TRAVEL | Crazy New Year's Adventure: Navigating Crowds and Chaos in the UAE

Last week was incredibly hectic for me; it seemed like every moment was accounted for, leaving me with little time for anything else. My schedule felt condensed, as if seven days were squeezed into just a few hours. The constant walking, back-to-back lunches, and navigating the bustling streets of Dubai made it an overwhelming experience. Reflecting on it now, I can confidently say that I won't be taking on such a packed agenda again anytime soon.

Day 1 / Dec. 28, 2023

Starting my journey to Dubai, I carefully selected a morning flight with the budget-friendly Wiz Air, renowned for its economical fares and comfortable seating arrangements. The entire experience seamlessly unfolded, from a trouble-free check-in to a smooth arrival in Abu Dhabi. Within this concise guide, I aim to impart crucial insights and tips to ensure a convenient journey, encompassing specifics about transportation from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. 

• Consider budget-friendly option: Wiz Air, offering low-cost fares and reasonable seating space.
• Minimal flight delays experienced with Wiz Air.
• Smooth check-in process; ensure you have return flights for check-in requirements.
• Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, head to Exit A for the bus station.
• Purchase bus tickets to Dubai, ranging from 30 to 35 dirhams.
• Wait for the bus departure time; travel time from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai is typically 1 hour.

Note: Verify whether you need a pre-arranged visa or if you can obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE. The visa processing time typically spans 3 to 5 days, so ensure you address this requirement well in advance.

Upon reaching Ibn Battuta, you'll gain access to the Metro Station, providing connectivity to key areas across the city. Opt for either a Nol card for multiple rides or a single ride ticket. Choosing a Nol card is advisable as it serves dual purpose, being valid for both metro and bus rides if you plan to navigate Dubai's public transportation system.

Regarding my daily agenda, it simply involved meeting up with friends and enjoying dinner. The journey to Dubai has been quite lengthy, and now, I believe it's time for some well-deserved rest.

Day 2 / Dec. 29, 2023

Had breakfast and around evening we proceeded to Jumeirah Beach, where people usually swim at the beach but since it's cold - not many are swimming but the place was still packed with people and I noticed that there is now a bridge from JBR going to Meraas where the ferris wheel or Eye of Dubai is located.

How to reach Jumeirah Beach?

• To start, take the Red Line of the Dubai Metro to either the DMCC or Sobha Realty metro stations. From there, transfer to the Dubai Tram and take it to one of the Jumeirah Beach Residence stops, depending on where exactly you want to go. The entire journey takes around 15-20 minutes. 

• Once you arrive at Jumeirah Beach, there are many things to enjoy like swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, sunbathing, and sampling snacks from the multitude of food stalls. You can also take a scenic boat tour to see icons like the Burj Al Arab hotel and Palm Jumeirah island from the water. If you need a break, visit one of the nearby parks with play areas for children. 

Day 3 / Dec. 30, 2023

Time for another lunch gathering with friends, and this occasion led us to Souk Madinat - renowned for its gold merchandise. Our reserved spot offered a picturesque view of the man-made canal, adorned with bustling boats and Santa Claus, given the ongoing Christmas season. Basking in the beautiful sunny afternoon, we sipped on prosecco, toasting to the vibrant crowd that had gathered to celebrate.

However, amidst the lively atmosphere, a few observations caught my attention:

• The majority of diners appeared to be either white or locals, with a noticeable scarcity of Asians, possibly due to the relatively high costs.
• Interestingly, the servers were predominantly Filipinos or Indians, adding a diverse touch to the dining experience.
• The place was undeniably bustling, drawing in a diverse crowd of families enjoying the festivities.
• Notably, the demographic seemed skewed towards families, with fewer single gay individuals observed in this particular area.

Wondering about tips for the day? Well, consider opting for a slightly more budget-friendly venue for your gatherings. Dubai boasts a plethora of options, allowing you to splurge if your budget allows. However, for those mindful of expenses, there are plenty of cost-efficient restaurants that still offer a delightful experience. It all comes down to balancing your choices and aligning them with your budgetary considerations.

Day 4 / Dec 31, 2023

By this point, my feet and back were starting to ache, courtesy of the extensive walking and standing I had to endure. Such is the reality in Dubai – despite the abundance of transportation options, walking remains a necessity, especially considering the comparatively high cost of relying on taxis or Uber services in the city.

Speaking of Uber, there are a couple of ride-hailing apps available in Dubai:

1. Careem

2. Uber

Both are under the Uber umbrella, with Careem being based in Dubai and subsequently acquired by Uber. Simply download Careem upon your arrival in Dubai. Of course, the traditional method of hailing a taxi on the street remains a viable option.

Indeed, it's New Year's Eve, and to sidestep the anticipated crowd congestion around Burj Khalifa—having heard less-than-favorable reviews about the entry and exit experience—we opted for an alternative. However, we soon discovered a similar fate awaited us at Jumeirah Beach.

3 hours before New Year

We strolled along JBR to pass the time, meandering from Hilton Hotel to The Address until we reached Meraas—the spot where you'll encounter the Eye of Dubai, a colossal ferris wheel. A noteworthy highlight at Meraas is the provision of clean restrooms, a blessing in itself. Along the bustling streets, a myriad of street food options unfolded, ranging from corn and potatoes to refreshing fruit juices and coffee.

Craving a bowl of ramen, we discovered an absence of Japanese restaurants serving it in Meraas. Undeterred, we retraced our steps to the heart of JBR, where luck was on our side. We stumbled upon SushiArt, a Japanese eatery offering delectable sushi and noodles, culminating in a delightful dinner find.

Cost:

Ramen - 150 dirhams

Sushi - 70 dirhams

Fruit juices - 30 dirhams

1 hour before New Year

My friend urgently needed a restroom, and since Meraas was quite a distance away, we swiftly made our way to Hilton Hotel. Fortunately, the hotel was relatively quiet that night, and we were relieved to find the restroom unoccupied and readily available.

CR Tip: If you ever need to use a clean toilet, always look for the nearest hotel. They will always have the best toilet available.

5 minutes before New Year

Opting for higher ground in hopes of a better view of the fireworks, we were met with an unexpected challenge – the massive crowd obstructed our sightline. While we could still catch glimpses of the fireworks, a significant portion remained obscured from our vantage point. The entire horizon illuminated with bursts of fireworks, yet regrettably, we couldn't appreciate the spectacle in its entirety due to the dense crowd.

The aftermath 

This turned out to be the nightmare I hadn't anticipated. Right after the fireworks, my friend and I hurried toward the exit closest to the tram, thinking that others might linger in JBR. Unfortunately, everyone had the same idea, resulting in all exits being congested with a sea of people. I can't exaggerate when I say that, for a moment, I feared we might get caught in this crowd – a scenario eerily reminiscent of what occurred in Itaewon in 2022.

The surging mass of people was chaotic, marked by shoving, and we found ourselves navigating through the crowd with child strollers ahead of us. Occasionally, we endured inadvertent elbow jabs from taller individuals. It was nothing short of pandemonium as everyone desperately tried to navigate through the stampede, and for a moment, it felt like total chaos.

At 1am 

By 1 am, we miraculously managed to navigate our way out of the tumultuous crowd, only to find a dauntingly long queue at the tram. Despite the excruciating pain in my feet, we had no alternative but to persist in walking, fearing we might miss the metro (later realizing it was operating 24 hours that day/night). The chaos persisted, and our relief upon entering the tram was short-lived, as the main metro station proved to be equally disastrous.

Inside the station, it resembled a sea of people with a stationary queue. To exacerbate matters, the air conditioning was feeble, causing everyone to sweat profusely. Children and women were caught in lengthy lines, and I found myself in a particularly awkward moment when a lady stood directly in front of me, her proximity prompting sincere apologies on my part.

2am

At last, we entered the metro station, pressed against fellow passengers elbow to elbow. Despite the sensation that my feet were on the verge of collapse, I felt a wave of gratitude that the ordeal was behind us. This is an experience I vow never to repeat, and I sincerely hope this journal serves as a reminder of the stress that comes with spending New Year's in the UAE.

Day 5 / Jan. 1, 2024

After the ordeal yesterday, I decided it was time to pamper myself and find a massage shop because my knees and back were absolutely killing me. I headed all the way to Al Rigga, determined to discover a place that could relieve this stress. Finding a good massage spot proved challenging as online reviews weren't particularly helpful. I had to rely on luck, and luckily, luck was on my side. I stumbled upon a massage place called "Diva" near Al Rigga station exit.

The massage was exactly what I needed, and my masseur was exceptionally kind and accommodating. Being Filipino, he ensured my pressure points were fully addressed, providing a much-needed relief.

Cost

Massage with scrub: 250 dirhams

Tip: 100 dirhams

Day 6 / Jan. 2, 2024

As I prepare to board my flight and bid farewell to the UAE, will I miss it? Absolutely. Would I choose to celebrate New Year here again? Certainly not. I've realized there are far more enjoyable ways to welcome the new year than risking getting trampled in a stampede. This marks my final New Year's celebration in this place.

My flight leaves from Abu Dhabi so I had to take an early bus ride from Dubai - left the house from 6am then bus ride to Abu Dhabi took about an hour (I was fast asleep in the bus so I really couldn't tell the time). When I woke up, I was already at the airport - that fast. Check in was also smooth and in fact I still had time to eat breakfast at McDonalds before leaving.