After a much needed almost 10 hour sleep (haven't experienced that in a long time!) we hit the foyer planning to see the concierge to book a "hop on hop off" bus tour before having breaky.
At 220 Dirham per person (exchange rate about 3.3) we knew we weren't going to get value as we only had about 4 hours or so before we had to be back for our Desert Safari. Fortunately the concierge suggested the alternative of a private vehicle with our own driver at 100 Dirham an hour ! Proved an excellent option with a brand new black BMW sports and Agshkar our driver!
We took our time over the sumptuous breakfast buffet, sorted a few other issues and didn't head off till after 10am. Even though Agshkar had only lived in Dubai for 5 years, being from Pakistan, his knowledge was excellent. (He sends his wages back to his family in Pakistan). He answered all our questions and stopped for photos wherever we wanted. The only negative was that the UAE weekend is Friday and Saturday so being Friday most shops and attractions were closed till later in the afternoon. Hence we didn't get to the Gold and Spice Souks. Can't do it all I guess - maybe next time! Agshkar showed us where they were then made our first stop the Jumeirah Mosque. Certainly impressive from the outside but was soon evident from the collection of shoes outside that prayer was in progress so a peak inside was out of the question. A shame but has to be organised as part of a tour.
Next stop was along the Jumeirah Beach area - lovely expanse of sand, palm trees, umbrellas, swimmers and lifeguards. Hard to believe that gardens and lawns look so lush but Agshkar assured us that they are watered profusely often from underground - and if not its probably fake - though desalination is major component of their water supply.
We detoured past the Wild Wadi water park (plenty of kid friendly activities) before stopping to photograph the famous Burj al Arab. Amazing and supposedly the world's only 7 star hotel ! It resembles the sail of a ship with a helipad and tennis court at the top.
We then drove through the Palm Island area - comprising a causeway flanked by opulent apartment style living with the "branches" housing even more upmarket accommodation and marinas before reaching the pinnacle - the Atlantis on the Palm. This is pink coloured arch shaped hotel in lush tropical surroundings.
And, like every where throughout Dubai, construction continues. Cranes are everywhere! Certainly an ever changing landscape of skyscrapers and hotels - all unique in their own architecture.
As it was Friday and Agshkar had to attend prayer - he left us to wander around the Ibn Batutta Mall as it is certainly too hot to be outdoors with temperatures in the 40s! Found a filter for my camera and some chocolate dates!
On his return our next stop was a quick wander through the "shopping resort" of Mall of the Emirates - beautiful designer shopping but we were mainly interested in checking out the indoor ski resort. Found it and got a glimpse of what it was like without getting to see the actual slopes.
It was then time to hot foot it back to the Hyatt, back past the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Farewell and much thanks to Agshkar.
Time for a quick sandwich and drink - permitted for tourists during Ramadan as long as in enclosed premises- and a freshen up before pick up for our Desert Safari. We were picked up just before 4pm by Mohammed and it wasn't long before we were part of the convoy of white Toyota land cruisers heading out of Dubai to Sharjah, one of the other 7 emirates. We travelled on freeway for about half an hour before a brief stop then hit the desert. Tyres are let down and the dune bashing begins! Big Dipper style adrenalin rush with plenty of dust and photo opportunities. Much fun though the poor elderly Mexican lady with scoliosis next to me really struggled - lost count of how many times she said "Ay, Ay, Ay". Several different companies operate these tours so there were many vehicles but our driver assured that the 8 vehicles in our group was low key as in peak season, in winter, there can be over 40!
Each company heads to their own Bedouin style camp where various activities begin - camel rides (looked a bit aged and decrepit but was still fun), a falconer, henna tattoos and traditional local BBQ. Due to Ramadan there was no alcohol served (too hot really anyway) and no belly dancing - but we were not perturbed as we bizarrely ran into old friends of my sister Di, and Nick, - Robyn and Hugh.Still amazed how they recognised us and how random the meeting was - on a desert safari with the same company! Made for an even more memorable evening.
After 830pm it was time for the 45 minute or so drive back to Dubai and our hotel.
Attempted finding a bar at the hotel for a drink - proved too difficult. Early start in the morning so a cuppa was the preferable option.