I completely under estimated Dubai for what the country truly is, I travelled here during covid again in June 2022, probably not my best move. The heat was something else, I can cope with hot places but this was just unbelievable, I remember landing at 02:00am going through all the checks etc, walking outside the terminal to my driver to take me to the airport - it was an instant shock to the system, where I struggled to breathe it was already so hot, at 02:00am! It was ridiculous, when I landed the ground temperature was recorded as 37c I knew from that moment on I was doomed for the daytime haha! Thank god all buildings and cars have incredible aircon because I think I would have died without it, the driver would of just had a puddle of a women on his back seat instead.
Water became my best friend during this trip, it was that hot I didn't really want to drink, dont get me wrong in the evenings I did but only a couple glasses of wine, but throughout the days I literally couldn't drink enough water, I was losing fluid quicker than I was able to replenish it. It was my first time ever in this country and I had heard its really hot but I did not expect this type of heat, not only the heat but the humidity as well, I literally couldn't do anything, but that didn't stop me from trying. At one time I even thought going in the sea would help cool me down, oh how I was proved very wrong - it was like getting into a boiling bath!
I recommend a very strong sunscreen and high SPF applied on a regular basis, along with drinking plenty of water to prevent yourself getting dehydrated as its very easy to do so, even with drinking plenty your still at risk due to the heat, so best to be extra cautious to prevent sun and heat stroke.
I flew over from Birmingham (BHX) with Emirates, it was an incredible flight, the staff went above and beyond, the flight time took approx 7 hours, Dubai is 4 hours in front of the UK time wise so the flight always feels longer than it actually is. The flight was a smooth one, I enjoyed the food provided on board, and I had a large variety of drinks offered to me, including alcoholic ones.
I stayed at the Wyndham Dubai Marina, on a clear day you can see The Palm from the windows of the rooms, you also have a marina view, a sea view and a city view depending on which side of the hotel you are staying on. My room had the views looking across the ocean, towards The Palm. The rooms were incredibly large, and came with complimentary dressing gowns (for when your there, not to take home with you - although I did) haha, my bathroom had a bath and a shower, I had a large wardrobe, with iron and ironing board, the room came with bottled water which was available free of charge, and replenished everyday. The staff here were so friendly, and willing to answer any questions I had. The hotel had a couple restaurants and bars, it also had a gift shop and an area you could buy apartments from. The hotel also has a swimming pool and gym, however when I was here the pool was under renovation but we were given free access to the pool and gym facilities of the neighbouring hotel.
I didn't realise they class June as being out of season for tourism, due to the heat so Its a lot cheaper to travel too during this time, and a lot of stuff is closed as they cannot be open for legal and safety reasons, kind of like in the UK when we have to close things because the heat is too much - they have the same rule, apart from the fact they genuinely need it. The main season to come to Dubai is during our winter months, where the temperatures are still in the low to high 30's. If your wanting to have a holiday where you just sunbathe I recommend not travelling in June. I also spoke to a lot of families, who were bringing young children over, who seem to do it quite a lot, its not somewhere I ever thought of bringing children but it is nice to hear from fellow traveler that it is a country which has plenty for children to do.
There is so much you can do here, obviously a lot more during their tourism season but even out of it, so much to explore, from the malls, beaches, theme parks and the desert to go dune bashing, sandboarding and camel riding if your interested in that sort of thing. Not forgetting exploring the tallest building in the world, The Burj Khalifa, which apparently they are planning on building another one next to it but this time 100ft taller - because this one isn't tall enough as it is haha.
Food and drink here was very well priced, you think Dubai you think expensive, but it wasn't bad at all, more affordable than staying in the UK, especially now. Obviously Dubai has certain rules in regards to alcohol which must be respected, however most restaurants and bars serve it with no problem, but there are a few place which are still very traditional, as the country itself has started to become a lot more westernised over the last 10 years. I mention this because I know how us British tend to love somewhere to have a good drink, but their rules must be respected for obvious reasons.
Getting around the city, I found it a lot easier to either walk or get the bus to the beach but then to other places I ordered Ubers to ensure I arrived at the right place without any problems especially as a solo female traveler at this time, but I felt the country to be incredibly safe to be in, the only issue I had was on the beach where a man from Egypt approached me when I was in the water swimming and wouldn't leave me be, however this was soon noticed by locals and stopped.
There is a lot more to the country than what meets the eye, next time I would do things a little differently - and I would also take a trip across the boarder into neighbouring Abu Dhabi and Oman,
I would travel back here happily, if I found accommodation and flights cheap enough I would make it a regular thing just for the weather alone and obviously during the winter months as I don't fancy cooking again in the summer, but we all live & learn don't we.
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