In a boomtown city with hotels the size of suburbs, you can pretty much guarantee on finding whatever it is you're looking for. I was put up for the week by friends and given the opportunity to go places that you can be sure fell way outside my daily budget. Here's where I ended up.
Dubai
The Meat Co - A genuine South African steakhouse with mielie pap, boerewors, monkey gland steak, haloumi cheese, not to mention perfectly done steaks to boost those protein levels. Probably wise to book ahead as its always jamming. Located in the mall-hotel complex of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. T: 04.368.6040
The Lebanese Village - One of those dream buffets with everything I love about Med cooking - fresh falafels, humus, tahina and eggplant salads, lamb in various forms and shapes, pitas made on the spot. Popular with locals and a real find. Bur Dubai, Mankhool St (Near Ramada Hotel). T: 04.352.2522
Nandos - It's not possible for me to be in the same city as a Nandos - the peri-peri grilled chicken franchise - and not dig in. Half chicken, hot, two sides, perinaise and Portuguese bun! Bring it on!
Sadaf Restaurant (4 branches) - Yummy Persian food with sizeable portions and cheesy decor.
Dubai
There is one hostel downtown, but I was fortunate to not to have to deal with it. If you come to Dubai, prepare to spend some cash. There are literally hundreds of hotels and hundreds more being built. A dream hotel for honeymooners or anyone looking for relaxation desert style is the Bab Al Shams, located about a half hour drive into the desert. You can find out more information about it, and other spectacular hotels in the Jumeirah Group, at http://www.jumeirah.com
Dubai
Barasti Bar - According to locals, this is one of the cooler bars in the city, refreshingly lacking in Russian hookers and gold-dripping attitude. It attracts a laid-back expact crowd, and the bar opposite shows movies in the evenings (Bladerunner by the pool). Beer is pricey but this is Dubai remember. Located in the Le Meridan Mina Sewahi hotel.
Ibn Battuta Mall - Here's a mall to blow your mind. It has various sections built in the style of China, India, Persia, Andulusia and Egypt, and the design, encompassing enormous space, is mindboggling. All the usual mall suspects + more for a great shop, modern cinemas, but just wait until you see the showpieces.
Desert Rangers - If you're looking for some fun in the desert, these are your guys. They have 18 buggies that let you fly over the dunes (385D - about $120), and can organize camel safaris, dune bashing, hot-air ballooning, helicopter flights. Check out http://www.desertrangers.com or call 04.340.2408 for more information.
High Tea at the Burj - They won't let you into the Burj - the world's tallest hotel - without a reservation at one of the restaurants. You can blow your rent underwater, or head up to the spaceship that is the Sahn Eddar, with picture windows looking out over the Arabian Sea and all of Dubai. It's a classy affair even if the hotel is deliberately kitschy, but stepping into the Burj lobby and looking up is truly and experience to remember. Oh, the food is pretty good too.
Yorba Indian Nightclub - You won't get more off the beaten track Gonzo than this. A small Indian club blasting Hindi music and a group of fully clothed girls dance on stage in a mild display of sexuality mixed with boredom. The staff will comb back your hair if you let them, bringing sheeshas for a puff and topping up your drink every time you have a sip. Pretty terrible stuff, but fascinating nonetheless. Being a "strip-on" club, you can't wear shorts (but long pants can be provided on request). Located in the back ally behind the Hard Rock Cafe. Seriously.
