Dubai Spotting Help

[mark thompson]

Hello,
I am planning my first spotting trip to Dubai,hoping to go in early October. I know to stop at the Sheraton Deira or the Nojoum appartments(not made my mind up yet). But I was just hoping that someone who has been recently would be able to provide me with any advice or tips.

I will be going on my own to log and photograph. I know that this can only be done from the hotel.

Thanks in advance

[Dubaian]

The Hyatt Galleria (long stay apartments attached to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, near the mouth of the Creek in Deira) gives great unobstructed views of aircraft from the roof residents' pool deck (31st floor). If you booked into the hotel and asked nicely, I'm sure they'd give you access.


If the wind is from the north or west (which it is a lot of the time), take-offs from DXB go past the hotel at roughly the same height as the roof deck and I guess approx. 1km horizontal.

[mark thompson]

Great,Thankyou

[crewmeal]

Be careful -

Planespotters released without charge from Dubai jail after two months in prison - Manchester Evening News (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/planespotters-released-without-charge-dubai-9095533)

[TCAS FAN]

crewmeal

The spotters were arrested in Fujairah, which is about a 1.5 hour drive east of Dubai. Fujairah and Dubai are two of the seven United Arab Emirates, each of which have a high level of self rule.

Fujairah is much less developed than Dubai and has a much under utilised airport, due to the runway being built in a narrow wadi with high hills each side and at its eastern end. It is a spotters paradise which dozens of ex soviet era aircraft stored there/ rotting away. Have a look at Google Earth.

Security at Fujairah is a very sensitive issue, with a high wall built around most of the airport. Suspect that there may be something going on there which someone doesn't want to advertise, the aircraft bone yard certainly isn't a reason for the security.

Haven't heard about problems with photography at Dubai, but suggest that if you have an airband radio you may want to think twice about taking it with you.

[crewmeal]

Good point TCAS but with all the tension building in the region things could change rapidly.

[mark thompson]

Thanks.The airband will be staying at home.From what I have believe,as long as we do the spotting from the roof top pool area we are fine. The Sheraton Deira even off planespotter breaks onn their website..

[EGNT]

You can listen in to the Dubai ATC on a well known website, so no need for the scanner!

[Dubaian]

The Sheraton Deira is actually closer to the airport than the Hyatt. So probably a better bet for you, Mark. Not far off being directly under the flight paths for one of the runways.


(When I posted yesterday, I was thinking about the other, older Sheraton, on the Creek side - which would not be suitable for you. Hence the alternate suggestion).


Loads of Sheratons, Hyatts, etc etc in town now. Make sure your taxi knows exactly which one you want.

[Teaboy24]

A couple of weeks ago, "No photography" signs went up on the terrace at the Sheraton Deira. According to staff it is an order from the authorities. Apparently they took offence at people taking photos from the edge and being seen from below.

Was going to be posted on hotel website but I see there is nothing so not sure if this still in force. maybe worth checking. Staff were politely asking people not to take photo's if they got out a camera.

Am not into aircraft photography anyway, but unless they are landing from the sea which is rare in daylight, dont think a great location as they come virtually over the top of you so not great angle. Friends have stayed at the Marriott which am told is better for photos, but more expensive to stay.

[mark thompson]

wow..may have to reconsider Dubai then....Thanks for all your comments

[Dubaian]

The main thing, Mark, is that photography of people in UAE without their permission is illegal. And there has been quite a lot of stuff about this recently in the local media. Dashboard cams have been the subject of a lot of debate.


So too many folk flashing long lensed cameras from a roof (for whatever purpose) is likely to attract some attention and maybe even a cease & desist !! The Sheraton web site actually advertising spotter photography opportunities was frankly asking for trouble.


Photography of objects (but not military installations, Palaces, and bridges) should be OK. There are loads of places in Deira and Mamzaar districts where you could, discretely, pursue your hobby.