5 hot tips you need to know before visiting Dubai

5 HOT tips about Dubai

The Best Mall – The Mall of the Emirates

WHY…Because it’s so much more than a mall, it’s a shopping resort.

Not only are there 560 shops from designer brands to electronics, jewelry and everything else you could possibly want to buy, but there’s also has a choice of entertainment including a penguin enclosure and the famous indoor ski field plus over 90 dining options. It has two 5-star hotels attached, the Kempinski and the Sheraton that just meld into the mall complex.

Even if you don’t want to buy anything go and have a look. It’s excessive with over 7,000 car parks.

Open 10am-10pm

The Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 409 9000

The Best Diamonds – Gold and Diamond Park

WHY…Because there are 90 retailers selling gold and diamonds all under one roof competing with one another so the pricing is very competitive and a fraction of what you would pay in NZ.

One legendary store in the Golds and Diamond Park is Cara Jeweller. It’s always good to get a recommendation from a friend and I’m giving it to you. I love them.They have an incredible range of jewellery and will custom-make pieces as well as remodel jewellery in record time as they have over 200 skilled jewellers in the workshop.

If you are thinking of purchasing something call the store and they’ll send a driver for you. Call +971 4 347 8089.

Open 10am-10pm, Cara Jewellers, Gold and Diamond Park, 4th Interchange, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

The Best Indian Food– Indego by Vineet

WHY…Because it is most delicious, modern Indian food I have ever eaten with light, fresh favours. Chef Vineet Bhatia created history in 2001 being the first Indian Chef – Patron to get a Michelin star for his restaurant, then again in 2009.

Don’t be scarred thinking the meal will break the bank. While it’s not cheap, it’s not outrageous, but it’s worth it. Most of the mains cost between $38 – $50 although some of the meat dished are a little more.

Indego By Vineet, Grosvenor House Dubai Al Emreef Street, Dubai +97143176000

The Worst Bus Tour – Big Bus Tours

WHY…Because they’re too long, there’s too much traffic and there’s not a lot to see.

On the bus tour I went on there’s more music playing though the auditory system than commentary so it doesn’t take long to lose interest. While there are some great things to see in Dubai you are far better off deciding what it is you want to see and grabbing a taxi as they are very reasonably priced. It will save you a lot of time.

The Big Bus company has three tour in Dubai; the City tour, Marina tour and Beach tour. Each loop takes between 1 1/2 – 2 hours. While getting on and off the us is an option, they only come around every 30 minutes so there is a lot of standing around.

Best casual dining – Eauzone

WHY…Because it’s beachfront dining at its best, over-looking the Arabian Sea. It’s located in the Arabian Court, in the One and Only Mirage Hotel. The food has a delicious Asian twist.