So pleased you have been honest in your opinion of Dubai. I’ve never wanted to go myself for all the reasons you’ve conveyed after your visit. Thanks for your post, refreshing and much appreciated 👍
I had the same thing in Dubai but didn't feel the need to use it as my roaming with EE was pretty reasonable...what about a SIM card would be a security risk given even a European one is still going to connect to the local network?
I visited several times in the early 80s and Dubai was much more quaint and laid back than it is today, but to be fair it was no different from Kuwait or anywhere else in the Gulf. Once you've had to stay for more than a week the novelty completely wears off. Oppessive heat, lots of sand, boring beaches with no waves, rows upon rows of shops selling gold or "designer" baubles and apparel, execrable architecture, a million shades of brown, horrendous traffic, not particularly pleasant natives and a dearth of culture or natural beauty. To my mind there are far more interesting Arabic countries with long and interesting histories and established cultures worth visiting than the Gulf States, such as Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. I think places like Dubai appeal to people who like to spend their holidays in places like Florida, Las Vegas and Monaco, where ostentatious displays of personal wealth are the main attraction, culture and history are irrelevant and the only things worth seeing or doing cost money. Not for me I'm afraid, but you may have already guessed that.
I have been to Dubai many times for work. I always tell folk that they should try to visit and look around if they can. It is an imposing and quite remarkable place. But it is soulless and, for the most part, it feels entirely plastic and fake. And I think that your video captures that... Worth a visit as a stopover or at someone else's expense but definitely not a destination regardless what the relentless advertising says! But there are a few moments in your video where I could hear Myna Bird calling and caught a glimpse of a Laughing Dove... and that took me straight back to my days traveling throughout the Arabian Peninsula in a good way. Great video, as always.
It's an awful place...I had the pleasure of staying at the Burj and it was wonderful...however Dubai is, to me, Hell on earth... I've been twice and it was two times too many...
@@eliasdaw5302They didn’t mention “westerners” at all in their comment, they only said the kid seems like a nice boy. Grasping at straws to be offended. Lol
When you were up the Burj, the view was like you were looking over a model village! And was that the Forth Bridge I saw at 9:06 !!! Funnily enough, the last place I saw QE2. You made your Dad proud by staying there :) Great video, but must admit, after a couple of days there I think I'd be hankering for the fresh air of a deserted Scottish island!
Scots woman here from a place called Kilmacolm (either of you been there?) and I am thankful every day for being born and raised in Scotland. A. Because as much as we moan about the weather, it gives us our stunning climate, and B. No fakery. Scotland is real. Our beauty is real, our culture is ancient and celebrated, and the people are real, kind, funny and full of solid patter. Alba Gu Bráth.
Dubai and the UAE is still on my bucket list of travel destinations as I love modern architecture.. But totally understand and respect that it isn't everyone's proverbial cup of tea.
@@freedomisslavery6840I’m in Dubai now and if you step away from the tourist sites there’s plenty of history, culture, and tradition. As a Londoner, I’d argue that London has no tradition or culture anymore. Fried chicken shops are abundant along with high crime rates. Dubai is a much better city than London (apart from the heat)!
I was there at Christmas last year. I stayed 3 nights on the QE2. My reason was nostalgia also. My late Uncle was a captain on it in the late 70"s and 80"s. However I thought the ship seemed souless, huge open space with nothing there, dated decor and no bars or restaurants open except for the buffet. However I did like Dubai, some great experiences there and it's a city that's really unique in the world!
How lovely to be able to stay in that hotel. It's an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship I think? The old city is so much nicer than the wretched new stuff.
Lol i was just thinking that looks like something at Disney, a movie set more or less. I can't imagine that fooling many ppl but there are tons of gullible ppl.
Scott the QE2 is in my opinion the most iconic ship in the world. I watched her being built and launched as a child and I finally fulfilled my dream and sailed on her before she left for Dubai, it breaks my heart seeing the way the inside of her has been ripped apart as she was as beautiful inside and she is outside. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
I sailed on the QE2 to New York in 2000. Fantastic machine and totally in a class of her own, nothing like modern cruise ships or rubbish car ferries. True class, style, elegance. One day I hope to sail on the Queen Mary II. In fact I'll make another trip of it to America. Done - I'm getting it booked.
I spent a couple of weeks there on a business trip last year, stayed in Jumeriah and while a bit flash I was really impressed with how clean and well organised everything is. There were people out brushing the sand off the walkway along the beach every evening, a bit showy for me but very glad I got to see it and the weather was a very welcome change from Belfast in October. Great video as always, nice change of pace for you
I expect to see you return via 57 Flixbuses - going through the beautiful Paris Bercy of course! 😜 Great video as always and looking forward to seeing your trip to Oz
Scott, despite you apparent dislike for Dubai, thought you showed it off really well. can tell that meant a lot staying on board QE2 and yes, your dad would have been proud of seeing you guys stay on Baird from above. nice to see your son so happy to spend time with his dad, you guys make great content together. Those Malls were huge.
I guess Dubai isn’t for everyone! My family and I have been 4 times and simply love it! Everyone is so polite and friendly and the last time we visited in 2020, the arthritis in my hips was just starting to affect me and a walked with two sticks,on the metro every time without fail someone gave up their seat for me without being asked. I’m sadly unable to walk at all at the moment although I’m having my first hip replaced next Thursday, so hopefully can begin to travel again next year! Love being pampered and spoiled in Dubai, makes a nice change, my two grown sons and I used to go out with the emirati dress on complete with headgear and try and blend in with the locals lol! Great video, thanks for sharing!👍👏👏❤️🏴
I love it too! I’m in Dubai for the first time right now and it’s incredibly safe and everything is so easily accessible. People claim it lacks culture but they’ve never stepped foot in the city or region so obviously don’t know about Al Fahidi or Old Dubai.
You know, i felt the exact same way about Dubai, i use it for the Airport mostly when flying long haul, i find it, like you, brash and fake with a little seedy underbelly. But last time (March), you know i started to get it, it's still brash and over the top, it's still built using...questionable labour practices; but coming from the UK, everything is broken, everything is depressing, it was like a breath of fresh air, i could wonder round the clean streets and nobody was scamming me, nobody was mugging me at knife point, everyone was polite, the metro worked and was clean and cheap. I am still not sure i'd want to live there, but i can't help but admire them for trying something different, whilst Europe appears to be failing.
Scott I love the facetious cranky old guy schtick, it's a hoot. It's very evident you're a fun-loving chap, and when you do run into any problems, it's usually nothing that a pizza and a beer can't fix!
Thank Scott, Another great video. I was scheduled to pass through Dubai a few years back but Covid cancelled the trip. Thank goodness. Watching the video I felt the same way I did my one day passing through Las Vegas. Keep up the good work. I appreciate your honest but balanced critiques. As well, I like how you include trip mistakes and snafus. Cheers.
Hi an excellent video and what an amazing city Dubai looks and I really enjoyed the old town you showed us. That Queen Elizabeth Ship hotel should be in the UK on the shores of the beautiful river Clyde in awesome Glasgow where the ship was built.
I feel like Dubai is good for a day trip or so. There are some hotspots arteficially made for tourists and thats it. City has no soel, no character. I think you can have a lot of fun in Dubai though, if you have couple of million dollars left to spend. I enjoy staying in Abu Dhabi and than hop to Dubai for 1-2 days. If you travel with Etihad they offer a free Bus between AbuDhabi and Dubai. As their fligths to Europe depart past midnight, you can depart from Dubai Bus Station in the eveneing to AbuDhabi airport and fly home from there. Safes you a hotel night, but you still got to enjoy the whole day.
First Scott, I am reading my newly purchased "End to End" which I am thoroughly enjoying. I also watched this vlog with considerable interest as the UAE [Abu Dhabi & Dubai] was my home between 1994 and 2013. I originally lived and worked as a teacher, deputy Head in Abu Dhabi before all the transformation occurred and back when the road between Abu Dhabi and Dubai was a normal road, one lane in each direction and speed humps [for camel protection] every 400metres. Journey time was around 2 hours. A transfer of schools to Dubai in 1997 took me to various apartments across the city so I instantly recognised your tour. Thanks for bringing back the memories although I too have no plans to revisit as by 2013 I had had my fill.
Bah! Friends of mine lived in the emirates when the only way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was to wait for the tide to go out and drive a Land Rover down the beach.
I've lived in the Emirates for 20 years now, I try to avoid Dubai now too busy for me, was lovely back in the day, too many "influencers" around now. Souq madinat is still worth a visit though. I did a mini cruise on the QE@ in the mid 90s too! What a stately lady she is.
Your son seems to enjoy making videos with you far less than I enjoy watching your videos. Hope you guys have a great time together. Because I really enjoy your travels.
i stayed on there in 1982,on our way to the falklands,amazing ship.but alot of it was covered up.but the food we had was the same as they had on a cruise,amazing
Stayed in Dubai in 92 when it wasn't really on the tourist map and was much more interesting. I couldn't live in those temperatures - just been through Hamad International in Doha and it was 32C outside at midnight! Many thanks for your vlogs - have watched and continue to watch them all. V much looking forward to Sydney where I've also visited. 🏴👍
The winter season is the best time of year not summer. I’m here for a few weeks now and the temperatures are lovely especially compared to soggy england. I’d pick this weather over englands anytime.
Yeah, if you stay in these very touristed and luxury areas. Stay in Deira, Rigga Road, or even Ajman, soooo cheap and interesting in those parts. Lived here 30 years. Can't beat the low labor prices, cheap food, very low crime, beach, etc...
take the bus next time Scott Step 1: Glasgow to London (Bus) Take a long-distance bus (e.g., National Express or Megabus) from Glasgow to London. Duration: ~8-10 hours Cost: £20-£50 Step 2: London to Paris (Bus/Ferry Combo) Use a bus service like FlixBus or BlaBlaBus to get from London to Paris via the English Channel (ferry or Eurotunnel for the bus). Duration: ~8-10 hours Cost: €30-€60 Step 3: Paris to Istanbul (Buses) Cross Europe using long-distance buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) or a mix of local operators. Suggested route: Paris → Munich (~12 hours) Munich → Belgrade (~12 hours) Belgrade → Istanbul (~12 hours) This leg will involve transfers but can mostly be completed by bus. Duration (total): ~36-40 hours (excluding layovers) Cost: €120-€200 Step 4: Istanbul to Dubai (Bus and Local Transport) This section is tricky due to limited overland connections, political barriers, and visa requirements. A suggested route: Istanbul → Tehran (Bus): Several long-distance buses operate between these cities. Duration: ~30 hours Cost: ~$50-$100 Tehran → Bandar Abbas (Bus): Take another bus to this port city in southern Iran. Duration: ~18 hours Cost: ~$20-$50 Bandar Abbas → Dubai (Ferry): Ferries operate across the Persian Gulf to Dubai. Duration: ~6-8 hours Cost: ~$50 Time: The total journey could take 8-12 days, depending on schedules and layovers. You'd absolutely love the plave when you got there .. :)
My late Dad also worked on the building of the QE2, he was a joiner at the time and helped with the wood panelling in the cabins amongst other things. I wonder if they knew each other. His name was Robert Robertson (not that one!) and he came from Greenock.
@@stoso9864it’s way too hot haha and the public transport network is not as good as London’s. However it is a great city overall and is extremely safe.
I share your thoughts about Dubai, Scott. When I was there a few years back there were signs advertising the Museum of the Future, "opening soon". Kind of sums things up really! As for the QE2, I was in P3 at primary school in Edinburgh when she was launched and remember our class gathering round an old black & white TV to watch the event!
...Dubai never calls me, and this video confirms it... but I saw a bit more of it now, thanks Scott! I feel a bit torn between judging it an interesting future scenario and a nightmare, but the latter one wins for me. Its a rich mans world, controlled and sterile... 1 or 2 days there I could cope with, after that I would suffocate...
@ Canada is 30c in summer…but cold in winter…but we are tough! Water will be worlds most important item soon?? Not oil!…with 3 million lakes - 30% of world’s fresh water! Not to mention 205,000km of coastline /worlds 3rd largest oil reserve /65 Trillion US$ in minerals, / 38 million people in 2nd largest country, with unlimited untapped wealth in arctic! We will survive when everyone else is dead!
@@supersurfer1Wrong ! ,sunshine even during the winter . Summer …heat can go up to 40 degrees and very humid . Clearly you have never been ,it’s a beautiful country .
Aye, good one Scott. I actually quite liked Dubai, been twice. That wee loch at the shopping centre that looks on to the Burh Khalifa, at night time there is a lit up water display, its amazing. Enjoed the video, looking forward to the Australia trip video.
Nice vlog, ive been twice but over 6 yrs ago, reckon its over commercial now but love the architecture. Ive seen videos about the ship showing it looked like a ghost ship with alot of empty spaces.
Dubai doesn’t do much for me. We’re flying out to Perth in February via Dubai and got a quick transfer, couple of hours or so, have no interest in the place - unlike Singapore this year which was great.
I have been to UAE twice, it's worth visiting, I actually preferred the old city, and the prices of things are much more reasonable there. For me, UAE, and Dubai and its environs and sights are of a must see and experience, but I certainly wouldn't rave over it, despite the development. It rains three times a year in Dubai, I come from Auckland, where it sometimes rains three times a day. The constant heat takes a while to get used to.
Come via Abu Dhabi next time. It's the capital, but a tad greener, a bit more relaxed and definitely less brash. I'm a Brit and have been here nearly 20 years! I rarely venture to Dubai.
Blair is a credit to you, such a great man. Let's hope he takes over the family business 😂. Seriously enjoy your post, in sunnier climate's. Fish out of the ferry.❤
Some Westerners who say Dubai is 'souless,' acutally mean: "Dubai has no drug use, drunkenness, cursing, swearing, saliva and dog crap littering the streets as my home city has".
@@tingedgnu6261exactly 😂😂😂I’m in Dubai now and it’s much safer than any part of the UK. The UK Is a crime ridden country with no leadership and a crab mentality. And food is terrible lol.
Hoi, Scott, an real interesting story, well done. Been there several times, also my opinion, money counts first and above everything!. Used DXB as a transfer station, lot´s of destinations available, for example Oz!. Done a couple of the smaller and mostly more local places like AlAin/Fujairah. Greetings, Markus
I’m in Dubai now mate. It’s absolutely amazing and I’ve never felt safer (fyi I’m a born and raised Londoner). The weather is very hot but I love everything about it. People claim there’s no culture but there is. Take a visit to Al Fahidi or Old Dubai and you’ll see the laid back traditional lifestyle!
lol. I’m in Dubai too this very moment I suppose that’s why all these Dubai videos are popping up. Really not looking forward to going back to soggy UK. Feels so safe and pleasant here. I have so much to say but I’ve gotta go.
Dubai is on my way to my current base in Asia, so throughout the years, while enjoying the now-extinct Emirates free hotel stopover, I ended up spending a few days in Dubai on three occasions. I visited it for the first time in December 2017. I feel there is not a community there. There is no social fabric. There is a very small number (10%) of emiratis, a massive number of economic migrant workers from poor countries (namely Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India), and a growing number of caucasian expats, many of which are trying to evade liabilities in their home countries. I’ve never met a guy in Dubai I would like to be friends with anywhere else in the world. It’s extremely hot most months of the year. The vibe in Dubai reminds me of Mad Max. Single and datable women are rarer than icebergs in the UAE. Women from the royal family don’t mix up with non-muslims. Single female executives are scarce. If you see a curvaceous, big-lipped, ostentatiously dressed girl, chances are she is a hooker. From an architectural perspective, most buildings are grose and have little to no cultural connection to the emirates. Culturally, Dubai is a desert. There are excellent Lebanese and Arab restaurants, though. It’s also a good place to buy Rolex and other luxury watches. The airport is an excellent hub both to Europe and Asia.
Was your dad looking down and saying, 'Good choice of hotel, son'? I suspect he was probably looking down and saying, 'You never made your bed when you were 19 either!' A great video, thanks. 👍🏻
I was in Dubai in 1974 for the first time, it was then a small fishing village. It had one 'posh' hotel where we spent the night before flying to Beirut and then onto London then onward to Fife for leave from the MN.
Hardly a small fishing village ! My first visit was in October 1975 not long after the Intercontinental had opened (Dubai's first international standard hotel). Of course Dubai was totally different then but it was a vibrant trading port with plenty of activity in what would now be called the 'old town.'
Dubai - Nouveau rich and all that comes with it. A golden cage that people who are easily impressed fail to see.
Always struck me as being very pristine and clinical but devoid of a soul
Exactly this. They’ve basically eradicated their own history and soul to fill their malls with Western brands.
You can be in a shipping centre anywhere in the world, and it's way to hot for my liking!
So pleased you have been honest in your opinion of Dubai. I’ve never wanted to go myself for all the reasons you’ve conveyed after your visit. Thanks for your post, refreshing and much appreciated 👍
feel like i missed an episode where you fly for 60hours with 4 airlines to get to Dubai on split fares
And no sleep!
It’s because he took Flix bus. 17 buses and 4 ferries.
@@JurgenADV😂😂 You stole my thunder I was just about to say that!
😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂
As someone who works in IT Security....
Beware of government agencies bearing SIM cards.
Bingo
100% Agree
Arab Boogyman syndrome
always take a 2nd old phone.
I had the same thing in Dubai but didn't feel the need to use it as my roaming with EE was pretty reasonable...what about a SIM card would be a security risk given even a European one is still going to connect to the local network?
I visited several times in the early 80s and Dubai was much more quaint and laid back than it is today, but to be fair it was no different from Kuwait or anywhere else in the Gulf. Once you've had to stay for more than a week the novelty completely wears off. Oppessive heat, lots of sand, boring beaches with no waves, rows upon rows of shops selling gold or "designer" baubles and apparel, execrable architecture, a million shades of brown, horrendous traffic, not particularly pleasant natives and a dearth of culture or natural beauty. To my mind there are far more interesting Arabic countries with long and interesting histories and established cultures worth visiting than the Gulf States, such as Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. I think places like Dubai appeal to people who like to spend their holidays in places like Florida, Las Vegas and Monaco, where ostentatious displays of personal wealth are the main attraction, culture and history are irrelevant and the only things worth seeing or doing cost money. Not for me I'm afraid, but you may have already guessed that.
Not enough pubs for you mate 😂
Fooooook u nobody care about your comments
@@supersurfer1 Sometimes there are waves but they are not allowing anyone to go into the water when it happens. Such a bummer.
@@supersurfer1No, Dubai just sucks.
Why is that concept so difficult for you to grasp?
@ why so angry ? You must be suffering with SAD 😢
The old city is what all of Dubai was like right up until the mid 80's.
I have been to Dubai many times for work. I always tell folk that they should try to visit and look around if they can. It is an imposing and quite remarkable place. But it is soulless and, for the most part, it feels entirely plastic and fake. And I think that your video captures that... Worth a visit as a stopover or at someone else's expense but definitely not a destination regardless what the relentless advertising says! But there are a few moments in your video where I could hear Myna Bird calling and caught a glimpse of a Laughing Dove... and that took me straight back to my days traveling throughout the Arabian Peninsula in a good way. Great video, as always.
You are a brokie u never visited
You must be very proud of Blair. A fine young man who doesn't mind being with his dad!
what a sad comment, so you ae saying westerners hate their parents?
You joking? He seems like a moody little so and so.
It's an awful place...I had the pleasure of staying at the Burj and it was wonderful...however Dubai is, to me, Hell on earth... I've been twice and it was two times too many...
@@eliasdaw5302They didn’t mention “westerners” at all in their comment, they only said the kid seems like a nice boy. Grasping at straws to be offended. Lol
Monosyllabic and only slightly comes alive when he is hungry. Not sure how you can infer he is a fine young man from that.
When you were up the Burj, the view was like you were looking over a model village! And was that the Forth Bridge I saw at 9:06 !!! Funnily enough, the last place I saw QE2. You made your Dad proud by staying there :) Great video, but must admit, after a couple of days there I think I'd be hankering for the fresh air of a deserted Scottish island!
I just got back to Canada from a work trip to Dubai. I can confirm that the air quality was awful!
Scots woman here from a place called Kilmacolm (either of you been there?) and I am thankful every day for being born and raised in Scotland. A. Because as much as we moan about the weather, it gives us our stunning climate, and B. No fakery. Scotland is real. Our beauty is real, our culture is ancient and celebrated, and the people are real, kind, funny and full of solid patter.
Alba Gu Bráth.
@@catrionacolville2192💯❤️
Blair is such a great boy. He reminds us of our son Elliott. He’s a credit to himself and to you.
Dubai and the UAE is still on my bucket list of travel destinations as I love modern architecture..
But totally understand and respect that it isn't everyone's proverbial cup of tea.
Glass, metal and concrete towers with no sense of culture, identity, tradition or heritage, Whats to love about it?
@@freedomisslavery6840I’m in Dubai now and if you step away from the tourist sites there’s plenty of history, culture, and tradition. As a Londoner, I’d argue that London has no tradition or culture anymore. Fried chicken shops are abundant along with high crime rates. Dubai is a much better city than London (apart from the heat)!
@@freedomisslavery6840 Not enough pubs for you mate we know you love a few drinks 🍺
@@AM-mv6rolondon who cares about london? Us northerners certainly don’t. Dubai is great for a stop over on the way to south asia 😂
@@freedomisslavery6840this is the same situation of most of parts of the USA
I was there at Christmas last year. I stayed 3 nights on the QE2. My reason was nostalgia also. My late Uncle was a captain on it in the late 70"s and 80"s. However I thought the ship seemed souless, huge open space with nothing there, dated decor and no bars or restaurants open except for the buffet. However I did like Dubai, some great experiences there and it's a city that's really unique in the world!
How lovely to be able to stay in that hotel. It's an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship I think? The old city is so much nicer than the wretched new stuff.
I'll bet old city will still be there in 100 years, and the new stuff will have crumbled to toxic dust.
😂😂the old city isn’t old.. it was built a few years back as a tourist attraction. it’s all fake the whole place
Lol i was just thinking that looks like something at Disney, a movie set more or less. I can't imagine that fooling many ppl but there are tons of gullible ppl.
I look forward to following your and Blair's adventures in Australia!
The carpet at 4:52 evokes just the relaxing response I want when staying at a hotel.
Scott the QE2 is in my opinion the most iconic ship in the world. I watched her being built and launched as a child and I finally fulfilled my dream and sailed on her before she left for Dubai, it breaks my heart seeing the way the inside of her has been ripped apart as she was as beautiful inside and she is outside.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
I'm from Southampton and grew up watching her sail. I now live across the bay from Cádiz and see all the liners there
I sailed on the QE2 to New York in 2000. Fantastic machine and totally in a class of her own, nothing like modern cruise ships or rubbish car ferries. True class, style, elegance.
One day I hope to sail on the Queen Mary II. In fact I'll make another trip of it to America. Done - I'm getting it booked.
Scott, thanks for taking us along. It's very enjoyable.
Your content gets better, I’ve really warmed to this channel
I spent a couple of weeks there on a business trip last year, stayed in Jumeriah and while a bit flash I was really impressed with how clean and well organised everything is. There were people out brushing the sand off the walkway along the beach every evening, a bit showy for me but very glad I got to see it and the weather was a very welcome change from Belfast in October. Great video as always, nice change of pace for you
I expect to see you return via 57 Flixbuses - going through the beautiful Paris Bercy of course! 😜 Great video as always and looking forward to seeing your trip to Oz
I miss Dubai. It was my home for 10 years.
Scott, despite you apparent dislike for Dubai, thought you showed it off really well. can tell that meant a lot staying on board QE2 and yes, your dad would have been proud of seeing you guys stay on Baird from above. nice to see your son so happy to spend time with his dad, you guys make great content together. Those Malls were huge.
I guess Dubai isn’t for everyone! My family and I have been 4 times and simply love it! Everyone is so polite and friendly and the last time we visited in 2020, the arthritis in my hips was just starting to affect me and a walked with two sticks,on the metro every time without fail someone gave up their seat for me without being asked. I’m sadly unable to walk at all at the moment although I’m having my first hip replaced next Thursday, so hopefully can begin to travel again next year!
Love being pampered and spoiled in Dubai, makes a nice change, my two grown sons and I used to go out with the emirati dress on complete with headgear and try and blend in with the locals lol!
Great video, thanks for sharing!👍👏👏❤️🏴
I love it too! I’m in Dubai for the first time right now and it’s incredibly safe and everything is so easily accessible.
People claim it lacks culture but they’ve never stepped foot in the city or region so obviously don’t know about Al Fahidi or Old Dubai.
Criminal that the QE2 is in Dubai. Should be in the UK, if not still sailing the high seas.
You peasants could no longer afford to keep it. 😂
Buy it back pal
@@Speedkam Oh yeah! I'll just gather up all my loose bawbees, shall I. 🙄
Like the artifacts that the uk stole from Egypt right?
You'll get over it.
Nice to see scott not stuck on a flixbus for a change
No one goes there except for business. An “instant city” is a theme park
Riding the Abra is always a favourite of mine when at Dubai. One part of it that has some ounce of authenticity.
I would never consider going. I like my freedom.
Same, its spotlessly clean & VERY SAFE though 😊
As long as you don't go bug eyed ratchet on 'em, you'll be fine.
You know, i felt the exact same way about Dubai, i use it for the Airport mostly when flying long haul, i find it, like you, brash and fake with a little seedy underbelly. But last time (March), you know i started to get it, it's still brash and over the top, it's still built using...questionable labour practices; but coming from the UK, everything is broken, everything is depressing, it was like a breath of fresh air, i could wonder round the clean streets and nobody was scamming me, nobody was mugging me at knife point, everyone was polite, the metro worked and was clean and cheap.
I am still not sure i'd want to live there, but i can't help but admire them for trying something different, whilst Europe appears to be failing.
Dubai is built with slave labor.
I quite enjoyed Dubai. I rented a car and went to the mountains on the border of Oman.
Seeing this episode with your son has reminded me that applications for the next series of the TV programme of “Race around the World” are open!
Brilliant as always, never fancied Dubai but would love to travel on a380
Scott I love the facetious cranky old guy schtick, it's a hoot. It's very evident you're a fun-loving chap, and when you do run into any problems, it's usually nothing that a pizza and a beer can't fix!
Great son and dad trip. It's really good to see if teens go along with their parents.
Dubai and Las Vegas Places nobody needs
Thank Scott,
Another great video. I was scheduled to pass through Dubai a few years back but Covid cancelled the trip. Thank goodness. Watching the video I felt the same way I did my one day passing through Las Vegas. Keep up the good work. I appreciate your honest but balanced critiques. As well, I like how you include trip mistakes and snafus. Cheers.
It's a fools paradise just like Vegas.
Hi an excellent video and what an amazing city Dubai looks and I really enjoyed the old town you showed us. That Queen Elizabeth Ship hotel should be in the UK on the shores of the beautiful river Clyde in awesome Glasgow where the ship was built.
I feel like Dubai is good for a day trip or so. There are some hotspots arteficially made for tourists and thats it. City has no soel, no character.
I think you can have a lot of fun in Dubai though, if you have couple of million dollars left to spend.
I enjoy staying in Abu Dhabi and than hop to Dubai for 1-2 days. If you travel with Etihad they offer a free Bus between AbuDhabi and Dubai. As their fligths to Europe depart past midnight, you can depart from Dubai Bus Station in the eveneing to AbuDhabi airport and fly home from there. Safes you a hotel night, but you still got to enjoy the whole day.
Love Dubai, worked there was sometime, get away from the tourist area and it is a cheap country. The abbras are a good ride across the creek.
First Scott, I am reading my newly purchased "End to End" which I am thoroughly enjoying. I also watched this vlog with considerable interest as the UAE [Abu Dhabi & Dubai] was my home between 1994 and 2013. I originally lived and worked as a teacher, deputy Head in Abu Dhabi before all the transformation occurred and back when the road between Abu Dhabi and Dubai was a normal road, one lane in each direction and speed humps [for camel protection] every 400metres. Journey time was around 2 hours. A transfer of schools to Dubai in 1997 took me to various apartments across the city so I instantly recognised your tour. Thanks for bringing back the memories although I too have no plans to revisit as by 2013 I had had my fill.
Bah! Friends of mine lived in the emirates when the only way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was to wait for the tide to go out and drive a Land Rover down the beach.
I’m here now staying on the palm jumeirah it’s beautiful 30 degrees every day ,spotless and no Chavs
I've lived in the Emirates for 20 years now, I try to avoid Dubai now too busy for me, was lovely back in the day, too many "influencers" around now.
Souq madinat is still worth a visit though.
I did a mini cruise on the QE@ in the mid 90s too! What a stately lady she is.
Your son seems to enjoy making videos with you far less than I enjoy watching your videos. Hope you guys have a great time together. Because I really enjoy your travels.
i stayed on there in 1982,on our way to the falklands,amazing ship.but alot of it was covered up.but the food we had was the same as they had on a cruise,amazing
Stayed in Dubai in 92 when it wasn't really on the tourist map and was much more interesting. I couldn't live in those temperatures - just been through Hamad International in Doha and it was 32C outside at midnight! Many thanks for your vlogs - have watched and continue to watch them all. V much looking forward to Sydney where I've also visited. 🏴👍
The winter season is the best time of year not summer. I’m here for a few weeks now and the temperatures are lovely especially compared to soggy england. I’d pick this weather over englands anytime.
I used to transit throught there when I worked in Saudi Arabia back in the 90's; it's certainly changed!
Going up that Tower would make up for everything else for me, incredible views. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, if you stay in these very touristed and luxury areas. Stay in Deira, Rigga Road, or even Ajman, soooo cheap and interesting in those parts. Lived here 30 years. Can't beat the low labor prices, cheap food, very low crime, beach, etc...
take the bus next time Scott
Step 1: Glasgow to London (Bus)
Take a long-distance bus (e.g., National Express or Megabus) from Glasgow to London.
Duration: ~8-10 hours
Cost: £20-£50
Step 2: London to Paris (Bus/Ferry Combo)
Use a bus service like FlixBus or BlaBlaBus to get from London to Paris via the English Channel (ferry or Eurotunnel for the bus).
Duration: ~8-10 hours
Cost: €30-€60
Step 3: Paris to Istanbul (Buses)
Cross Europe using long-distance buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) or a mix of local operators. Suggested route:
Paris → Munich (~12 hours)
Munich → Belgrade (~12 hours)
Belgrade → Istanbul (~12 hours)
This leg will involve transfers but can mostly be completed by bus.
Duration (total): ~36-40 hours (excluding layovers)
Cost: €120-€200
Step 4: Istanbul to Dubai (Bus and Local Transport)
This section is tricky due to limited overland connections, political barriers, and visa requirements. A suggested route:
Istanbul → Tehran (Bus): Several long-distance buses operate between these cities.
Duration: ~30 hours
Cost: ~$50-$100
Tehran → Bandar Abbas (Bus): Take another bus to this port city in southern Iran.
Duration: ~18 hours
Cost: ~$20-$50
Bandar Abbas → Dubai (Ferry): Ferries operate across the Persian Gulf to Dubai.
Duration: ~6-8 hours
Cost: ~$50
Time: The total journey could take 8-12 days, depending on schedules and layovers.
You'd absolutely love the plave when you got there ..
:)
I stopped there on route to OZ nearly fainted with the heat just going from the plane to the terminal,it’s unbelievable hot
Suppose OZ is freezing cold ? 🫤
I like Dubai it's fabulous city with incredible vibes, it's really safe and amazing 😍 🇦🇪 🙏🏻
My late Dad also worked on the building of the QE2, he was a joiner at the time and helped with the wood panelling in the cabins amongst other things. I wonder if they knew each other. His name was Robert Robertson (not that one!) and he came from Greenock.
I agree with you Scott about Dubai.
I'm looking at visiting Dubai next year, I checked out the price of the QE2 hotel. It was very reasonable for such an icon, definitely staying there!
I lived and worked in Dubai for over 20 years, even got married there. Both I and my wife loved it.
I’m here right now. It’s fantastic but definitely not for the faint hearted!
@@AM-mv6ro whats wrong with it?
@@stoso9864it’s way too hot haha and the public transport network is not as good as London’s. However it is a great city overall and is extremely safe.
@@AM-mv6roWhat ? The infrastructure is the best in the world buddy. London is dark S hole in comparison.
@@AM-mv6ro Hot? It’s 30° with low humidity. The winter has just started. Perfect.
Like Vegas with Arabs. Ok for some winter sun but wouldn’t rush there
Don’t blame you Scott! Been around that area years ago in the MN. It wasn’t like this then of course! Cheers from Oz.
Great video, must be very satisfying knowing you're stayed in a hotel your father helped to build.
There is something very sad about a ship that will never sail again.
I share your thoughts about Dubai, Scott. When I was there a few years back there were signs advertising the Museum of the Future, "opening soon". Kind of sums things up really! As for the QE2, I was in P3 at primary school in Edinburgh when she was launched and remember our class gathering round an old black & white TV to watch the event!
...Dubai never calls me, and this video confirms it... but I saw a bit more of it now, thanks Scott! I feel a bit torn between judging it an interesting future scenario and a nightmare, but the latter one wins for me. Its a rich mans world, controlled and sterile... 1 or 2 days there I could cope with, after that I would suffocate...
Soulless
The waterfall with figures was beautiful.
Not sure I could handle the lack of trees, lakes, or the killer heat…being from Canada!! 😮
Canada 😮 what a dark cold 🥶 place
@ Canada is 30c in summer…but cold in winter…but we are tough!
Water will be worlds most important item soon?? Not oil!…with 3 million lakes - 30% of world’s fresh water!
Not to mention 205,000km of coastline /worlds 3rd largest oil reserve /65 Trillion US$ in minerals, / 38 million people in 2nd largest country, with unlimited untapped wealth in arctic!
We will survive when everyone else is dead!
@@supersurfer1Wrong ! ,sunshine even during the winter . Summer …heat can go up to 40 degrees and very humid . Clearly you have never been ,it’s a beautiful country .
@@maggiefisker994 never been and never want to
Thanks Scott for sharing your fantastic video with us
Aye, good one Scott. I actually quite liked Dubai, been twice. That wee loch at the shopping centre that looks on to the Burh Khalifa, at night time there is a lit up water display, its amazing. Enjoed the video, looking forward to the Australia trip video.
It’s great to see young Blair again - 👍👍
Absolutely love Dubai, had our honeymoon there.
Phenomenal place but admittedly not very budget friendly.
I love Dubai, visited several times for work and holiday, going again soon.
Nice vlog, ive been twice but over 6 yrs ago, reckon its over commercial now but love the architecture. Ive seen videos about the ship showing it looked like a ghost ship with alot of empty spaces.
Dubai doesn’t do much for me. We’re flying out to Perth in February via Dubai and got a quick transfer, couple of hours or so, have no interest in the place - unlike Singapore this year which was great.
Wow, what a coup to say that your dad helped to build it. Enjoying your programmes, thank you.
My one and only visit was 25 years ago. It wasn't for me then, it certainly wouldn't be now.
Safe, clean, tidy, modern, everything works. Nothing wrong with Dubai.
Not enough pubs for him you know they love a few drinks 🍺
Do they have a completed sewer system yet?
You forgot Dull boring full of sad Materialistic people
Maintained with slave labor from south Asia.
I’m looking forward to visiting Dubai next year. Hopefully I’ll be having a tandem skydive over the Palm Jumeirah
I did that for my 60th birthday. It was brilliant 😊.
@@PJD_55I’ve had numerous tandem skydives in the U.K. thought it’s time to do one abroad.
I enjoy your videos Scott, this one kicked in my fear of heights and I was only watching a video.
We lived there for 3 years! Nothing like it is today though. Did not like it then and I don’t think it has improved.
Suppose you live in Birmingham or maybe Liverpool
Scott the old town looked like a film set.
Thanks for a real trip report on Dubai.
I have been to UAE twice, it's worth visiting, I actually preferred the old city, and the prices of things are much more reasonable there. For me, UAE, and Dubai and its environs and sights are of a must see and experience, but I certainly wouldn't rave over it, despite the development. It rains three times a year in Dubai, I come from Auckland, where it sometimes rains three times a day. The constant heat takes a while to get used to.
Great scenery in the desert at sunset though 😊
Brilliant video, looking forward ro seeing rhe next one. Hope all is well, take care
Old city of dubai looks nice 😊.
Your video is beautiful and you covered so much of interest.
Can't wait for Australia. Safe travels.
Come via Abu Dhabi next time. It's the capital, but a tad greener, a bit more relaxed and definitely less brash. I'm a Brit and have been here nearly 20 years! I rarely venture to Dubai.
Blair is a credit to you, such a great man. Let's hope he takes over the family business 😂. Seriously enjoy your post, in sunnier climate's. Fish out of the ferry.❤
Went once, never again. Soulless place.
Some Westerners who say Dubai is 'souless,' acutally mean: "Dubai has no drug use, drunkenness, cursing, swearing, saliva and dog crap littering the streets as my home city has".
@@tingedgnu6261exactly 😂😂😂I’m in Dubai now and it’s much safer than any part of the UK. The UK Is a crime ridden country with no leadership and a crab mentality. And food is terrible lol.
38c. Lucky u it's -3 here in scotland. And my heating is buggered so I'm sat in a jacket indoors with the electric heater on. I need to move
Brilliant stream, entertaining and informative as always! Nicely done Scott and Blair
Hoi, Scott, an real interesting story, well done. Been there several times, also my opinion, money counts first and above everything!. Used DXB as a transfer station, lot´s of destinations available, for example Oz!. Done a couple of the smaller and mostly more local places like AlAin/Fujairah. Greetings, Markus
You didn't do bad on the pints, I went 5 years ago and it was £12 a pint...and I had quite a few!
Totally agree,i worked out there for several years, very expensive and I called it a wannabe New York
😂😂😂😂😂😂
A colleague of mine who used to live in Dubai for a couple of years, also referred to Dubai as plastic land because all is artifical.
i heard your dad shouting, 'no its not a good choice of hotel son!!! a pint back in scotland is only £2.50' hopefully no Tsunami
Great video I’m going to Dubai in March 👍
Great time of year here in March mate. Before the dreaded summer which sucks every year!
@ ye that’s why picked March just before gets too hot out there
Looking forward to it
@@chrisfootballccfc8068 excellent! Enjoy my friend.
I’m in Dubai now mate. It’s absolutely amazing and I’ve never felt safer (fyi I’m a born and raised Londoner). The weather is very hot but I love everything about it. People claim there’s no culture but there is. Take a visit to Al Fahidi or Old Dubai and you’ll see the laid back traditional lifestyle!
lol. I’m in Dubai too this very moment I suppose that’s why all these Dubai videos are popping up. Really not looking forward to going back to soggy UK. Feels so safe and pleasant here. I have so much to say but I’ve gotta go.
Dubai is on my way to my current base in Asia, so throughout the years, while enjoying the now-extinct Emirates free hotel stopover, I ended up spending a few days in Dubai on three occasions.
I visited it for the first time in December 2017.
I feel there is not a community there. There is no social fabric. There is a very small number (10%) of emiratis, a massive number of economic migrant workers from poor countries (namely Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India), and a growing number of caucasian expats, many of which are trying to evade liabilities in their home countries.
I’ve never met a guy in Dubai I would like to be friends with anywhere else in the world.
It’s extremely hot most months of the year. The vibe in Dubai reminds me of Mad Max.
Single and datable women are rarer than icebergs in the UAE. Women from the royal family don’t mix up with non-muslims. Single female executives are scarce. If you see a curvaceous, big-lipped, ostentatiously dressed girl, chances are she is a hooker.
From an architectural perspective, most buildings are grose and have little to no cultural connection to the emirates. Culturally, Dubai is a desert.
There are excellent Lebanese and Arab restaurants, though. It’s also a good place to buy Rolex and other luxury watches. The airport is an excellent hub both to Europe and Asia.
I lived in Kuwait for 25 years and loved it and I wasn’t keen on Dubai either. Same here in UK I prefer Hastings to Brighton.
I would take Hastings or Brighton any day over Dubai, but the weather perhaps isn't as reliable.
Was your dad looking down and saying, 'Good choice of hotel, son'?
I suspect he was probably looking down and saying, 'You never made your bed when you were 19 either!'
A great video, thanks. 👍🏻
I was in Dubai in 1974 for the first time, it was then a small fishing village. It had one 'posh' hotel where we spent the night before flying to Beirut and then onto London then onward to Fife for leave from the MN.
Hardly a small fishing village ! My first visit was in October 1975 not long after the Intercontinental had opened (Dubai's first international standard hotel). Of course Dubai was totally different then but it was a vibrant trading port with plenty of activity in what would now be called the 'old town.'
@alexmcwhirter6611 it was when I was there in early 1974.
@@Bruce-1956I know. But it was only one year later...things don't change that quickly.
Really enjoyed this video really looking forward to Sydney video