Introduction
We were in Dubai for 36 hours, but really, we only had 1 full day. I would have liked to have stayed 2 nights (we missed the Emirates Mall with the ski slope.)
Afternoon Tea at the Burj al Arab
I had booked the 1pm reservation 3 months in advance due to Lucky’s recommendation. We got to the hotel at around 12:30PM and took pictures in the lobby. We then proceeded to the elevator up to the restaurant at around 12:45PM and saw another couple already waiting. When they finally let us go up at 12:55PM, they let that couple go first and another couple that apparently had gotten there before us. So if you do go, check in with the hostess before you explore the hotel. When we did come up, they were seating people to the left first instead of Lucky saying the far right is the best view. Since we were 3rd, we got a middle table, which I think was fine.
Also, remember, you will need to have your reservation when pulling up to the hotel, so have it handy.
We actually went during Ramadan, and so we didn’t any champagne. Talk about bad timing. And they didn’t even reduce the price!
We stayed for about 2 hours. I actually didn’t like the food that much. The iced coffee however was delicious.
Madinat Jumeirah
After afternoon tea, we walked next door to the Madinat Jumeirah, which was like an indoor bazaar. The walk took 15 minutes, and we were dying in the 110 degree heat! We probably should have just Uber’ed it over. Anyway, we didn’t buy anything, but it was nice to walk around.
Dubai Mall
After that, we took an Uber to the Dubai Mall. This is probably the nicest mall in the world. When you have an aquarium and have a floor designated to kid’s clothes and have a Just Cavali kids store, Dolce & Gabanna kids, etc, then you know you have a baller mall. We walked around until 7PM so we could see the water fountain show. I’ve never seen the Bellagio fountain show, but I expect it to be similar. I think it lasted about 5 minutes. After that, since it was Ramadan, we were starving, and so we just went to the food court and ate there. The mall buffet restaurant was nearly $35 USD per person for the buffet. That would have been like $15-$20 in the US, so definitely pricier than the US.
Conclusion
I actually didn’t plan anything besides the afternoon tea and the Dubai Mall. I don’t know what else there is there. I wish we could have gone to the Emirates Mall, which has the ski slope in it and possibly go up the Burj Khalifa (although tickets are $50 to go up it.) If I could do it again, I would spend 2 full days there, and that’s about it.