DESERT SAFARI

Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a well laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

Modern day Dubai is a happening place. There are a host of things that you can do while in Dubai.

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the desert. Such excursions, which are best organised as part of a group tour, offer a taste of the true heartland of Arabia.

The majesty and tranquility of the desert can be experienced in a choice of exciting half-day, full-day and overnight safaris. These action-packed trips cover varied terrain ranging from desert to mountain and take in remote camel and goat farms and isolated villages. Highlights of a safari in Dubai may include the following:

[] Dune Driving
Driving in sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting surface, courses in sand driving vehicles provided along with expert instruction.


[] Camel riding
The Camel, a symbol of Arabia, is also a major tourist attraction. Camel rides form part of some tours and desert safaris. Tour operators and hotels can also arrange camel rides separately.


[] Exploring the wadis
A popular pastime with both residents and visitors is known as wadi-bashing exploring the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow after the winter rains from the Hajr mountains. Many wadis offer scenes of unexpected beauty: attractive rock pools, some with water year-round, surrounded by greenery. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required and are available for hire with or without drivers. As with desert driving, it is recommended that novices do not try their hands at wadi-bashing without expert supervision.


[] Sand-skiing
Those with a taste for speed and enthusiasm for an unusual sport will enjoy sand-skiing down the dunes of Dubai deserts. Special skis are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as slopes. Sand-skiing can be arranged on request or as a part of a full-day or half-day safari.


[] Desert feasts
Particularly popular are safaris that culminate in spectacular desert sunset views followed by a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars. These can be tailored to meet every taste from a romantic and peaceful experience to elaborate fun-pack evenings complete with music, belly-dancing, the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes and often a display of falconry.

DUBAI ZOO

Located in Jumeirah, the Dubai Zoo is a popular attraction, especially for families. The zoo's modern facilities though small, house many indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild, Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.

GOLF COURSES

Dubai is a golfers paradise. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the famous Emirates Golf Club are the venues of the European PGA tour. The Nad al Sheeba Golf and Racing Club even offers night golf for the enthusiasts who want to beat the summer heat of Dubai! For bookings or courses, Tel: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club - 2956000, Nad Al Sheba - 3363666, Emirates Golf Club - 3473222, The Montgomerie - 3905600, The Desert Course - 8846777

HORSE RIDING

The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai's most popular spectator event, attracting crowds of more than 15,000. Race meetings are held weekly during the cooler months at one of the UAE's four racecourses. Dubai Racing Club, at Naad Al Sheba, the country's largest and most spectacular track and home to the Dubai World Cup the sport's richest race also holds meetings at night under floodlights. These evenings meetings also prove popular with corporate clients, who may choose to take a hospitality box to entertain clients and other guests. The winter months (Nov - Apr) are more favoured for Horse Racing.

WILD WADI

An exciting state-of-the-art water park located adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers exciting water rides for the whole family. It is open from 11am to 7pm. Entry fees vary - Dhs 95 (Adults) for all day and Dhs 75 (children) for all day. Kids under 9 must be with adults.Tel: 3484444.