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Things to do in DubaiOnce you have finally made the long journey from home and arrived in Dubai you will probably want to explore what this fabulous city has to offer. Dubai tempts you with a wide range of things to do, see and experience. The city is surrounded by mystical deserts, the dramatic Hajar Mountains, the Creek, which is basically an inlet from the gulf that divides the city in two, and you will be amazed at the diversity of this amazing city.We have detailed some of the best must do experiences whilst visiting Dubai, and don’t forget to pack your camera and purchase those all important souvenirs. Desert Safari This off-road adventure takes you from the buzz of Dubai city to the golden sand dunes of the desert where the dune bashing (desert driving) begins. This will have you screaming and laughing with shear excitement and the luxury 4WD takes you up and down the sand dunes at high speed. As the night begins to fall and the sun disappears over the horizon you will be able to take some photographs while standing on top of the sand dunes with amazing views of nothing but desert. After the thrill of ride is over you are taken to a traditional Bedouin campsite for a short camel ride. Then it’s time for a traditional Arabian BBQ beside a blazing camp fire. If the mood takes you, you can also get dressed for the occasion in traditional Bedouin clothing and have henna tattoos decorated on your legs, feet and hands. Then before you are taken back to Dubai you will be entertained by belly dancers to traditional Arabic music. This is a fantastic adventure that is well worth doing! The desert Safaris normally start in the afternoon around 3.30pm and last for 5 to 6 hours. Dubai City Tour This fascinating in-sight to the city of Dubai allows you to explore the contrast between the past and the present that is very evident in Dubai. The tour begins at the wonderful Jumeirah mosque and continues along the Jumeirah beach road, which is on e of the most lavish urban areas in Dubai. Then it’s on to Mercato themed shopping mall followed by a photo stop at the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel. After a brief visit to the Nad Al Sheeba camel and horse tracks, where you will see camels coming and going during their training, it’s off to see the skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road. This area is also known as little Manhattan, and is home to the Emirates Towers and the Dubai World Trade Centre. Next you will travel along the Zabeel road, where you pass by the palace of Sheikh Mohammed as well as the palace of Sheikh Rashid, which unfortunately cannot be photographed. Then the tour heads to the Creek, to the Dubai Museum and then on to Abra station, where you will board an Abra (water ferry) to the other side of the Creek and then proceed on foot to the spice and gold souks (markets), where the tour will finish. This city tour usually lasts for around 3 to 4 hours and is a great way to explore the many facades of Dubai. Wild Wadi, Dubai Wild Wadi is a water theme park in the city of Dubai in an area known as Jumeirah, and has 24 adrenaline fuelled rides and slides set over 12 acres. The park takes the theme of an Arabian Wadi (oasis) and has features from Arabian folklore with many of the rides and attractions being interconnected. This is a great place to bring the kids and will have them amused for hours exploring and enjoying all thrilling rides. Some of the best rides are the Jumeirah Sceirah which is the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside of North America. Rising 33 metres and powering riders to speeds up to 80 kmh, make this a great experience. Master Blaster is a ride best described as an uphill roller coaster, where you sit on rings and high-powered jets of water propel you uphill. Then you have the Ring Rides where you sit on either single or double rings and just let gravity take over and hold on tight till you reach the bottom. The Wild Wadi water-park opens daily from 11am and closes at either 6pm or 7pm depending on the time of year. However, during June, July and August the park stays open until 9pm and also operates a woman’s only day on a Thursday. Outside of the City, Abu Dhabi City Tour The Abu Dhabi City Tour takes you to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which is to be found on an island and connected by two bridges to the mainland. It is about a 2 hour journey from Dubai to reach Abu Dhabi and along the way you will pass the largest man-made port in the world, Jebel Ali Port & Free Zone, as well as the Shatti Palace. Once arriving and the Manhattan of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi, you will first notice the huge skyscrapers that fill the city, but what lies beneath will fascinate everyone. You will visit the Petroleum Exhibition and the Heritage Village, followed by a drive along the stunning Corniche (beach) where you will able to take photographs of the breathtaking city skyline. Then it is of to see the Al Hisn Fort, the Old Souk (market) and Breakwater Island. Before the tour of the city comes to an end you will see the palace of the president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, visit the Dhow (boat) yard where these traditional wooden boats are made and then finally eat a delicious well deserved lunch. Then on the way back to Dubai you will pass the magnificent Dubai Sports City, the world’s first purpose-built sports city, set on 50 million square foot of land and featuring an awesome 60,000 seat stadium and the first Ernie Els designed golf course. This tour generally lasts for approx 8 hours and is a great way to escape Dubai for a day and see the capital of the UAE. |
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