Where to go and how?

[greatexpectations]

Hi,
I have a two day trip to Dubai to check the place out, before moving out with my wife and 2 kids ( 2yr old boy, and 4 mth old girl), probably in September/October.

What itinerary would you advise pls?

My intention was to rent a car, and explore under my own steam (I have driven in many crazy countries so pls don't worry for me on that score!). However, not sure if my Sat nav covers Dubai. Is it posible to hire one with a car. If yes, how do you input points of interest, destinations? I hear that addresses are quite ropey...

Or, have I got it all wrong, and is there an easy way to hire a driver for the day? maybe yours even - I'll pay

any thoughts appreciated...

[Kansaag]

Dubai runs an excellent taxi service. Decide where you want to go - and they will get you there from 6am - till very late at night. As some areas/roads are under construction - which way you travelled yesterday, might not be available today. Forget about renting a car and using a GPS. Get a taxi (or hire it for a few hours per day) and have a relaxed 2 days in Dubai!

[Iron Horse]

Tough call. There is the part of me that says, stay with your independence and have your own vehicle. The other part says a taxi is so much easier in new situations/cities.

So after thinking about it, get your own vehicle. Get a map well before you arrive. Study it well, so you don't have to refer to it too much as you drive, and hit the destinations you want to get to and you'll be able to spend as much time as you feel you need.

When filling up for fuel, the majority of stations will pump your fuel, and know which side your tank is on so you can pull in on the correct side. I'm assuming you're an American based on your writing, and this influenced my thoughts.

[greatexpectations]

thanks for the response...

if I go down the route of taking a cab for the day, is there a good firm/driver anyone can recommend?

I prefer not to have my company organise this for me/provide a driver, as I will want to see schools, malls, etc. and don't want a report on my days activities...

tel no. would be much appreciated!

Also, any advice on major spots to cover off pls?

thanks again....

[greatexpectations]

iron horse, I think I am chickening out of the self-drive if I have to map read and drive. Not even sure where to go yet, and possibly a cabbie will help take me to the top 10 expat taxi destinations for example...

in vietnam i hired a motorcycle for the day in a remote town, just to explore, but the owner wanted to drive.

as a compromise, he sat on the back (and waved to his friends) while I drove...a great day out, but not sure the same will work here

I'm a brit btw, but have been around hence messed up english...

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by greatexpectations

iron horse, I think I am chickening out of the self-drive if I have to map read and drive. Not even sure where to go yet, and possibly a cabbie will help take me to the top 10 expat taxi destinations for example...

in vietnam i hired a motorcycle for the day in a remote town, just to explore, but the owner wanted to drive.

as a compromise, he sat on the back (and waved to his friends) while I drove...a great day out, but not sure the same will work here

I'm a brit btw, but have been around hence messed up english...

Ha ha! Loved the Vietnam story!!

Personally and considering that you will in fact be on 'holiday', I would recommend the taxi. It's alright to drive if you know your way around and know where you are going but as has already been pointed out, I think that you will feel more relaxed if you have someone take you everywhere. Saves you the hassle of reading a map and driving at the same time! Don't know about you but I get totally stressed the minute I realise that I am lost and considering my appalling map reading skills, it doesn't take long before I take a wrong turn!! GPS is great as well but since I can't tell my left from my right, that doesn't help either!!!

Get yourself a couple of good guide books and make note of all the places that you want to visit. Draw up an itinery and simply work your way down the list! Considering that you would had to buy it at some point (if you haven't already done so), why not kill 2 birds with one stone and get a copy of Dubai Explorer. You can get it from Amazon if you have time or just nip down to Waterstone if you are pressed for time! There's plenty of helpful info in there about Dubai as well as things to do whilst you are on holiday!

I am aware that you do not want your company to take you around but this might be an option worth considering, especially if you have some specific places that you want to visit. A local driver can get you there quicker and then wait for you, saving you the hassle of hailing a taxi everytime you need to go somewhere else. If you tell them what you need to see and what you want to do, they might even draw up an itinery for you and get someone to just ferry you around and make sure that you get to see all the places that you need to. Plus, if they are footing the bill, it will certainly be cheaper!

Enjoy your trip!

[greatexpectations]

thanks Maz...ani idea what a one day taxi rental might cost?

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by greatexpectations

thanks Maz...ani idea what a one day taxi rental might cost?

Sorry! Maybe someone who is based out there might be able to help. I'm still stuck in the UK until the end of the month. Taxis are generally very cheap though. According to my trusty Dubai Explorer, it is possible to hire a taxi for 12 or 24 hours. I've got the number for a few taxi companies - just call them when you get there!

Al Marmoon Tourist Taxi: 04 347 6650
Arabia Taxi: 04 285 5566
Cars Taxis: 04 269 3344
Dubai Transport Corporation: 04 208 0808
Emirates Taxi: 04 339 4455
Gulf Radio Taxi: 04 223 6666
Metro Taxi: 04 267 3222
National Taxis: 04 339 0002