Dorothy

Ok, so I'm going to Europe from Australia in August and have the chance to stop over in Dubai for a few days on the way home. Good plan or is it too ****ing hot to do anything and I'll spend all my time indoors at the hotel or () shopping mall?

gottheTshirt

Too hot and Ramadan till 7th august, Eid till 15/16th August.

Not much else to do in Dubai but eat & drink - (limited locations in Ramadan) and shopping Malls

mikewot

Up to 50 during the day and around 35 at night so you literally cannot sit outside. You're going to only be moving from A/C'd hotel, to A/C'd taxi to A/C'd mall.

Dorothy

Well, that sucks. I was hoping to stop over and go to the markets. Oh well, guess I'll have to travel during the Middle Eastern winter instead. Thanks guys.

mentalist

Is Eid really that long?

gottheTshirt

No its 3 days 8/9/10 but that is Thurs/Fri/Sat

NorthernLad

Depends on your tolerance. We still use the beach/pool in August, it's fine until midday then from around 3pm onwards it's also bearable.

Ramadan gets too much bad press - it's quiet (bonus) and restaurants all open from 7pm. Most hotels allow you have soft drinks during the day, even if it means being discreet at the pool.

Ethos83

What markets?

Carrefour is pretty much the same anywhere.

Kim67

Just think of going to the Pilbara or Kimberley in the middle of December and not being able to swig on your water bottle. If you don't want to stay indoors and shop, it's not really the time to go - but Ramadan is a great time to shop because there's hardly anyone in the malls during the day and there are usually loads of good bargains happening.

Blue Cat

It doesn't stop thousands of tourists visiting Dubai over the summer months, I like Ramadan as it is quieter, shorter working day for the husband. We spend a lot more time at the pool as NL said later in the day. However if you are thinking of visiting souks then I would say no, they are outdoor and it would be unbearable.

Kim67

...and take note of the news tonight advising Australian tourists how to behave in Dubai now that Qantas is in partnership with Emirates. No PDA's, dress conservatively, don't get drunk, violent or swear.

I was actually quite impressed to see if on the news tonight as there will be many more Australians flying through now.

mikewot

Kim67

Dorothy

I saw that. Not getting drunk, violent or swearing on holiday is going to be a challenge for the Aussie bogans who are used to Bali

I've actually booked a different route so now I'm stopping in Singapore. I know it's hot in SIN in summer, but not +50 type hot.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. If I ever do decide to travel during northern winter I'll be sure to spend a few days in Dubai.

Kim67

Haha, that's what I thought. I think they better stick to Bali.