siddlobo   25 May, 2009 18:54

Dubai has transformed itself from a barely inhabited desert to a top tourist destination. While the sun and the sea attract well heeled travelers looking for a chance to grill on the beach, the city has a number of exciting outdoor activities that are quite unique to the region. From camel riding to hot air ballooning, sand skiing to falconry, here are some thrilling options for the more actively inclined.

Desert Safari

This is an action packed adventure that includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand skiing and a number of other activities in one evening. As the name suggests, dune bashing is just that. Expect an adrenaline packed ride where your 4x4 crashes through dunes and kicks up a storm of sand around you. If you’re attempting your first camel ride, here’s a tip that’ll come in handy. Fight tooth and nail for the seat at the back. It’s far more comfortable and there’s a much lesser chance of falling off from here. Sand skiing is a new rage in Dubai. You basically get to the top of a dune and ‘ski’ down the dune. If you love skiing the traditional way, i.e. on snow, you’ll find this a pretty unique way of enjoying your favourite sport all year round. http://www.desertsafaridubai.com

Hot Air Balloon Rides

This is the best way to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views the desert has to offer. Like an early morning sunrise breaking out on the horizon, a stray camel walking along the desert or a gazelle running off into the distance. This is ideal for those who'd like to enjoy the majestic beauty of the desert. Relax and watch the endless dunes pass by beneath you as life takes on a surreally peaceful tone. Find out more with the ballooning specialists in Dubai at http://www.ballooning.ae

 Falconry

Here’s another uniquely Arab outdoor experience. Falconry has long been a part of the local Arab culture. At the Al Sahra Desert Resort, you can experience one of the world’s most ancient sports from the comfort of a shaded camp. If you’d like to be more hands on, you can also get involved with training these amazing birds. http://www.shaheenxtreme.com/index.html

Quad biking

If your idea of fun is driving through the constantly changing dunes, quad biking is for you. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will enjoy revving up quad bikes and blazing trails through the desert. The quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to ride. Minimum age is 15 years. Find out more at http://www.arabiahorizons.com/Quad-Bike-Safari

Wadi bashing

This is for the truly adventurous. Wadis are dry river beds that follow the course of seasonal streams in rocky valleys. As these riverbeds weren’t made for driving, wadi bashing can be quite a back jolting ride. Not for the faint hearted.
http://www.middleeasthub.com/dubai/things-to-do/wadi-bashing.html

Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter based out of Munich

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siddlobo   12 May, 2009 10:27

Iconic, ostentatious, innovative, outrageous… love it or hate it, Dubai’s real estate developments have put the city on the world map. It’s estimated that 25% of the world’s cranes can be found in Dubai. A mere 20 years ago, this was a little known desert town - its centre marked by four buildings. Now, this buzzing city has been dubbed by a number of lofty nicknames- ‘Vegas on the Gulf’, ‘City of Gold’, ‘The Desert Miracle’ to name a few. While the economic downturn has caused a slowdown in its building frenzy, parts of the city still look like a massive construction site. This article takes a look at some of the most famous real estate developments in Dubai.

Burj Al Arab
This iconic building, designed to resemble a billowing sail, dominates the Dubai skyline. At 321 metres (1,050 ft), it is the second tallest building in the world used exclusively as a hotel. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. At night, this impressive structure is illuminated by beautifully choreographed lighting.

Burj Dubai
At 818 metres, this is the tallest man-made structure ever built, despite being incomplete. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2009. The estimated building cost is US$1 billion. Here are some more interesting facts. The Tower’s external surface is the size of 17 football fields, the concrete used is the weight of 100,000 elephants and the water system will supply about 250,000 gallons of water per day. http://www.burjdubai.com

The Palm Islands
The Palm Islands are designed to be the world’s largest man- made islands. In order to increase the number of beachfront properties, the islands were designed in the shape of a palm tree instead of a traditional circle. The three Palm projects, the Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira are set to become one of the world’s most iconic housing and tourism projects. http://www.thepalm.ae

The World
Where in the world will you find a real estate project in the shape of the world? Located four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, The World comprises of 300 man-made islands clustered into the shape of the world map. From private islands to commercial properties, this project is truly out of this world. http://www.theworld.ae

Atlantis
A super luxurious hotel set on the Palm Jumeirah, it also boasts of the world’s largest open air marine habitat with over 65000 marine species,  an exciting water park, a dolphinarium (the dolphins were brought in from Australia along with their trainers), private beaches, spas and world class restaurants. http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/theresort.aspx

Dubailand
At 186 million square metres, which is twice the size of Disneyworld in Florida, Dubailand is set to be one of the largest developments in the region. The project once completed is expected to have 50 themed leisure attractions and hotels. Themes include Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Aqua Dunia, Golf City and lots, lots more. http://dubailand.ae

Find more information about expat life in Dubai on Easy Expat.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter based out of Munich

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easyexpat   12 June, 2006 19:08

A dinner was organised by San in Dubai at the The Noodle House (Souk Madinat Jumeirah), on the 2nd June.

According to San's report, the evening was a success: good ambiance, and interesting conversations (despite the absence of Benoit ...who forgot to come apparently : life in Dubai of course, the quality of life abroad (in other cities like Paris, Geneva or Montreal), but also football (no way to escape with the worldcup).

The menu was Peking duck and Phad Thai, while people came from Tunisia, Canada, Switzerland ... and of course France for most of them!

A definite must do it again!

You can see all the photos of the dinner in the Album section.

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