Returned from 10 days in UAE / Dubai. Exceeded expectations.
Accommodation:
Budget hotel near the main area. $47/night. Clean and central.
Scene:
Quieter than I hoped but still good. Prices were slightly higher than expected.
Quality:
Girls were friendly and attractive overall. Had 6 encounters total.
Logistics:
Taxis are cheap but negotiate first. Eating out was very affordable.
Safety:
Stick to main areas at night and you are fine.
Overall: 8/10. Would definitely return.
Happy to answer any questions.
Returning to UAE / Dubai after 3 years
Started by BayAreaBob · 13 Mar 2026 · 1966 views
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13 Mar 2026 at 00:50
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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14 Mar 2026 at 08:50
Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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Location: Perth, Australia
15 Mar 2026 at 12:50
Agreed on all points. Make sure to use a VPN.
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16 Mar 2026 at 03:50
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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16 Mar 2026 at 06:50
Also recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. Essential.
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16 Mar 2026 at 12:50
This matches my experience. UAE / Dubai is worth the trip.
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17 Mar 2026 at 07:50
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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18 Mar 2026 at 21:50
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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19 Mar 2026 at 08:50
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Solid destination.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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20 Mar 2026 at 03:50
First time was good but could have been better. Second time was much better. Experience makes all the difference.
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21 Mar 2026 at 01:50
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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21 Mar 2026 at 22:50
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
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22 Mar 2026 at 12:50
Agreed on all points. Make sure to bring small bills.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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23 Mar 2026 at 03:50
Adding my experience: scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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25 Mar 2026 at 02:50
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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25 Mar 2026 at 14:17
Been there 12 times now. Still one of my top destinations. The value for money is what keeps me coming back.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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26 Mar 2026 at 11:17
Quick question — how was the ATM situation?
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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26 Mar 2026 at 14:50
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
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27 Mar 2026 at 11:50
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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