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Robb & Elissa in the UAE - 2017! Dubai & Abu Dhabi!


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^Her fears are justified in a different muslim country, or even the UAE 5+ years ago, but today the place is very touristy, liberal, and safe.

 

As long as you don't break the rules, there's nothing that will happen to you. Respect their culture (without being scared of it) and it's fine. That means no drugs, no public intoxication, no big PDA, etc. There was no place on this trip that I felt uncomfortable as a woman/mother/american/etc. On our last trip some of the sketchy malls with kiddie credits were a bit 'local' with many men looking at us, but we avoided that crap this time around! I'm happy to answer any other questions she may have.

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Thanks for taking the time to reply already, it'll really help. I think we are quite a few years out until since we'd probably wait until our son hits Kristen's age but thought it would be good to ask now while the report was going on. We are none of the above anyway, and being a mixed couple in a conservative country I get the feeling it's nothing we haven't experienced here, I think her main fear is she likes to hold hands or link arms when we're out enjoying ourselves or running round getting photos and she's going to momentarily relapse and forget we aren't at home.

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This part of the world is a big travel blind spot for me, but I wouldn't mind visiting "Arab Las Vegas" some day (although I've little desire to see the "Holy Land"). I was following along on Facebook and Twitter, and it all looked great!

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"It sort of has a 'Freemont Street' kind of vibe except with a lot more Ferrari's and a lot less Coors Light."

 

Thanks for all the pictures of the classic stand up video arcade games, it is always good to relive my misspent childhood. And now I will 'waste' even more time checking out your Retro Games Fan page.

 

If/when you visit VF, WOF or Adventureland check out (Google) a place called UP/DOWN. They call themselves an Arcade Bar with craft beer. All classic stand up or table top video arcade games and pinball. It started in Des Moines and now they have the three locations. I have yet to visit the one in Kansas City but the other two are good fun with the Minneapolis one being a bit better just due to size and having more games. If you love retro arcade you will want to check them out sometime.

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Thanks for the update! I love how your trip updates not only cover the parks/roller coasters, but random cool places like the VR park and arcade.

 

Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

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Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

 

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

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Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

 

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

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Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

 

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

Your efforts are appreciated!

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Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

 

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

 

Thank you for your service! I may have to do the same when I go to Europe - I can always play the California card though.

 

On another note, Dubai looks absolutely amazing and it just keeps getting better. I'm glad they rebounded from the economic slowdown in the late 2000s and a lot of projects are resuming. Within the next few years I'll have to make a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this TR.

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^Yup. I am absolutely playing that card when I go to Germany. I live in Nevada, which is not exactly CA or MA, but I can play the "Trump did not win my state" card.

 

Though this still makes me a bit nervous (I am 20, and leaving the country alone for the first time).

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It would be great to know an update on the unopened rides at Motiongate- headed to Dubai on two layovers in June and was hoping to have a fully-opened theme park when I arrive!

Well, this isn't going to be the thread to get an update on what's happening right now at Motiongate, sorry. This thread will feature a report on our visit to Motiongate, but that's not going to be the information you're looking for.

 

We do have a Dubai Parks & Resorts thread: http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=68936

 

Or you could always try asking them on social media. They seem to be very responsive on Facebook and Twitter.

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Dubai is a place I really need to visit someday. Maybe when we have a different president though...

 

The UAE is one of the Muslim countries our president loves because he has a golf resort and gets money from them! We did a good 'US Apology Tour' while there, and it was interesting how so many people thought EVERYONE in the US voted for Trump. We explained that less than half of the country voted for him and don't share his values. So we're trying to help with how the world views Americans!

 

 

Bravo to TPR, our Chief Ambassador of the "U.S. Apology Tour!" Kudos for setting the record straight around the world. My British friends were aghast at our election results, and I've been sending out lots of emails trying to explain that "less-than-half-of-the-country" scenario. "Sad!"

 

P.S. It was quite an education to see how 'modernistic' the UAE has become. It must be a totally unique experience to visit this one-of-a-kind part of the world. (Those towering city buildings are awesome - almost 'sci-fi.') Thanks for your report and for sharing your journey!

 

Alice

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^ Yeah...me and my partner are doing the same thing with our British and European friends.

 

Unfortunately, my partner was in Surgical ICU during the election and was unable to cast even an absentee, but I made sure to tell him after Trump won that I did go down to cast my vote.

 

He would have killed me if I didn't vote!

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The next day of our trip was a bit more adventurous, and really quite a LOT! First we would start the day skiing and I have to say that Ski Dubai should be on the list as one of the many wonders of the world. I will preface this by saying that it's the only indoor snow skiing venue I've been to, but I absolutely LOVE it! And while no, it doesn't replace going actual skiing in the mountains, the fact that they have legit fun snow skiing and snowboarding IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREAKING ARABIAN DESERT is what sells this place for me!

 

We stuck to just skiing and snowboarding today, but the venue also has toboggan runs, kids play areas, snow zorbing, and penguins! It's seriously amazing!

 

The next leg of our adventurous day would take us on a "Desert Safari" and this is probably the most quintessential "touristy" thing to do in Dubai. But it's a hell of a lot of fun! Your afternoon evening is usually broken into a few different parts. The first part is where you get to play in the sand. Some of us took ATV's out into the sand and then we all went out into Land Cruisers for some dune bashing. That is just absolutely INSANE!

 

We'll stop for a bit to check out the dunes, do some sand surfing and then head to our "desert camp" for some dinner and evening entertainment. If you ever make a trip to Dubai, there are a bunch of these "desert safari" tours you can book. We did the ones through "OceanAir Travel" and they are a great company to work with! Highly recommended!

 

Ok, onto some photos because we all know text is sooooo boring!

 

IMG_7860.thumb.JPG.efb07081818cf89575dac9a982a599da.JPGHere we are at the Mall of the Emirates. This is a GIANT shopping mall, one of many in Dubai and their main attraction aside from all the shopping is "Ski Dubai!"

 

998810441_skidubaioutside.thumb.jpg.7313e51f7880f9df89d16c1a3f0f1c04.jpgHere is what the venue looks like from the outside. I have to be honest, when you see it from this perspective, it doesn't do the place justice.

 

IMG_7865.thumb.JPG.1c95a6b5ec234a7b27f17947312b4a15.JPGThe first thing you do at Ski Dubai is get your rental equipment, get suited up and you're ready go to. Thankfully one ticket gets you everything you need for the day!

 

IMG_7865a.thumb.JPG.ff221ceea239d738026bf1bcab7cae0c.JPGNext... time to hit the slopes!

 

IMG_7865b.thumb.JPG.07212a9e66b350328f67cfff1fdb1959.JPGEven Janice is getting back on skis after she tore her ACL in Park City a few years ago! This place does miracles!

 

IMG_7865c.thumb.JPG.b9896d6e5b853f4ee434af6006d61bac.JPGDan had never been on skis before so Robb was almost able to teach him how to ski. "Almost" being the key word here...

 

IMG_7865d.thumb.JPG.5a4510c8d5b5f730693e357207c91495.JPGSki Dubai features a 1,300 foot long run, which honestly is quite impressive considering you're INDOORS in the middle of the desert!!!

 

IMG_7865e.thumb.JPG.e04bbbfd61d05ea3bb30a915469723e2.JPG"So what if I tore my ACL? I'm still skiing like a BOSS!"

 

IMG_7865f.thumb.JPG.344c49f3ded81ed637c6fae4e85c59ac.JPGYou can see pretty much most of the run here. There's a bit up around the corner at the top, not too much, but really, this run offers some fun and challenge especially when there isn't any mountains anywhere around here!

 

IMG_7865g.thumb.JPG.f86a9e439a14c72c64c54a2641c161e8.JPGKidTums action shot!!!!

 

IMG_7865h.thumb.JPG.7368a585d0d6e3c72e4bfff36246e95d.JPG"Eh, leave me alone! I'm trying to ski!!!"

 

IMG_7865i.thumb.JPG.02c46b813b8d787544356cb5881644ee.JPGMatt enjoying being on skis in the middle of the freaking Arabian Desert!

 

IMG_7890.thumb.JPG.1220b062f22fb315e9b138e6f9b7de79.JPGJoe basically thinking the same thing!

 

IMG_7895.thumb.JPG.f1fc0a43f023b66119ad2cd43a14cee6.JPGFrom the chair lift you can get a different perspective of Ski Dubai.

 

IMG_7896.thumb.JPG.897287acc65bbdb7d078e90914848fec.JPGKidTums and I just hanging out skiing in the desert!

 

IMG_7901.thumb.JPG.77fce7e4b21ad74d6f67172f4bd7cb4c.JPGLooking back while on the chair lift.

 

Honestly, the best way to get an idea of this place is through some video, so here you go!

 

IMG_7917.thumb.JPG.be661f44fd2b24b59851b73fbfac20fc.JPGAfter skiing we went to get some Shake Shack! Of all the burger places to import here in Dubai (of which they have many) we are so happy to have Shake Shack! It's one of our favorites and it's just as awesome here!

 

IMG_7920.thumb.JPG.7b867abf645e7a4c26f74eec27c315f3.JPGDamn that is soooo good!

 

IMG_7968.thumb.JPG.fa18db684098e303d71929e24e235483.JPGHey look! The peanut butter shakes here don't need stickers all over them warning people that there are nuts in this product because this country isn't filled with horrible Americans!

 

IMG_7991.thumb.JPG.9672575dace95192db4c9f91df0feeb1.JPGDriving to the Desert Safari was passed the archway that once said "Universal Studios Dubai."

 

IMG_7996.thumb.JPG.30b420f4db26d36a93e0382d5fc92dee.JPGAnd there it is! Sand.... lots and lots of sand!

 

IMG_7996a.thumb.JPG.ac45b5dccc09190f472f12c56785c817.JPGHere is our humble little group for the trip. Nice and small and asshole free and that's exactly how we like things!

 

IMG_8001.thumb.JPG.f28296936581f380570854a24ca1f588.JPGSome of the group went out on ATVs in the sand! So much fun!!!

 

IMG_8011.thumb.JPG.08417b47a6b4e4f7b4d2481e7b147b6d.JPGThis right here is our vehicle of hot death! We would next go out "Dune Bashing" which is basically trying really really hard to crash and roll your truck in the sand, but stopping RIGHT BEFORE you are about to die.

 

IMG_8025.thumb.JPG.a3c447cf2c58b4b1b992cea83ac48b88.JPGHere we all go... marching into the sand to our deaths!

 

This is not something that really be described in pictures. So here's some video. Stop what you are doing and watch. It's only a couple of minutes long...

 

IMG_8031.thumb.JPG.9c8a8c072bfe0d824b632dd1cd5b6e69.JPGHere's the girls in the sand!

 

IMG_8043.thumb.JPG.b23339be8f72fbabeebc8f5b48731783.JPGAnd then it was time for some sand surfing!!!

 

IMG_8043b.thumb.jpg.9a477f9b4c28d5b107ef7bebefc467c1.jpgThere aren't many places in the world you can go from snowboarding to sand surfing in just a few hours!

 

1861460189_kristensandsurfing.thumb.jpg.a8b1219aa67038e615232b8959a51496.jpgKristen did it sitting down and BACKWARDS! lol She's nuts!

 

IMG_8077.thumb.JPG.7f8ecf0aa3a29fa242571a451d89fc52.JPGWhere there is desert, there are camels!

 

IMG_8087.thumb.JPG.121b1b0de7fe4f0a4a7d55cdd0ff8e3c.JPGAnd of course we took advantage and plopped our fat asses on top of these poor creatures! Sorry guys!

 

VOLUME UP AND WATCH THIS VIDEO CLIP!!!!

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IMG_8087b.thumb.JPG.0bc6bfdc2645cb438df6ac82bb70fcef.JPGLet's just say the "dismount" on the camels leaves a lot to be desired and could sometimes produce... um... "interesting" situations...

 

IMG_8087bb.thumb.JPG.9121159987a41b6044ecaae436a72bf4.JPGFor example... This. Quickly turned into....

 

IMG_8087c.thumb.JPG.0c144af31c80426e3485cb305dcee730.JPGTHIS!!!

 

IMG_8087d.thumb.JPG.26df27603fb5a8dae0927932c48ff044.JPGIt's all good though! lol

 

IMG_8098.thumb.JPG.ca3492cc0bd1b3a9e4b229e569d872ae.JPGGood camel, goooood camel!

 

IMG_8102a.thumb.JPG.57c85aad5259af00fef91fb840935cfe.JPGThis would be our "Desert Camp" for the next couple of hours for some food and entertainment!

 

IMG_8107.thumb.JPG.7ae0c96565d9de85017bca96f272cfa8.JPG"Balls."

 

IMG_8114.thumb.JPG.e168561031a38c5d1395f4b9be736d1f.JPGBecause Kristen likes holding animals that could bite her face off!

 

IMG_8126.thumb.JPG.5332e7e099208102b7f7dcd0f8f264d1.JPGKristen getting all tatted up!

 

IMG_8128.thumb.JPG.a0049d4a66d979d0ef59567a82631b00.JPGLooks awesome!

 

IMG_8189.thumb.JPG.de4bda934902ff00c73c264a58f1b47c.JPGMy food looked... um... perplexed?

 

IMG_8202.thumb.JPG.d61cf55e79a87bef1b6e82a3c97be84e.JPGThis is pretty much the only "local food" we would have the whole trip. I mean, between the Applebee's and Chili's why would we go anywhere else?

 

IMG_8212.thumb.JPG.99e06fbcfc69451acbaf6fa882ee478c.JPGThe evening started with some whirling dervishes which we would simply refer to as "spinning guy."

 

IMG_8218.thumb.JPG.655d524b60b7ab1cc11dca4a9f7e22b9.JPGNo, that's not a new amusement park attraction, that's spinning guy all lit up! Check out this little video:

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IMG_8230.thumb.JPG.2da5a849b3c431d5bc22ad559d171ddb.JPGNext would come the star of the show...the belly dancer!

 

IMG_8231.thumb.JPG.09470818ad9388842aeea4ce7bc1c0a2.JPGOnce she came out, we pretty much were fixated on one thing... THOSE BOOBS!!!

 

IMG_8254.thumb.JPG.79bc03651f4223de333e4ea2cb18c51b.JPGWe discussed it quite a bit, but we weren't sure if they were part of the costume or just really solid fake melons. Because they never moved ONE BIT! lol

 

IMG_8305.thumb.JPG.f5e30254e8596fa5e55af40ba0f6c691.JPGBut if there is one thing I know for certain... any girl who can balance a sword on her boobs IS A KEEPER!!!!

And with that our evening comes to an end. Although it wouldn't be a night in the desert without...

 

IMG_9999.thumb.JPG.20082b651c990c58681d433f56c3130b.JPGCAMEL TOE!!!!!

 

Thanks for reading! We will have more Dubai updates soon!

Oh yes, be sure to POST YOUR COMMENTS!!!

(we took the time to write the report, the least you could do is say something nice about it!)

Quatro_[R]_Real.nlpack

1832788728_RealRebel_huge.jpg.9f30ce13d65c943fb0f029caa5b62033.jpg

keg6.jpg.cfd9030400cab527e9e0423526a9ed7b.jpg

Construction Photos from early Feb 2005

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The outside of the Ski Dubai building looks like something out of Star Wars. Looks like a great day in the desert, but remember this ancient proverb: "Beware of the woman who balances a sword on her head and her breasts."

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This time we booked the 'more adventurous' dune bashing and I was pretty nauseous after about 10 minutes! If you're prone to car sickness stick with the ''normal" tour!

 

The video looked like insane fun.

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Great report, KidTums has absolutely mastered the art of the snow plow, very impressive!

 

Also, being from the NY/NJ area it's really a rare treat to see what an indoor ski resort looks like when it's actually completed by a competent developer and open to the public so thanks for sharing. Something like that would be nothing more than a crazy fantasy around here.

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