Dubai Transportation Tips by xuessium

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Taking a taxi in Dubai is akin to a limousine experience. Cool and comfortable under the hot sun.

All drivers wear neat crispy uniform with ties. They speak English. You can flag any taxi down at any spot. Everything is metered so you don't have to waste brain cells with bargaining.

The only catch is that it's probably the most expensive mode of travelling in Dubai, especially if you are on a tight budget.

I took a cab from the Spice Souk in Deira to the Jumeirah Free Beach and the 30 minutes or so journey bled about 20AED from my wallet.

Meter Rate (circa Jan 08):
Day Rate: 3AED plus 1.17AED per km
Night Rate: 3.50AED plus 1.70AED per km
Airport Rate: 16AED plus 0.50 fils per 500 metres

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Website: http://dtc.dubai.ae/en.portal

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: The Dubai airport buses operate 24 hours a day. They arrive and depart from the Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (near the carpark) in 30 minutes intervals.

Two Dubai airport bus routes are currently in place: 401 and 402.

Rate is 3 AED per journey.

Dubai Airport Bus 401 transports passengers from the airport in Dubai to the Deira section of Dubai. Route: Dubai Airport- DNATA Airline Centre - Al Maktoum Road - Deira Taxi Station - Al Sabkha Bus Station

Dubai Airport Bus 402 transports passengers from the airport to the Dubai city area which is located on the other side of the Dubai Creek. Route 402: Dubai Airport - Deira City Centre - Al Karama - Golden Sands - Al Mankhool - Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

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Website: http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: See my notes under "To Do" tips instead: TAKING AN ABRA

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: One of the most messiest airport I have ever been to. Yes, it's glitzy as befitting a country with money to burn but aside from that, it's really quite jaw dropping, in a not so kind way.

Terminal 1 is home to all the International Airlines, including Emirates.

Arrival meant a L...O...N...G walk towards customs and baggage claim. There were confusions among passengers with regard to visas and many a times, custom officers had to turn back passengers who were not clear on arriving procedures. Passengers from certain countries (I shan't name them) were cutting queues at will, irking other passengers and the custom officers were turning a blind eye to these antics. Officers wore very stern expressions; almost military like. I know we aren't allowed to abuse airport personnel these days but really, a smile wouldn't hurt!

In Departure, check in counters are behind baggage checks stations so imagine the queue clogging each entry point as everyone submits their baggage, big & small, for X-ray checks. The security is not doing enough to keep non-passengers out. Stern stares and heated shouting seemed to be about the only ways security was employing to keep non-passengers out as hordes of families and friends seemed determine to accompany passengers in.

Checking-in is another round of waiting though less painful. Then it was another round of security checks before you enter the DFS and gate areas. And you thought that would be the end of the nightmare. Wrong. I have never seen so many people literally littering the pathways, sleeping, chatting and smoking away. It felt like a refugee camp rather than an International Airport. I was half expecting to see folks cooking their meals right there and the UN coming in with relief packages.

Cafeterias and eateries were tucked into inconvenient corners. Money changers were actually more centralised than them.

If DXB's aim is to pack as many passengers into a terminal, then I must applaud that they are doing a great job.

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Website: http://www.dubaiairport.com/dia/english/home/

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Flew 4 sectors with them, all Economy. Tried the airline as plenty of folks had sung their praises. SIN-DBX (Boeing 773), DBX-CMN (Airbus 332), CMN-DBX (Airbus 332) and DBX-SIN (Boeing 773). The airline certainly optimises the space on the planes, going for a 3-4-3 configuration on the 773 and a 2-4-2 on the A332. Packed to the brim with minimal seating space and leg room. Comfort for the passengers seems to be the last thing considered.

Only had the chance to try the latest inflight entertainment system "ICE" on the last leg. Despite the bigger PTVs, the shows are not up to date compared to Emirates competitors.

Food in Economy was average, hardly meeting the great stuff compliments I have heard.

Service among FAs was uneven, despite having an impressive crew that can speak more than 7 languages on the last flight. Hardly see any FAs during the flight; most of them preferring to hide at the back chit-chatting. When asked for a blanket as my seat was missing one on 1 of the flights, the FA returned with one and a nonchalant stare plus "OK?". What happened to manners?

Certainly did not leave up to its glittering image.

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Website: http://www.emirates.com/sg/English/