Dubai is a dynamic international business centre, as well as a center of water sports like jet skiing, fishing, diving and kayaking and desert sports like dune bashing and sand boarding. Dubai is also known for hosting camel and horse races as well as international golf tournaments. Dubai, however, is also a tourist escape. You can visit a farm, go date tasting, check the camel market, visit the souks, or just bath in the sun. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to wear you sunglasses and have with you plenty of water.
One of the most exciting things to do when you are in Dubai is to go on a desert safari. Some desert safaris include dune bashing, sand boarding and a camel ride which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the sweeping scenery of the desert in a more relaxing way and give you a glimpse into the nomadic desert culture of the Bedouin tribes. If you go on an over night desert safari, you will be spending the night in a traditional Bedouin – style camp under the starlit sky where you will have the opportunity to listen to desert stories and music by a bonfire and enjoy some traditional barbeque. Your tour operator rep at the hotel will be able to book a tour for you.
A dinner cruise under the stars, on the traditional dhow vessel is particularly romantic. The dhow which is adorned with an Arabian theme, is made entirely of wood and was used exclusively by merchants and traders in the past. The cruise last for about 2 hours and passes a number of attractions which are located on the 14 km Dubai Creek, the natural seawater inlet which divides the city into the Dubai Deira and the Bur Dubai parts. The creek was established as a sea route since ancient times and continues to be the soul of the city. Originally the creek was shallow and could only accommodate small vessels. Because of the creek’s strategic importance to the whole of the region, the creek was deepened in 1960, and became a busy port and an essential part of the city. A wildlife sanctuary is located at the inland end of the Dubai Creek and is home to over 27,000 birds. Along the creek one will also find trendy boutiques, hotels, golf courses and yachting clubs. To book a dinner cruise ask your tour operator rep at your hotel.
The Wild Wadi Park (a wadi is a dry river-bed which fills quickly when it rains on the mountains) is located on the Jumeirah Beach Road near the Burj Al Arab hotel and offers both daring and relaxing fun for the whole family. The park has a wave pool, multiple water slides, two artificial surfing machines, the largest water slide outside of North America and an 18 m waterfall that goes off every ten minutes. The park has 6 restaurants offering burgers, salads, sandwiches and soft drinks. Fovoured rides are the 33 meters high ‘Jumeirah Sceirah’ which reaches a speed of up to 80 km per hour, and the pitch-black ‘Tunnel of Doom’. The park is open during the months of September, October, and March. April and May from 11:00 to 19:00, during November, December, January and February form 11:00 to 18:00 and during the months of June, July and August from 11:00 to 21:00. For admission fee and other information visit: http://www.wildwadi.com/ or call: 4-348 4444.
Dubai offers a unique landscape for golfing. An exceptional choice in golf luxury is the Abu Dhabi Golf Club (http://www.adgolfclub.com/Home.aspx) near the Sheraton which is located close to Dubai and Sharjah. The 6498 yards Gardens Course, and the 7204 yards National Course are each 18 holes, par 72. Another option is the Tower Links Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah (http://www.towerlinks.com/) which is defined by natural features such as bunkers and lakes which offer a challenging game. It borders a lush mangrove swamp and it is set against the Hajar Mountains, one of the biggest natural attractions in Dubai. For information about other golf courses visit: http://www.godubai.com/golf/golf.asp
A seaplane flight lasts for 40 minute and will provide you with a bird's eye view of Dubai's iconic landmarks and the opportunity to photograph these amazing landmarks from the air. The highlights of the seaplane flight include Jabel Ali Palm, Jabel Ali Port, Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab Hotel Jumeirah, Burj Dubai, the Dubai Creek and the World. To book a seaplane flight and for more nformation ask your tour operator rep at the hotel.