Abu Dhabi & New Year in Dubai

Overview

Program

During this trip we fully explore Dubai, both with a guide and on our own. We offer a complete program with many moments for eating, shopping, walking around, or doing nothing and just enjoying our time in the perfect “winter” weather (28-32˚). The below program may still change a bit before we fully confirm this trip, but it gives you a good idea of what you can expect. In the next section you can read more about the places we visit and whether certain activities are optional or already included.

Mid December
– Pre-departure meeting / dinner

Tuesday 27 December
– 08h30 Meeting Starbucks main terminal Brussels Airport
– 11h25 Departure to Istanbul on TK1938
– 16h55 Arrival Istanbul Airport
– 20h20 Departure to Istanbul
– 01h45 Arrival Abu Dhabi (+2 hours)
– 02h45 Arrival Hotel

Wednesday 28 December
– Easy morning at hotel
– Guided tour Abu Dhabi
– Visit to Grand Mosque, Palace Hotel, Corniche, Louvre Museum, YAS Island
– Optional late afternoon / evening visits Ferrari World, Warner Bros Park, Waterpark

Thursday 29 December
– Check-out hotel & drive to Dubai
– Lunch & visit to Dubai Old Town
– Visit gold & spice souks
– Check-in The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai*****
– Desert experience
– Sunset Desert Dinner Bab Al Shams Resort*****

Friday 30 December
– Guided Dubai tour
– Visit Emirates Mall & Dubai Ski
– Jumeirah Palm Island (Atlantis hotel)
– Visit Burj-Al-Arab hotel (outside from beach)
– Dubai Marina dinner cruise

Saturday 31 December
– Free time
– Gala dinner party
– Burj Khalifa Fireworks

Sunday 1 January
– Visit Burj Khalifa floors 122-124
– Visit Dubai Aquarium
– Free time at Dubai Mall

Monday 2 January
– Free time / optional program
– Farewell dinner
– Late evening departure to airport
– Late evening check-in flight

Tuesday 3 January
– 02h50 Departure to Istanbul on TK761
– 06h45 Arrival Istanbul
– 09h30 Departure to Brussels
– 10h30 Arrival in Brussels

Mid January
– After-trip socializer

The moments there is free time in the program, smaller groups will certainly visit specific places in Dubai, such as museums, shops/malls or go to particular restaurants, e.g. the Queen Elizabeth II for lunch or high-tea. You are of course invited to join these groups so you can have the most optimal program.

Dubai & UAE

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. With almost 3,5 million inhabitants it is comparable to Berlin, but with well over 4.000 square kilometers it is about 5 times larger than the German capital. Despite most people living and working in countless skyscrapers, the distances between the various areas are just huge. For instance, from the Old Town to the famous 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel is already 25km, and from Deira to the famous Atlantis hotel at the top of The Jumeirah Palm islands is the same distance as from Brussels to Antwerp! Finding your way around takes time, but with good planning, a private modern bus for our group and excellent metro connections, as well as strategic plan to discover the city part by part, it’s definitely possible to visit the entire city in a one-week trip.

Unlike what many think, Dubai is not the capital of the UAE but “only” the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. There are in total 7 Emirates. Located on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula the country borders Oman in the North and South, Saudi Arabia in the South and has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran. The federation of seven emirates forms a federal elective constitutional monarchy of which Abu Dhabi in the South serves as the capital. The other emirates are located North of Dubai: Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. The Emirates have about 10 million inhabitants, but only 1,4 million are actual citizens with the rest being expatriates. During our trip we will explore most of Dubai, probably a part of Sharjah and for sure spend a full day in the 2nd UAD economic and cultural powerhouse Abu Dhabi. Throughout the week we will learn everything about this special country and these cities. Our local guides are experts in their history, culture, architecture, economics, environment and more.

Details

There is so much discover in Dubai, you will not be bored a single second. From old buildings to supermodern skyscrapers, from traditional markets to mega shopping malls, from snow-covered indoor slopes to skiable sand dunes, and from traditional Arabian food to virtually any imaginable cuisine from around the globe, it is unending roller coaster. Speaking about g-force excitement, there are several waterparks you may visit and you could go from 0 to 100km/h in just 2 seconds and reach a top speed of 240km/h in the world’s fastest roller coaster in Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. To introduce you a bit more to what you can expect during this amazing trip, we have summed up some of the highlights for you. It’s too much to describe everything even more extensively, but surely you’ll get the gist of it… This is an awesome program!

Dubai Old Town

Where else to start a trip to one of the world’s most modern cities that in its historic part? Our guide(s) will show us around the various parts on the Western and Eastern part of Dubai Creek. We will visit Dubai museum, the Al Fahidi Fort, the gold and spice souks, and have lunch in the famous Arabian Tea House. Needless to say we will also make a traditional Dhow cruise through the Creek.

Dubai Desert

Driving through Dubai and seeing all those skyscrapers of downtown with the world’s largest dancing fountains in between makes you think you are in a part of the world with plenty of fresh water. But nothing is further from the truth because you are after all still in the middle of the desert. With temperatures often surpassing 40˚ its impact on the city is tremendous. Not visiting this barren area would be a big loss because also this is Dubai, although this program is optional. Therefore we are simply obliged to also discover the area beyond the steel and concrete. A desert adventure takes us by bus towards the beginning of this endless sandbox, where multiple 4×4 SUVs will be waiting for us for an exhilarating dune bashing ride over the yellow-gold dunes. Optionally you can join a buggy tour, sand-board down the dunes or go for an old-fashioned camel ride. We close the morning with a lovely lunch. For our sunset dinner we depart our hotels in the later afternoon and enjoy the desert panoramas from a rooftop of a spectacular Arabian resort, while feasting on an amazing dinner to give you that 1001 Arabian nights feeling.

Dubai Downtown

What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, is the Burj Khalifa to Dubai. Surrounded by many other huge skyscrapers, this insanely high building is with 830 meters currently the highest building on the planet and is visible from almost 95 km away! Of course we visit the panoramic viewing platform on floor 124 (!!!). We also visit the famous Dubai Aquarium, see the spectacular fountain show at night, and “set you free to go on a shopping spree” in the world’s largest shopping mall. If that’s too much for you and you need to cool down, no problem, just click on a pair of skis and go down on the white slopes of Dubai Ski which is next to Dubai’s second biggest mall only a few metro stops away.

Dubai Marina 

Certainly one of the city’s most exclusive places, the Dubai Marina neighborhood stretches out a few kilometers along the sea. With its backwater canals, many 200+ meters high rises (the highest 414 meters, higher than the Empire State Building), fancy rooftop restaurants and countless expats, it is definitely a place we have to visit. We will explore this part of Dubai with our guide by bus, foot and by private yacht (t.b.c.). After all, what is nicer than seeing Dubai from the water? The lights of the many beautifully designed skyscrapers will be one of the trip’s highlights!

The Jumeirah Palm

If there is one place in the world that can be summed up by the word megalomania, it would be Dubai. Having already the world’s highest building, it also boasts several mega large pieces of artificial land. Not in the shape like a Dutch polder, but in the shape of palm trees or the globe (with a little help of the Dutch though). If it’s possible, why not? During our guided Dubai trip our private coach and expert guide(s) will take us to this manmade archipelago, which are part of the much larger Palm Islands, The World and The Universe projects. But The Jumeirah Palm islands are the most interesting with its many villas, hotels and resorts and shops.

Burj Al Arab

The world-famous, insanely expensive and guests-only seven-star hotel Burj Al Arab is a true Dubai icon. With its 321 meter height, it resembles the sail of a sailing boat and is visible from far away. With an army of Rolls Royce reserved for its guest, an atrium of 180 meters heigh, and the most lavish suites (the hotel has no regular rooms), the guests’ personal butlers are always ready to make your stay unforgettable. We will take pictures from the beach, although for those who also like to get an unforgettable experience, you are invited to join a small group for dinner in the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor (optional obviously).

Abu Dhabi

When going to Dubai, a quick one day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates is easy with a private bus. We depart in the morning, drive about one hour through the desert before arriving in Abu Dhabi. Although its skyline is by far not as impressive as Dubai’s, with 20+ towers of 200+ meters Abu Dhabi is definitely one of the Middle East’s most modern cities. Our local expert guide will introduce us to the highlights of the city, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Emirates Palace, the Al Jahili Fort, the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit and Ferrari World with the fastest roller coaster. Due to the interest of many of our regular guest, we will of course not forget to stop at the Louvre Museum, before we return to Dubai.

Happy New Year!

To ring in 2023 and forget about 2020, 2021 and partially 2022, we will celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of the world’s most iconic fireworks shows, namely at the foot of The Burj Khalifa. Our hotel is at just a few metro stops away, and if your have energy enough, we may find an excellent spot at just 30-40 minutes walking (most hotels are at an “unwalkable” distance). Enough said… play the movie and watch for yourself!

Hotels

Expat Club puts a lot of effort into finding the best accommodation for all trips. We look at a variety of variables before we make a decision, including hotel chain, room types and sizes, hotel services, hotel class and reviews, and of course location. For this trip we found excellent 5* hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, namely the Park Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi***** and the The Tower Plaza Hotel Dubai***** that you are certainly going to enjoy!

The Park Rotana Hotel***** is a modern five-star hotel at a stone’s throw Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque where we start our guided tour. The rooms are very spacious (36m2), well-lit and feature contemporary furnishings and design. All rooms boast impressive views of Khalifa Park or Sheikh Zayed Bridge and feature a sofa and walk-in shower. The hotel offers five dining five dining venues offer an eclectic range of cuisine and experiences to suit your taste and occasion, including authentic Asian and Italian dishes at Teatro and hearty British classics at Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant, with expansive outdoor terraces. There is a nice outdoor pool for you to cool down.

The Tower Plaza Hotel is one of the most enigmatic hotels in Dubai. With its imposing façade, this 65-story tower offers huge elegant rooms (48m2) with picturesque views of Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah beach.The hotel is centrally located on the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road with a metro station. Swim in your dreams while overlooking the skyline of Dubai. The swimming pools will provide you with the opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy your time to the fullest. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is offered every morning.

Around the Tower Plaza Hotel there is a wide choice of bars and restaurants: from fast-food chains like to high-end French restaurants and a panoply of international cuisines, (Irish) pubs, fancy rooftop terraces and night clubs. During our trip we will visit several of them as a group. Although taxis are the main way of transportation in Dubai for tourist, we also choose this hotel for its location on the main metro line and its relatively small distance to the Burj Khalifa. The highways being jam-packed on New Year’s Eve, this would allow you to walk back in 40 minutes after seeing the spectacular fireworks (about the length of Avenue Louise from the roundabout to the Bois de la Cambre).

Choose your room:
In both hotels you can choose between various room types. It is important that we know exactly what room you require, especially if you travel with more than 2 persons or a family. All rooms are spacious, have private bathrooms, and all the services you may expect in the 5* segment. Be aware that we have limited rooms and/or specific room types in each hotel. An early-confirmed reservation is therefore advised.

• • Single room – 1 large bed for 1 person
  • Double room – 1 large bed for 2 persons (a couple or parent/child)
  • Twin room – 2 single beds (for 2 friends sharing a room)
  • Twin room – 2 single beds (for 2 solo travelers sharing, only in The Apartments)
  • Suites – 1 large bed (for 1 or 2 or more people)
  • Triple/family rooms – at request

Room sharing for solo travellers
If you travel alone on this trip, you can share a “twin room” with 2 single beds (only female rooms, male rooms upon request). We introduce you to the other travellers who also want to share a room. This means you don’t have to search for a friend who wants to join, you are guaranteed not paying for a single surcharge. We also do not assign you to a room, but you choose who you want to share the room with. You can select this room sharing option during the reservation processs. It is a perfect way to lower your costs and to meet another friendly expat.

Family rooms & suites
Please contact us at info@expatclub.org when you would like to bring your family. The trip is certainly very nice for children, but we want to make sure the trip is right for your child and that you get the right room. Needless to say that children get a discount (see above), but we need to know the age of your children. Also contact us also if you travel with 3 or 4 friends or if you have special room requests.

Flights

We are flying Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Abu Dhabi, and back again from from Dubai via Istanbul. This open-jaw option would not be possible with either Emirates or Etihad. And since direct flights are €500-850 more expensive, we deem these Turkish the best option for our group, particularly since direct flights would also mean we have one extra transfer between cities. Checked-luggage of 23kg, onboard luggage of 10kg and a personal item are included.

• • 27 December 2022: TK 1938 | Brussels 11h25 – Istanbul 16h55
  • 27 December 2022: TK868 | Istanbul 20h20 – Abu Dhabi 01h45
  • 03 January 2023: TK761 | Dubai 02h50 – Istanbul 06h45
  • 03 January 2023: TK1937 | Istanbul 09h30 – Brussels 10h30

Flying Business Class is optional (expect >€2500 surcharge). Business Lounge access at Brussels Airport, Istanbul and Dubai are also optional. During the reservation process you can indicate a seat preference. Please note that we are dependent on the airline allocating us seats in advance, and possibly you have to check in yourself.

Optional items

Expat Club want to make sure that you enjoy a great holiday week. That’s why we arranged good flights, two fantastic hotels and a cool group program including comprehensive guided tours, entrances to several top attractions and some meals such as the lunches during our guided tours. Still, we don’t want to pack the entire program and force you to join all parts. Maybe you have other plans, such as visiting a specific museum or go to the beach. All fine of course! However, if you do want to join for additional group programs, here are the additional options that you may  will confirmed only in the fall (prices may still change).

• Business Lounge access (Brussels, Istanbul & Dubai): from €30
• Desert experience (sand-boarding, camel riding) & sunset dinner at 5-star desert hotel: €175
• New Year’s Eve Gala dinner: t.b.c.
• Lunch or High-tea in 7-star Burj al Arab Hotel: t.b.c. (but expensive obviously)
• Lunch or High-tea in legendary Queen Elisabeth II cruise ship: from €55
• Various lunches, dinners and socializers: t.b.c.
• Skiing in Ski Dubai: from €60

Comments

• The trip will be carried out with Turkish Airlines and various local official partners.
• A change in fuel, security and other flight surcharges can be charged by Turkish Airlines onward to you after the reservation, with an amount of up to €100 per person. By booking this trip you agree to this policy and paying the additional fee.
• The trip is carefully planned. Still, all timings are indicative and may change if required by circumstances. Expat Club is known for well-designed programs and changes are rare.
• The trip is sold as a package. In principle you cannot go with your own transportation or arrange your own accommodation. If there are specific things that you do not want in the package, please let us know.
• You are personally responsible for getting a good travel and/or cancelation insurance. 
• You are personally responsible for using the hotel room in an appropriate way. Any missing or broken items will be billed after the trip.
• Expat Club cannot be held liable for unforeseen delays that influence the program (e.g. missed guided tours), neither can Expat Club be held liable for weather-related cancellations or any other unforeseen events that influence the course of the trip, including, but not limited to technical problems with airplanes, coaches, strikes, weather etc.
• Expat Club cannot be held liable for personal injuries during the trip, such as, but not limited to, things that happen during the guided tours. Joining this trip is safe but still at your own risk.
• If you choose to share a room with another solo traveler, during the outbound trip we will connect you with others in the same position.