The Lemon Fool

Hi
We would like to get away somewhere hot for a week on 27th December. Canaries have been ruled out as the weather is too iffy. Cape Verde does not appeal and Caribbean is a bit too far. Dubai might be the answer as it is under 7 hours flight time and is lovely and hot. We should have a fun time on New years eve, however I know nothing about the place. Can anyone recommend any hotels? What is the situation with alcohol? - I presume you can drink in your hotel but it is expensive?
any thoughts gratefully received

April

Lived there on two occasions and around the Gulf for a total of 14 years.

Hotels? What is your budget!? There is something for all –from lavish suites that would satisfy the most picky of billionaires, to down market hostels used by Indian road sweepers.

Alcohol – Unless a specific one day religious holiday is taking place, freely available in the hotels and associated restaurants frequented by westerners. Typically London prices, plus or minus. The old school George and Dragon at the old school Ambassador Hotel on the creek is good value. Then an abra across the creek and walk to the Deira gold souq.

At that time of year it will not be ‘hot’, defining ‘hot’ as 40 - 50c. It will be more like mid-twenties with no humidity and a very sharp light - extremely pleasant. However, cloud and rain can set in for a week or so at any time throughout the winter months, so if you get the wrong week...

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa a must – but expect huge crowds so getting there and away will not be quick! Some happy memories of that. So many people they opened the barriers at the metro station on leaving, so no payment taken. But of course at the other end, not having swiped in, could not swipe out, and ended up jumping the barriers. Must be on video somewhere...