Baltrum

One day in Dubai city?

Hi, I am reaching Dubai Intl airport on Nov 2 around 8:30AM. I am planning to spend the day and return to airport by 8PM to catch the onward flight at 10PM. So far, I have decided to visit the following places: 1. Palm Jumeirah 2. Madinat Jumeirah 3. Burj Al Arab 4. Emirates Mall I don't know if it is possible to cover all the above places but I need some guidance on transportation. 1. Should I hire a taxi for one full day or just take taxi from airport to palm, palm to mall and mall to airport? 2. Which one is economical and what would be the regular fare? 3. I don't know if I could get an aerial view of the palm, if so, from where? 4. My budget would be around $300-$500, I don't know if it is enough or very low. 5. May be a dumb question, do they allow to enter the Palm island or is it only for residents? I am not planning to spend money on resorts or enter the 7 star hotel, but just want to take some beautiful pics. Thanks in advance and I really appreciate your help.

Public Comments

1. go first to the Mall of The Emirates because it tends to be very crowded in the evening , and you will be passing it any way if you go to the other places on your list. Next go to Madinat Jumeirah , then because its next to it, the Burj al Arab -- I think there is an entry fee (100 or ? ). If you need to see the palm in daylight then push the Burj to the end because sunset is around 6 pm. Travel time from the airport to Mall of Emirates is 30 o 45 mins , and in the evening 1 hour if there is traffic. There is a company offering aerial trips , but I don't remember the name, try google or ask some one in the airport terminal. You can take a taxi if you want, and you can ask them to turn off the meter and charge you by the day, its better this way. All the taxis are the same color by the way, beige. There is also a bus tour service : http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/international/default.aspx I guess the bus service above is best if you want to just take pics because its open top, unlike the taxi where you are limited in your view. Another thing you can try to go down to the creek and take the creek ferry (small wooden boat with an engine) called Abra, you can hire one for a day to cruise around the creek, they are the cheaper option. they don't serve any thing, you have to get off to eat. If you decide to stay overnight / 2nd day , these are a few places I might suggest Wafi Mall Burjuman Mall Al Ghurair City Mall Deira City Center Mall There is a bus service between Burjuman Mall and Al Ghurair Mall. The City Center mall is closest to airport but not the best. It has a Hotel connected to it. Also next to Mall of the Emirates (the one on your list) there is a Kimpinski Hotel. If you need cheaper hotels , try the Bar Dubai / Deira (creek banks) areas. This is where the Abras are located. By the way if some one is wondering what does Abra mean, it means "via" in Arabic. Same as in Spanish though spellings might vary.