martinbkk

I’m organising a short holiday in Dubai for a close friend, It’s her 30th birthday. She is a Philippine national living in UK the past 6 years or so with legal UK residency. Her ticket is being organised by a travel agency who will sort the visa and hotel booking. We will stay at the JW Marriott Marquis for 3 nights.

Looking for a list of things to do over a Friday/Saturday/Sunday.

Decided against the skydiving and neither of us are much interested in water based activities.

So what do the experienced masses suggest?

Thanks

Bahtatboy

A plush brunch.

Millhouse

bike ride around downtown and a picnic on the grass by the Burj.

mission

definitely do a brunch - Al Qasr or Bubbalicious in the Westin

Brains1983

take her up the Burj. Should be a memorable experience.

Millhouse

Maybe dinner at Jollibees at MOE?

Bahtatboy

Followed by Club 7?

Kakawax

Barasti in the afternoon then a walk over to the Observatory at Marriot Hotel... well that was my little jolly last Saturday and it was amazing.!

Victor Meldrew

Depends what kind of things she likes. The suggestions given regards brunches are a good idea as they give good value for money and there is one for every pocket. Some of the more expensive ones (bubbalicious etc) are quite expensive but also very ostentatious and a unique experience. Others are as cheap as £30 or £40 (Flavours on 2 and Double Deckers). Be prepared to be surrounded by lots of p!ssed people by the end of it though as they are generally expat drinkfests.

Something more sedate for a recovery day would be the Big Bus tour. Good value for money as it can spread over the whole day. There are 2 routes you can take and jump off/jump on throughout the route. Freebies included usually are Dubai Museum, Abra Taxi Ride and I think some others too.

Enjoy!

martinbkk

Many thanks for all the suggestions, some good ones. The brunch thing sounds tempting but we are neither of us big drinkers or much into long sit down eatfests, will see on that one. The observatory looks a nice one. Funnily enough she already mentioned that after 6 years in UK she is craving Jollibees. I do like a nice easy one

I'm guessing Club 7 is some equally formulaic low end Philippine hangout. That might work too
I think she will book the Burj trip, something about it being cheaper and with no queuing if it's done in advance. Is the upper level worth the extra?

Also had recommended a taxi ride to Abu Dhabi to sample the coaster at Ferrari world. Also seems doable.

scrubbedexpat141

What he said.

The Prime 68 brunch in the JW Marquis is exceptional. Shits all over the Al Qasr / Bubblehelmets / Mina salam types (IMO).

Desert safari?
Ski Dubai?
Lunch by Creek + Abra ride + Spice / Gold Souks
etc

DXBtoDOH

Jollibee is at Mall of Emirates so you can combine that with a trip to Ski Dubai.

I'm not a big drinker so I rarely go to brunches but Dubai does fancy bars very well. It's worth it to go to a nice bar even if just for one or two drinks. Vault at JW MArriott has amazing views. At.Mosphere at the Burj is another option. For something not quite so flashy but with excellent views is Level 43 at the Rotona Hotel on Sheikh Zayed. And Observatory, of course.

Not worth it going to AD unless you really, really, really want to go to Ferrari world. There's only a handful of rides.

A casual stroll around Dubai Marina at night never fails to impress. There's a new dining area along JBR Walk with the usual suspects: Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs (Filipinos love those two). It's a fun if very touristy vibe.

An afternoon at a beach club? Any interest in going to Bur Dubai and seeing the gold souk / abra ride across the creek?

Dinner at one of the Madinat restaurants is always well-received.

jam25mack

If in AD do the Grand Mosque.

Millhouse

Highly recommended. but not on a Friday...

I'd be jealous of the Jollibees, Club 7 combo. Club 7 is one of my favourite clubs in Dubai (close with Cirque le Soir and Music Room).

Another pinoy fave is Jules Bar, fun band there too (but not a patch on Club 7).

I always find Brunch suggestions very Meh...

scrubbedexpat141

Is Club 7 the really bright one with a huge stage and lighting production?

Another great Filipino bar is Kitakits. Marco Polo hotel.