Things are pretty expensive in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so hopefully this would help in you saving some money!
1. TRANSPORTATION
- Cheapest way from the airport to Dubai city centre is via Dubai metro (AED3-7, depending on which areas you stay - although it might continue to increase again).
- From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the cheapest form is to take a bus (Al Ghubaiba/Ibn Battuta Bus Station), takes about an hour and half, depending on traffic. Current cost is AED25, pretty worth it considering the seats are comfortable and free WIFI onboard.
- Getting around in Dubai is mostly via metro/tram/bus (not sure) and if it is too out-of-the-way; cab. Walking is possible but unadvisable. As for Abu Dhabi, I used the cab most of the time as there is no metro and the bus system is ??
- The abra, a traditional water boat (now operated by motor) cost AED1 and it's the most fun and cheapest way to get from one side of the Creek to the other
2. SHOPPING
- In my opinion, Dubai/Abu Dhabi is like a HUGE mall with both international and local brands - but not cheap; even with sales :/
- Things native to the UAE that are WORTH buying are; dates, coffee (with cardamon), fruits (pomegranates, grapefruit...etc), flat bread, tahina (sesame paste) and hummus spreads, honey, figs, nuts, spices
- Supermarkets offer pretty reasonable prices for takeaway salads/meals
- The annual Global Village is like a mini-World Expo with lots of interesting things to buy
3. ATTRACTIONS in Dubai
- New Dubai Area: Ibn Battuta Mall (a huge mall divided into 5 continents which Ibn Battuta the explorer travelled to. They even have a mini exhibition with artefacts for curious visitors!), The Walk at JBR ( a short area of beach and filled with many al fresco dining areas, been there in the day but not at night, which I understand that it would be more happening), The Palm Jumeirah - yes, I've been onto the world's largest man-made island! (you have to CAB or take the monorail which costs AED22 for 2 ways in! An exclusive place which I had mistakenly tried to run in but was stuck near the entrance and had to look for a cab :( Nothing much unless you want to dine in some atas restaurant or look at the Arabian Gulf..hurhur). Dubai Marina merely offers a good background for profile pictures but don't spend time walking along the area.
- The Burj al Arab Area (Malls of the Emirates metro): I didn't get to go there because you need a reservation at the restaurant/bars but it would be the global icon of Dubai. Walking down Umm Suqeim Road also leads to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a place I would consider visiting the next round - modelled after an Arabian town.
- Old Deira: Al Fahidi Historical District (one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai) and Bastakiya Quarters (see the old restored wind towers, look through the small shops, visit the Coffee Museum to try the various coffees and see how they are prepared, go for the Jumeirah Mosque visit - AED10, 945am daily except Fridays)
- Bur Dubai: Heritage and Diving Village (walked past but didn't look around much, except stopped to have a coffee by the road by one of the camel owners), traditional spice, gold and grand souks (a mix-mash of Little India?), Dubai Museum (AED3 but one of the best maintained museums around)
- Inner Suburbs of the Creek: Wildlife Sanctuary on Oud Metha Road
- Deira City Centre: Perfume Souk (didn't spot it), Fish and Vegetables Market (they have pretty good buys there! Iran dates going for AED5/kg), Naif Museum (old police station), Al-Ahmadiya School museum, Heritage House (all free, worth a short visit because they are very small and not very well-retored)
- Downtown Dubai: Dubai Mall, Souk al Bahar, The Palace and Fountain (pretty impressive fountain shows daily. The Dubai Mall is a really HUGE place, also links to the Burj Khalifa and houses the Underwater Aquarium)
4. ATTRACTIONS in Abu Dhabi
- Malls (again) -We visited Marina Mall, World Trade Centre (with a pricey Shake Shack), Al Wadha Mall - got pretty sick of these extravagant huge places, although it provided a respite from the heat
- Emirates Palace - It is actually a hotel but looks so grand like a palace. Note that it only opens to visitors from 10am onwards and in order to get through the security to the outdoor area, walk all the way to the end and look for a resident's entrance. You will be amazed by the immense extravagance of the place - long pristine (man-made) beaches, green lawns, even camels available for rides!
- Abu Dhabi Heritage Village - only "cultural" place in the Washington-like administrative state. Gives you a glimpse of traditional crafts like pottery, carving...etc and of course, camels are available for photos!
- Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque - the most opulent mosque you've ever seen. Vistors can borrow an abaya to enter as you are required to cover up. The mosque is a functioning mosque so I think at certain times, they don't open for visits. There are free daily tours conducted with a guide (we were late so we didn't have) so we walked around on our own. The architecture and details of the carvings and interior are breathtaking. Somewhat equivalent to a Chinese palace or European church.
- Other attractions include Yas Island and Ferrari World...etc but are really pricey so we didn't bother
5. ACCOMODATION
- Stayed in an AirBNB apartment in Jumeirah Lake Towers (SGD50/night), the cheapest form of accomodation in Dubai. Hotels are pricy
- In Abu Dhabi, because my cousin paid for my hotel, it was a way to save costs for me. Centro Al Manhal located beside the bus station and Al Wadha mall
THE WEDDING
Was held on Nurai Island, a private island that required us to take a speedboat across. It was really fun and was my first wedding by the beach! There was first the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, followed by the exchange of vows, then dinner (which was AWESOME) and dance.My cousin also brought us around her place - St Regis Serviced Apartments on Saaiyat Island, a rather chill environment with many high-end apartments and hotels.
The next trip to Dubai is in October. Overall, it was a little disappointing because it wasn't as good as I expected - not a lot of cultural places and mostly seems like a money-making artificial city..Hopefully I will be able to visit the deserts in Dubai and Al Ain!
