Today set to wake up in Dubai

When Nine’s Today told viewers they were heading on a trip this week, viewers could have been forgiven for thinking they were making their way to the Mid-North Coast – but it isn’t so.

When Nine’s Today told viewers hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo told viewers they were packing their bags and heading on a trip this week, viewers could have been forgiven for thinking they were making their way to the Mid-North Coast.

However, it turns out the duo are instead heading to Dubai.

And there’s been a little backlash.

While the promotional trip was clearly organised before they knew there was going to be a one-in-500-year flood, many viewers are asking whether the trip – which will see them stay in $1000 a night accom – is necessary in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

The first promo for the trip included an interview with Kym Barter, the general manager of Atlantis, The Palm.

However, viewers were quick to pounce.

“There’s a disconnect between the show going and the viewers caring at home. It might get some tourist interest/return for Dubai as a result but it’s not a viewer first initiative.”

“They could have done it without the advert for the hotel this morning and instead focused on what the tourist attractions are.”

Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo are heading to Dubai.

“And which viewer at home can afford $1000 a night to stay there. They are so out of touch.”

“Won’t be a good idea when you have a flooding disaster in Australia, but the hosts are reporting from overseas on a luxury trip. Are they going to be interviewing disaster victims from a luxurious $1000 a night hotel.”

TV insiders are also critical of the “risky” move.

“It isn’t smart,” one said.

“Now or anytime. Dubai isn’t relatable. It is expensive. They could have just done some stories from there, I am not sure why they sent all the hosts. It’s risky.”

Stefaonvic, Abo and the crew fly out to the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

They will be giving Today viewers a chance to win a trip to Dubai.

The trip will provide an opportunity for Stefanovic to see his daughter Willow, who is currently based in London.

She shared a photograph of The Palms hotel in Dubai yesterday.

It will no doubt be an exhausting week for the Today crew, with 6am in Sydney being midnight in Dubai.

“We cannot wait to welcome you to Atlantis, and obviously Dubai. We’re as excited as you are and can’t wait to show you what we’ve got here,” the GM of The Palm, Atlantis, told Today.

“It’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisines and experiences and adventures, but I’m not going to give away too much – I’m going to let you arrive next week and have an amazing time here.”

The promotional trip to Dubai comes as rival Sunrise consistently beats Today, with it winning against the Nine breakfast program every day this year.

This week on Friday, Sunrise total TV audience of 1,050,000 compared to Today which had 816,000 viewers.

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