7 hours in Dubai - what to do, where to go? (1 Viewer)

nick scarle

Leo

• Sep 25, 2013

• #1

Hi all

I'll be flying back to UK from Africa in November and unfortunately there's been a change of schedule with the flights meaning I have a 7-hour transit in Dubai From 7.30am to 2.30pm local time.
I'd hate to be stuck inside the airport all day so is it worth trying to get out and about for some birding or general sight-seeing and does anyone have any recommendations of where to go? Quite happy to get a taxi or public transport if places are not too far away.

Any information much appreciated, thanks.
Nick

 

nick scarle

Leo

• Sep 27, 2013

• #2

Bump ... any ideas anyone?

 

Digbert Doobrey

Well-known member

• Sep 27, 2013

• #3

Haven't been myself but if you travel often and frequently pass through cities like Dubai then a great book to pick up is 'where to watch birds in world cities'. I know Dubai is included in the book. If I remember rightly the author says Dubai creek and the city park are worth checking if you've only got a few hours.

 

Digbert Doobrey

Well-known member

• Sep 27, 2013

• #4

The reason I know this is because Dubai is definately on my list of where to take the other half whilst getting a bit of crafty birding in aswell destinations. In fact there's a birding book title right there. Gap in the market I might look into one day!

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• Sep 27, 2013

• #5

There are two sites within easy reach -
1. Dubai creek (Ra's al-Khor), right in the centre. Two hides and plenty of birds.
2. Dubai Pivot fields, splendid locality with White-tailed Plovers, etc

To get an idea, click here for my report from a visit a few years back.

City park had a Red-flanked Bluetail, first ever for Arabian Peninsula I seem to remember, but other than that, not a great deal and I would use your precious time on one of the above sites (creek easiest to get to, pivot fields would need transport or taxi)

 

ammadoux

Registered doux

• Sep 27, 2013

• #6

you can ask Barty63, (Mike Barth), he lives there.

check his gallery.

http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=79002

he is mostly now on Face book, but you can contact him here by a privet message.

 

Keebs

If I fire off enough shots, maybe just one of 'em

• Sep 29, 2013

• #7

I spent a very nice day off in Safa Park last year, well worth a visit in my opinion.

 

nick scarle

Leo

• Sep 30, 2013

• #8

Many thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I'll be heading for the creek and possibly the park. Pivot fields sounds interesting too.

Thanks again
Nick

 

Trystan

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2013

• #9

If you are only in Dubai for a transfer, is it possible (permitted) to leave the airport?

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• Oct 1, 2013

• #10

Trystan said:

If you are only in Dubai for a transfer, is it possible (permitted) to leave the airport?

Click to expand...

UK residents do not need a visa, so should not be an issue. Many other nationalities, including some in the E.U. (eg Lithuanians) need a visa and would not be allowed out.

 

Trystan

Well-known member

• Oct 2, 2013

• #11

Good to know, might deliberately look for a long stop over next time I go East thanks

 

nick scarle

Leo

• Dec 17, 2013

• #12

Just to update on this, I got to Dubai at 7.30 am and was out of the airport in 15 minutes. The Pivot Fields are around a 20 minute taxi ride which cost 60 dirhams (around £10 UK). I spent around 3 hours birding around until it got too hot and I got too tired! Certainly an interesting site and worth visiting if you have a long stopover as I did.
Birds seen: White-eared bulbul, Crested lark, Laughing dove, Common myna, Spur-winged lapwing, White-tailed lapwing (6), Sociable lapwing (2), White wagtail, Yellow wagtail (at least 4 races), Citrine wagtail, Zitting cisticola, Water pipit, Richards pipit, Marsh harrier, Sand partridge, Graceful prinia, Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, Lesser grey shrike, Stonechat, Nile valley sunbird, Hoopoe, European roller, Isabelline shrike, Little bee-eaters and Indian silverbill.

Nick