudding tasted average, but the dates (on the sides) were indeed superb! Whenever possible, I would go back to date the dates! 🙂

In summary, it costs the following:-

1. Pomegranate Juice (200ml): AED27 – image not included;
2. Qahwa (Small): AED30; and
3. Stick Toffee Pudding (with Yoghurt Ice Cream): AED40.

I visited the branch at the Mall of the Emirates; while the nearest metro station is also namely called as the Mall of the Emirates.

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RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

Moving around in Dubai by foot reminds me of Moscow, the capital city of Russia. Except that Dubai will kill you with the heat if you are visiting the United Arab Emirates between June – September/October.

By Bus

Taking the bus may be a good option; an alternate option to metro. Here is how the interior of the bus looks like:

By Tram

The tram is a good option if you are moving around Dubai Marina. However, its tram is moving one-way in a loop that if you intend to go back by 1 station, you ought to take the tram throughout the entire loop. I found this to be inconvenient and time consuming though. Here is how the tram looks like:

By Monorail

Besides taxi, this is an alternative route to travel within Palm Jumeirah or to the Atlantis. If you are travelling by the tram, you may then alight at Palm Jumeirah station before transiting to Monorail station. Here is how the monorail looks like:

By Metro

Taking the metro may be good but may have limited accessibility to areas closer to the beach. For instance, there is no metro stations near Burj Al Arab nor the Palm Jumeirah. Here is how the metro area and its interior looks like:

You may visit Dubai – Metro Network Map for more information on its metro map.

By Taxi

Sometimes, taking the taxi may be the best option to travel around in Dubai due to limited accessibility to metro stations. However, do take note that in Dubai, there are various type of taxis (whether public or private) and if somebody approached you in person claiming to be a taxi driver, do confirm which taxi you are getting into and don’t hesitate to decline if you are led to getting into a private taxi instead.

Tips on normal taxi meters (regulated by government):

1. Taxi meters normally starts at AED5; while
2. Taxi meters at shopping malls starts at AED12; or
3. Taxi meters at Dubai International Airport starts at AED25.

Public taxis was said to be regulated by the government and to identify one, its roof will have one its various colours with its roof sign “TAXI” on it. Taking the public/normal taxis is way more reasonable than private taxis.

Private taxis are usually entirely black in colour just like the below image:

In Dubai International Airport, you will see the below rates of different taxis, whether its government taxi or private taxi which carries a different rate per kilometre.

Unless you are rich enough, you may then hop into private taxis (black in colour), which will include WiFi and driver talking to you! 🙂

Note: Any taxis travelling between zones in Dubai may incur additional surcharge into your taxi fares.

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TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hostel Prices

• Shared dorm rooms: Starts at AED100 per pax/night, but AED140 – AED160 is average.

I am not too sure about hosteling in Dubai as the above gives you an insight of how much hosteling would have cost. Furthermore, prices may vary depending on your hostel’s location.

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about AED150 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about AED180 – AED200 at average per night for 2 persons. During my time in Dubai, I have placed my nights in 2 different hotels, one of which is TRYP by Wyndham Dubai and another, Best Western Plus: Pearl Creek. Hence, my stay costs about AED368 per night (inclusive of 5% VAT; 7% Municipality fee; AED15 Tourism Fee per night; and 10% Property service charge). All other inclusion are expensive isn’t it?
  • TRYP by Wyndham Dubai: This hotel commence business in year 2017 and we were there on its 1st year of age while I find this hotel to be really modern and its room interior/bed were comfy. Upon entering the room, I was welcome with a welcome card and whats best was its TV screen being connected online and I switched to YouTube playing my desired music!
  • Best Western Plus: Pearl Creek: The rooms were comfy just like any other 4-star hotels while its situated just next to Dubai’s Creek. Unfortunately, my room’s view was situated on the other side; rather than the view of the creek. Ugh..

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about AED20 – AED30; and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as AED50 – AED60 for an average meal.

Transportation

Moving around frequently in Dubai by public transportation will very likely require you to get a Nol card which is usable for all mode of transportation (eg. Metro, Buses, and Trams). Therefore, it is just another convenient way to travel by public transportation, by tapping in and out!

There are several types of Nol cards available for purchase as they carry different types of fares and benefits/entitlements. For instance, getting a Gold Card will grant you access to Gold Class cabin at metro stations; of course with a higher fare!

Where to get Nol cards?

Answer: Ticketing Counter available at various metro stations.

Where to reload your Nol cards?

You may reload them at self-ticketing machine / ticketing counter located at metro stations and at most times, you may need to ensure that your Nol card have sufficient card balances (AED7.5) and do top-up as and when needed. I had difficulties getting them reloaded outside metro stations (I don’t think you can reload them with bus drivers).

• Dubai Metro / Bus / Trams
  
  • Without a Nol card (Standard Red Ticket): A single ticket/ride costs AED4 per adult if travelling within the same zone; AED6 per adult if travelling to an adjacent zone; or AED7.5 if travelling to more than 2 zones.
  • With a Nol card: A single ticket/ride costs AED3 per adult if travelling within the same zone; AED5 per adult if travelling to an adjacent zone; or AED7.5 if travelling to more than 2 zones.

A Nol card will require a minimum balance of AED7.5 before it is tap-able (for at least, the metro).

You may visit Nol Card – Fare and Card Types for more information.

• Dubai Monorail
  
  • Fares: A ticket for an adult/way is AED20; while a return journey costs AED30 per adult.  Nol cards are not usable as I was informed that the monorail in Dubai is private and not government regulated.
  • You may visit Dubai – Monorail Tickets for more information.

• Abu Dhabi to Dubai (or vice versa): You may take the local RTA bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Dubai at either of the following bus stations:

1. Al Ghubaiba (Bus No. E100): Travel time may take an approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes; or

2. Ibn Battuta (Bus No. E101): Travel time may take an approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

3. Fares: You will need to use your Nol cards while its fares for single adult/way costs approximately AED25 or a return journey at AED50. If your Nol card had insufficient funds, you may reload them at any of the above 2 bus stations.

Dubai is geographically long stretched and therefore, you should proceed to the nearest bus station; either Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta in which will save you more time! Up to date, you are not allowed to make an online booking of the above tickets as they operate as a public bus regulated by RTA/government.

My feedback on these buses was unsatisfactory in relation to the cleanliness on its surrounding, maybe because its a public bus. There was once that the side of my seat had else’s vomit stains and it stinks. Glad it was a short travel time (at least for me) so I didn’t react much to it.

Admission Fares

Admission fares (excluding activity tours) may costs at least of AED200 depending on your interest. For instance, various admissions may include getting to the Top of Burj Khalifa & and entry into its Fountain Boardwalk; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; or getting into the Ski Dubai.

The above will definitely exclude the extraordinarily awesome activity, Skydive Dubai!

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Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2018) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.