Things to do in Dubai when you're pregnant.

October 24, 2007 7:07 AM

Going to Dubai with a bun in the oven...

My wife and I are finally going on our honeymoon - half a world away, to Dubai. We'd planned this for a while, with dreams of dune bashing, indoor skiing, and other ridiculous pursuits one can only really appreciate in the Emirates. But it appears we'll be bringing along another - by the time we get to Dubai in December, my wife will be almost three months pregnant.

What are some good early-pregnant-friendly things to do in Dubai that we might enjoy? Obviously the bars/clubs are out, and I'm not sure what desert adventures would really be practical. We'd like to see cool things but not totally break the budget (no, we're not staying at Burj-al-Arab, but thanks for asking). Our hotel is near the Deira City Center, so for the most part we'd like to stick around Deira, Dubai City, some of the creek areas, etc. We're definitely keen on checking out the Souks and other interesting shopping stuff. Reasonably-priced but intruiging dining is definitely on the agenda. Also, my wife (native Iranian) speaks fluent Farsi (and also a decent amount of Arabic), so anything that would be Persian-themed would certainly be a plus, since we certainly don't get that much in south Louisiana.

For what it's worth, this is our first pregnancy, so we're still getting used to a lot of the "do's" and "don'ts" - and finding out there's a whole lot of "don'ts."

If you've been there, please be sure to give us as much first-hand experience as possible! Thanks!

posted by kuperman to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

The thing that springs immediately to mind is that your wife may not want to do much of anything at three months pregnant. 8-15 weeks is prime time for morning sickness and the most amazing bone-tiredness you'll ever experience short of having mono. Of course, she also may not have any of this, but be prepared that she may not have a lot of energy. Encourage nap time.

Don't freak out about the "don't's". In America right now people there is a culture of fear around pregnancy. Just make sure that she does eat as healthy as possibly, does get lots of rest, does take vitamins if she can tolerate them, and be prepared to have a great time.

Oh, and .... Congratulations!
posted by anastasiav at 7:44 AM on October 24, 2007

The dune bashing I did in Dubai on this tour was pretty tame, definitely not a problem for a pregnant missus. I'd heartily recommend it - the food was good, the guides were great, and the views and visit to the camel souq were incredible.

We didn't stay at the Burj-al-Arab either, but we did have the most incredible lunch at Pierchic (in the Madinat Jumeirah Resort) which has arguably the best views of it in the city. Great seafood.

Go to the Gold Souq at night - it's so much better when everything is glittering under the lights and bustling with people.
posted by meerkatty at 7:54 AM on October 24, 2007

Head to the beach!

Jumeriah public beach is gorgeous. The water is clear, it only costs about 2 dirhams to get in, and is a short cab ride from Deira. I would, however, recommend that you wait until after 2:00 to go as the weather there is similar to that of Vegas in July.

Strolling through the souks and malls-yes, a visit to City Center is a must and part of the Emirati experience-is always good for some interesting spectacle.

If you want any restaurant recommendations feel free to email me through metafilter.
posted by dagnyduquette at 7:57 AM on October 24, 2007

Also, since we're staying near the Deira City Centre, just how practical is it heading out to Jumeirah?
posted by kuperman at 8:00 AM on October 24, 2007

Well, I would check out the restaurants at the Bustan Al-Rotana as they have about 5 restaurants inside the hotel itself.

The have a Lebansese one that is a real joy to go to on the weekend night (their weekend, not ours, so plan on a quiet Saturday night) that you will be well fed and have a blast until the wee hours if that's what you want.

Also, because a majority of the people who live in Dubai are NOT Emriatii, there are some great restaurants of a wide variety of cuisines. The concierge at your hotel should be more than happy to help you with your desires.

OK< so all I talked about was food.....so?
posted by Dagobert at 9:18 AM on October 24, 2007

As far as inter city travelling (you mention Dubai but there are other cities in the UAE....just not ones as 'exciting' as Dubai.), taxi is the way to go. IIRC, the last time I went to Jumeirah from the Deira City Centre was approx 50 durhams, approx U$14, one way.

Due to the heat, walking duing the day is somehting you want to think about very carefully, even at this time of year (current projected temp is 30 C for tomorrow) so if you can, take cabs. But as has been pointed out exploring the City Centre Mall is quite an experience in of itself. For a short while at least.
posted by Dagobert at 9:36 AM on October 24, 2007

Don't forget we're used to living in south Louisiana, so 30 C is a relatively comfortable cool afternoon. Also, my wife has some cousins that live in Sharjah, so we'll certainly be either going up there to visit (or possibly they'll be coming down as well).

Any tips on museums? Neat 'stuff' to see?
posted by kuperman at 9:56 AM on October 24, 2007

The best part of my trip to Dubai recently was my visit to the XVA Gallery and wandering around that neighborhood.

Also, we had the most inexpensive dinner the Burj Al Arab has to offer by getting a reservation in their buffet one night... we sat outside on the deck and of course the service was lovely. After dinner they et us go up to the top of the building to see the bar at the peak, which was the tackiest place I've ever seen, but I'm glad I got to see it and the view without paying extra.

I also had a great Moroccan meal at Almaz by Momo, which is inside the Mall of the Emirates. (On the top floor of Harvey Nichols.)
posted by xo at 10:24 AM on October 24, 2007

well, in the neighborhood where the Gold and Spice Souks are the real boat docks of Dubai...not the huge honking ships that make Dubai such a massive port but rather the dhows that go to India, other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.

We quite enjoyed walking along the quays to see these smallish wooden boats laden with various goods, seeing how they would live for a long time while the little boats put-putted their way towards their destination, everyone sleeping on the decks, living a life at see that is almost all but forgotten in the Western World. It's cool and kinda snaps you into the realization that no matter all the Western trapping Dubai and Sharjah will offer (and they do; English is the lingua franca just to name one), Dubai is a very separate country with it's own culture, subsumed though it might seem.
posted by Dagobert at 10:29 AM on October 24, 2007