Our friend Beezer from Atlanta (no, Beezer is NOT his real name – but only he can tell you that story….) came to visit us in Dubai and I thought others might be interested in what we saw and what he thought about them (so that if you are planning your own trip to Dubai, or live here and are planning an itinerary for others, there might be some pointers).

Beezer was open to seeing anything and everything, except that he is not that much into SHOPPING so I figured I would minimize the time spent in Dubai’s many famous shopping malls.  He was flying into Abu Dhabi and flying out of Dubai (something about maximizing airline points…) so I thought we would pick him up in Abu Dhabi and see the LOUVRE ABU DHABI, which JUST opened November 11^th.  I will have lots of blog posts about the Louvre, since I LOVE it.  An absolute must see if you are in Abu Dhabi, or if you are in Dubai and have an extra day to travel to Abu Dhabi.

The walkway to the Louvre Abu Dhabi – our friend Beezer and I entering with anticipation (outside work is still being done).

Our friend Beezer at the Louvre Abu Dhabi with the signature dome behind.

Jimmy & Beezer marvel at the dome at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

A friendly student interviewed us for a masters project at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

But more on that later.  Here is the schedule we put together for Beezer – see what you think, and in the coming days I will report on how things went and what he thought and make recommendations for YOUR itinerary.

Day One

9am – noon        To Abu Dhabi and the LOUVRE (opens at 10am)

Noon (or after Louvre)  City driving tour: the Sheikh Zayed bridge (Zaha Hadid designed), the Leaning Tower (ADNEC – Capital Gate – 18 degree lean), the Coin Building (Aldar HQ), the Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers (observation deck on 74^th floor), Heritage Village, Qasr Al Hosn (fort from late 18^th c).  (Lunch at the Louvre, Emirates Palace or at Masdar City)

Mid afternoon: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Wahat Al Karama (Matyr’s Memorial across street from Mosque)

3pm-4pm            Masdar City (all solar, green community – www.masdar.ae )

Drive to Dubai (stop at LAST EXIT development by Meraas for a snack and to see development)

Night:   Tour of Downtown Dubai – the fountains, the Mall (waterfall, ice rink – Dubai Mall is the largest Mall in the world), the lake walk and the Opera House.  Dinner either at Middle Eastern restaurant on Blvd or at restaurant overlooking the fountains.

Day Two

Morning:             Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa and visit the aquarium (in Dubai Mall).

Afternoon:         Time to visit OLD DUBAI.  Ride the world’s longest driverless Metro (in front car, there’s a great view!) to the Al Ras Station. Walk to the Gold Souk and to the Spice Souks, then to the Dhow Station.  Take a historic dhows(boat) across Dubai Creek for one dirham! (27 cents).  (Lunch either downtown before leaving for Old Dubai, or in Old Dubai).

Late Afternoon – evening:  AL SEEF development (NEW “old” Dubai – designed to look like the old town.  Close to Old Town, but a bit of a walk).  Start in the new area designed to look historic, and end in the modern portion.

Day Three

Morning:             Tour of NEW Dubai.  Tour of JBR Walk (beachfront promenade), the Dubai Eye (u/c), the Marina and the Palm.  Lunch at a beach club on the Palm (or at The Atlantis, or at the Marina).

Afternoon:          Miracle Gardens (gardens in the desert).   View of what “outside” Dubai looks like (surprise: desert!)

Evening:               Global Village – dinner here.

QUITE AMBITIOUS!  I will give you a preview – we DEFINITELY did not have time to do it all.  Stay tuned for what we DID do and Beezer’s take on it all…