Five reasons why: Dubai
Date Posted: 25/06/2018
Known for its luxury, modern architecture, shopping and nightlife, Dubai has something for everyone. Relax on the beautiful beaches, shop till you drop or explore the action-packed experiences on offer, the choice is yours! There are plenty of reasons why you should visit Dubai but there are five you won’t want to miss…
See the Queen Elizabeth 2 at its new home!
The Queen Elizabeth 2 is back to extend its 50 year history… at a prime location on Dubai’s waterfront. Step inside the Middle East’s first floating hotel for a fascinating insight into maritime history. Rooms are comfortable and luxurious as they’ve been restored to offer modern conveniences whilst remaining true to the QE2’s renowned heritage. Speaking of heritage, you can take in a tour to soak up the legacy of this ship.
It’s currently in soft opening which means there are five restaurants and bars open before its grand opening in October. Upon completion, there will be a total of 13 venues to eat or drink, meaning you definitely won’t go hungry! You’ll be able to sample authentic British cuisine and even sip cocktails at trendy outdoor bars (that were once visited by the Queen herself!) The renovation means at this current moment in time you’ll be restricted to certain parts of the hotel including the spa, gym and swimming pool. One thing’s for sure, if you’re heading to Dubai, you should definitely check out this slice of history!
Laguna Waterpark
There’s a brand new waterpark at the heart of Dubai’s La Mer beachfront. With 5 main rides, lazy river, aqua play and wave rider there’s plenty of splashing around potential. WaveOz 180 is a FloRider that offers a unique surfing experience. It is only one of three in the world where you can surf on a 180-degree wave pool. It spans 187ft from wall to wall and is the perfect place to learn to surf or try out your new tricks. Maybe the rides are more appealing? Free fall is where you will step into a glass capsule and let the floor release from under you, sending you on a freefall journey to the splashdown lane below! Feeling competitive? Take on your partner in an exciting series of bumps and drops on the Mad Racer as you accelerate towards the finish line. If they’re not exhilarating enough for you, we’re sure Manta, Constrictor and the loop will be!
At the Aqua Play, kids can run riot on a super play structure with watersides and giant soaker bucket. For littler ones, the Splash Pad serves up some interactive elements such as splash pools and squirting water. Joining your children to play couldn’t be more fun! After all that playtime, relax by the North Beach La Mer or unwind in one of the cosy cabanas with up to four luxury sun loungers and watch the madness go on around you.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
Why wouldn’t you want to visit the tallest building in the world? At 829.8m tall, there are not many better views around once you get to the top. There are three observation decks at level 148, 125 and 124. Enjoy a personalised tour guided by a guest ambassador as you step out on the world’s highest observation deck with outdoor terrace at an insane 555 metres high. Enjoy signature refreshments at the Sky Lounge as you look over the sights of Dubai. A unique, interactive experience that explores Dubai’s most famous landmarks using motion sensors is a must-do.
Don’t worry about getting up to that height though as the Burj Khalifa holds the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world! The Burj Club rooftop is somewhere you can eat and drink alfresco and indulge in some succulent meats from live barbeque stations. Grab your cocktail and lay by the pool which overlooks the Dubai Fountain.
Shop at The Dubai Mall
If you’re not too fond of heights, a trip to the nearby Downtown Dubai would be the perfect place to let your hair down. With the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, The Dubai Mall, you can guarantee a mix of shops and restaurants. With over 3.77 million sq ft of gross leasable space, it’s huge, and just as you think it couldn’t get any bigger, it adds 150+ luxury shops! At Fashion Avenue, enter a new era of luxury with over 200 brands incorporating architecture, art, interiors and clothing.
It’s not just shopping The Dubai Mall specialises in; it also boasts a number of amazing entertainment venues. At the VR Park, lose yourself in a fully immersive virtual reality experience. Whether its horror, adventure, sport or more, there’s a mind blowing experience for all ages. Something that isn’t for all ages, however, is Hysteria - an extreme fear experience that takes guests on a journey through their deepest and darkest fears. Using fog, special effects, strobe lighting and live actors, this is NOT for the faint hearted. Perhaps you’d prefer a film or a glide around the Dubai ice rink? If you’re up for a new challenge, how about the exhilaration of flying the largest commercial aeroplane in the world? Step into the Emirates A380 Experience and choose your flight path and airport and see how you many skill points you can rack up. At the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, absorb the wonders of nature. There are over 33,000 aquatic animals in a 10 million-litre tank! Then there’s KidsZania, an interactive children’s sized city that encourages children to educate themselves through play! Through role play, kids can polish up on their social skills, while having fun!
Take a 4x4 Desert Safari
A trip to Dubai would be nothing without a desert safari. Hop aboard a 4x4 jeep and smash through the dunes for a thrilling ride. Dune bashing is a unique experience where you can rip roar up and down sand dunes. Imagine the best rollercoaster you’ve ever been on… turned up a notch! There are a number of different safaris you can choose from; morning, evening, overnight and dinner only. The evening desert safari is perfect for watching the sun go down over the dunes. Depending on the type of safari you choose, you’ll get a BBQ dinner and enjoy either a camel ride or belly dancing and sand skiing.
During the overnight stay, get cosy and watch the stars. Grab your sleeping bags and blankets and watch a fire show. As you watch the sun go down, there’s an opportunity to have a photoshoot in traditional clothing. It really is something you cannot afford to miss!
