Anyone been to UAE?
 

The wife and I are headed there later this week. We'll stay in Dubai, but are renting a car for a day trip to Abu Dhabi. I want to check out Ferrari World there. Not sure what else to do. Any input? Would like to avoid shopping. Any side trips into the desert worth the time and effort?

I went to the Dubai Air Show in 2011. That's not much exposure to everything else, though, so I don't have much info to offer.

The hotel I stayed at was the Rihab Rotana. It was within walking distance to the airport.
Nice, in a business way. Not over the top luxury, though. For that, you need to stay at the Burj Al Arab. Also, you probably want to be closer to the "fun" areas like Jumeirah and Atlantis.

Yep and Im headed there again in 2 wks.

I went carting at the autodrone last year and am going to try to hit the F1 track in abu dabi, maybe try to rent a ferrari for a few laps.

The autodrome is in Abu Dhabi?

no that is in dubai, fantastic karting track

Dubai Autodrome | Kartdrome | Experiences | Corporate Driving | Track Days | Motorsport |

Yep I went this past February and march. Just off the top of my head while I am on my cell... Emirates palace in Abu Dhabi - try and stay here. Big money $$$$$ but darn is it nice. Grand mosque. Go during evening prayer. It's amazing.

I have a thread on my trip. But can't link it while I am on my cell. Search for it and you should be able to find it. Lot's of great info.

Oh yea. If staying in Dubai... Stick to Jumeirah. Lots of great shopping for Ms. Motion and right on the beach. Lots to do and a quick car ride to the palm. Traffic can be brutal in that area on nice weekends though.

Edit: crap.... No shopping. Go four wheeling in the desert!

I lived there (Abu Dhabi) for all of the nineties. The cities have grown enormously since I left in 2000, but the back country is still much the same. You really need four wheel drive to get the best out of the Emirates. Shops are shops wherever you are, but the scale of the desert is really amazing.

The East coast and the Hajar mountains to the east of Dubai are also interesting.
Jebel Hafeet just outside of Al Ain is an interesting drive (especially in a 911 :D) but there's not much else down that way. For a while I was commuting to Dubai every day from Abu Dhabi in my 911 and once a week I would come home via Al Ain (130km out of my way) just to do two sprints up and down Jebel Hafeet. Those were the days! All the other roads are flat, straight and boring.

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You must see the gold souk. even if you do not buy anything it is pretty amazing. While you are there check out the spice souk. Also take a swing by the indoor snow skiing place in the mall.

Gold souk.
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Excellent. Thanks, fellow Pelicans :)

Oh, yeah... If you have some coin to spare in Dubai, contact AeroGulf and get them to take you on a helicopter tour of the area. From the helicopter you can really get a unique perspective of the city and the man-made islands.

I have a friend from England living in Abu Dhabi. When I was last there, he had just joined a 4WD club and did weekend desert trips.......

If you want to spend the bucks, rent a real hot car and practice driving up Jebel Hafeet. Stay at the Mercure up top and enjoy the view and working out in the swimming pool between runs. Don't do it on weekends. Weekdays you will have the road to yourself. Avoid National Day on Dec 2nd I believe. 10 km. of fantastic turns and switchbacks. For half a dozen years, I had the pleasure of doing the run at least 5 times a week either on my Ducati, 88 911, or Alfa RZ. Fast up for fun, slow down for the view and safety.