Kristine
Woodbridge, Virginia
Couple traveling in mid-July to Abu Dhabi for 2 days and then Dubai for 2 days. Would love recommendations on inexpensive things to do, places to eat, places to shop, and things to see. Also, would love tips when traveling during Ramadan.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
I've been to UAE for couple of times. I would advise you to rent a car. It is very convenient while traveling around UAE. Last time I rented at RentalCars24H and I was completely satisfied.
You should visit Grand Mosque, Burj Khalifa, Atlantis, The Palm and Ferrari in Dubai and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Also don't forget to take a Desert Safari.
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Day 01: In the late afternoon head towards Desert Safari with Dinner
Day 02: Grand Mosque and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Day 03: Half Day City Tour with Burj Khalifa
Day 04: Atlantis, The Palm with Dhow Cruise
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July in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be pretty hot so you may need to focus on indoor venues for most activities as the temperature doesn't really drop even in the evenings. As it will also be Ramadan in July this year, you can expect most places to be a little quieter than usual, especially in Abu Dhabi.
Places to visit in Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (to try the world's fastest roller coaster) or the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital for something different and very local.
Places to visit in Dubai: Burj Khalifa is definitely worth a visit and you can buy reduced tickets at non peak periods; shopping at any of the major malls as all of them are air-conditioned, a visit to Atlantis, The Palm if you wish to check out the aquarium and definitely book an Iftar or Suhour during Ramadan to get a real feel for seasonal dining. TimeOutDubai.com should have a full list of options with prices closer to the date.
Foodiva.net should also have a list of all restaurants that are operational during fasting hours a little closer to the start of the season, which will make picking lunch spots easier.
Other sights such as the Memorial Fountain and Madinat Jumeirah can also be visited during summer, as both have air conditioned areas nearby to dash into when the heat gets too much and plenty of dining options to choose from :)
Pet falcon waiting for a check up at the Falcon Hospital
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