Globe hopping Dubai /
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top outdoor experiences
the colourful spice souk
options include Lebanese/Brazilian fusion restaurant Li’Brasil. ME Dubai is designed by the worldrenowned late architect Dame Zaha Hadid and is in The Opus by Omniyat building in the Burj Khalifa district. It has 74 rooms, 19 suites, a Spa and three food spots but guests can also explore the building’s F&B outlets including ROKA, a branch of London’s Japanese robatayaki restaurant. Attractions: Quranic Park opened last year in Khawaneej, a rural residential area on the edge of city. The tranquil outdoor spot is inspired by Islam’s holy book and has lots of gardens to explore, paths to cycle and picnic spots. The Palm Fountain is Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, spread over 14,000 square feet of seawater. The fountain’s super shooter reaches 105 metres and comes alive with over 3,000 multi-coloured LED lights. The world’s highest Ferris wheel is due to open in Spring 2021 on Bluewaters Island. Ain Dubai is 210 metres high and bordered by shopping malls, restaurants, residences and a souk. EKart Zabeel opened in December on the rooftop of The Dubai Mall Zabeel. The environmentally friendly electric karts are on an race open-air track with views of the Burj Khalifa.
Where to book it If Only – 0141 955 4000 A five-day all-inclusive private beach stay in the family-friendly JA Beach Hotel is from £1,049pp and includes flights and transfers. The hotel is part of JA The Resort with neighbouring JA Palm Tree Court, has a private beach and a huge range of activities and dining options. ifonly.net •
mountain biking in hatta
Shifting sands: The classic Dubai excursion, a desert safari offers a taste of the region’s authentic Bedouin culture with dinner under the stars as well as the chance to explore the dunes by car or camel, witness the local wildlife or even take to a hot air balloon for a bird’s eye view. Back in time: The Al Fahidi Historical district is a window into the very different Dubai of the mid-19th century. Located along the Dubai Creek, its sand-coloured buildings are topped with wind towers which provide natural air-conditioning, and visitors will find museums, craft shops, cultural exhibits, courtyard cafes and art galleries. Get high in Hatta: Hidden in the Hajar Mountains, the region of Hatta has long been enjoyed by locals as a retreat away from the city hustle and bustle, but has more recently become an adventure hub. Visitors can try mountain biking,
axe-throwing, zorbing and even kayaking on the Hatta Dam and, if they stay overnight, experience sleeping in a trailer at the Sedr Trailers Resort. Far from ‘trailer trash’, this swanky modern resort’s American-style converted airstreams are stationary but positioned among ragged red peaks with striking views of the Hatta Dam. Hit the creek: Around the corner from Al Fahidi, Port Saeed at the Dubai Creek is a pleasant spot for people watching and spotting traders transporting various goods in wooden boats. The best way to see this relatively unchanged part of Dubai is to step aboard a traditional Abra boat and get out on the water. Life’s a beach: There’s plenty of sand to go around in Dubai and most beaches aren’t crowded. Black Palace Beach (also known as Secret Beach) has perfect views of the Burj Al Arab but is often deserted because it has no facilities.
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