Dubai Travel Answers

Hello from Dubai :-) First of all: your brave to face Ramadan AND the extreme summer heat all in one! As it will be so hot (around 48 degrees with up to 100% humidity), you'll pretty much be confined to the airconditioned indoors. So you won't be able to "see it all and do it all." You can wander around the numerous, large shopping malls during the day, but although the shops will be open, the restaurants/cafes are all closed until after sunset, so you cannot even get a glass of water anywhere. I would suggest visiting one of the malls that's attached to a hotel, as hotels are allowed to keep at least 1 cafe open during the day for their guests. Some of the malls with hotels are: Mall of the Emirates. Dubai Mall. Deira City Centre. Bur Juman Centre. Usually I'd recommend doing a desert safari, but in this extreme heat and as you write "senior" travellers, I wouldn't even advise this in the evening for you. Temperatures during August still hover around 35 degrees even at midnight! The same goes for the souqs (=traditional bazaars) along Dubai Creek. This is "old, original Dubai" and a must-see for any visitor (you can find skyscrapers anywhere in the world, so have a look at the actual city of Dubai). You can visit here in the evenings; even though it's open to the elements, you can pop into an airconditioned shop whenever the heat is getting too much for you. A great way to see much of the city during a short stay is the Big Bus Tour: "An easy & quick way to see the city: Big Bus" - Souqs Tip by JessH >> May I invite you to have a look at my Dubai page at this link (copy & paste into your browser): "Not all that glitters is gold..." - Dubai by JessH At the bottom, you can click on various links to my tips about Things to Do, Places to Eat, Warnings & Dangers, etc. I hope this info helps, and that you have a great time in Dubai. But please do be aware that a) the extreme heat, and b) Ramadan restrictions will limit the things you can experience during your stay.

excuse the typo: that was of course meant to read "You're brave"

I agree with Jess, the heat/humidity is going to restrict what you can comfortably do. The BigBus has two tours, one around the city and the other around New Dubai so that will be a good way to see the place. Do brave the humidity and wander around the gold souk after sunset, and take an abra (traditional ferry) across the Creek to the souks on the other side. As Jess said, you can duck into shops and just look around to cool off when you feel the need.

I also agree with both jessh and colin. The weather in Ramadan will be so hot but as colin said the bigbustour will be great idea.

Here's an article that has been published in our local newspaper "Gulf News" today: --> Dos Dress appropriately: Men and women are expected to dress in an appropriate manner, not showing too much kin and making sure hemlines and necklines are modest. So watch before you step out. Exchange Ramadan Greetings: While meeting Muslims, it is customary to use the greeting "Ramadan Kareem" and at the end of Ramadan, during the Eid celebrations "Eid Mubarak". Respect those on fast: Fasting can result in a change of temperament in some people; therefore be considerate towards the people around you (especially if they're smokers and haven't had their nicotine fix in a few hours) --> Don'ts Refrain from eating or drinking in public places: From dawn to dusk, no one is allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public places as a sign of respect to those fasting, therefore those who wish to eat or drink are advised to do so in private places. Do not play loud music: Ramadan is a time for prayer and spiritual reflection, therefore playing loud music at home or in the car should be avoided. At the time of Azaan (call to prayer), the sound of music or TV channels should be put on mute. Avoid driving during dusk: During sundown people head home to end their fast, therefore if it isn't required to be on the road, refrain from doing so and wait for half an hour. (basically, what the article means is that every year, there are hundreds of accidents because of idiots speeding home, trying to make it in time to break their fast. Coupled with low blood sugar and a lack of concentration, this is a dangerous mix. I NEVER drive around sunset. It's not worth the risk). Do not swear, shout or get angry in public: Ramadan is a time of patience and controlling emotions; swearing or any form of outrage is disrespectful to people as well as to the piousness of the month. Do not engage in public displays of affection: It is against the customs of the country to engage in displays of affection in public, and even more so during the month of Ramadan. Do not offer food or drink: Do not offer a Muslim food or drink during fasting hours, believing it to be an act of hospitality. They will understand and appreciate this gesture and not find it offending.