The Abu Dhabi Naturalization and Residency Department (ADNRD) allows issuing of visit visas only for immediate relatives, such as parents, brothers, sisters, wives and children,’ the department’s director Nassir Al Awadi Al Minhali said.
Under the new visa rules, residents of Abu Dhabi can no longer bring their friends and workers to the emirate.
ADNRD will not issue visit visas for companies that are allowed to obtain only employment visas after getting temporary mission permits from the ministry of labour.
A study by the UAE ministry of interior showed that about 25 percent of the illegal migrants entered the UAE on visit visas.
Border checkpoints between Ras Al Khaimah and Oman were electronically linked yesterday on an experimental basis to help cut down delays.
The experimental phase of the electronic immigration connection between the UAE and Oman was launched yesterday at the Ras Al Darah checkpoint.
Ras Al Darah checkpoint in the UAE was electronically connected with the Tebat checkpoint of Oman.
Thousands of passengers cross the border between the two countries daily and the electronic connection will make a great difference in the number of passengers and in the official procedures.
General Saif Al Shafar, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior paid a field visit to Ras Al Darah, announcing that the experimental phase that will last for two to three weeks would only be limited to Emiratis and GCC nationals.
Experimental phase
“Once the experimental phase is concluded and evaluated, the electronic system will officially be put in place and will cover UAE residents and visitors,” he said.
“This new electronic system will be applied to all passengers very soon,” he added.
General Al Shafar urged Emiratis to issue their identify cards at the earliest, as those cards will be needed to pass at the borders.
“Emiratis who have their identity cards will spare officials in charge of the electronic system at the checkpoints a lot of time and effort to finish their official procedures,” he said.
“The checkpoints which connect the UAE with surrounding countries should be equipped with the world’s best technology to finish the official procedures of passengers in the shortest possible time and to enhance the commercial and tourist exchange between these countries,” he said.
General Al Shafar was also accompanied by General Salem Mohammad Al Khaili, the Director General of the UAE Central Department of Immigration and Residency Department, Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Al Nuaimi, who heads the Ras Al Khaimah Naturalisation and Residency Department, Lieutenant Colonel Hamad Al Mansouri, the Technical Adviser at Dubai Immigration and Residency Department and Major Nasser Bin Salem Al Hosani, who heads the technical connection project between the UAE and Oman.
General Al Shafar said that the Ministry of Interior under Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Interior exerts all possible efforts to provide passengers with the best service to move between countries easily and quickly.
Lieutenant Colonel Al Mansouri said, “The experimental phase will be limited to Emiratis and GCC nationals and the new electronic connection will make movement between the UAE and Oman easier and faster.”
Best service
The connection between Ras Al Darah Checkpoint in the UAE with the Tebat Checkpoint of Oman came after the electronic connection between Hatta in the UAE and Al Wajajah of Oman and Mazeed of the UAE and Hafeet of Oman, as per a plan set by the Ministry of Interior to connect all the checkpoints of the two countries electronically to provide passengers with the best possible services.
Reference: Here
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the launch of a new online travel reservation system on its hugely-popular website that will save time and money.
Visitors to www.dubaitourism.ae can shop 24×7 for the best possible travel deals on hotel and hotel apartment bookings. In addition to the hotel and hotel apartment bookings, visitors to the website will soon be able to take advantage of car rentals, airline tickets, and tickets to attractions.
Mr. Suhail Buhelaiba, DTCM Director Information Technology, said: “There has been a tremendous demand for the online reservations facility for all that Dubai offers to the visitors. The DTCM has tied up with the market leader Travelocity to bring the best service.”
Travelocity is working with all the properties in Dubai to guarantee the best room rates.
Travelers can select from over 185 hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai, 28 car rental companies, all major cruise lines and hundreds of airlines to book travel services instantly and securely.
The Dubaitourism.ae hotel booking engine offers the quality and selection of major hotel brands at discounted rates and features full color hotel brochures. To accommodate the needs of global customers, hotel rooms can be booked in 12 languages and in over 160 currencies.
The airlines booking system, to be integrated early next year, is based on Travelocity’s Flight Navigatorsm, which empowers the visitor with the ability to execute advanced searches, scan fares and seat availability, compare dates, airlines and much more. An innovative feature of the airlines search indicates how many seats are left on a particular flight, alerting them that a particular fare may no longer be available soon.
The Car Rental Reservation Service, to be announced soon, will offer price comparisons in from up to five suppliers within the search results. This will include a matrix of available car classes and pricing for easy comparison of rates.
The user-friendly website attracts an average of 1.5 million page views a month. The website offers a wealth of useful information and online services. The website is available in six languages - English, Arabic, German, French, Spanish and Japanese.
All the brochures and publications are available for browsing and downloading at the website in addition to Dubai map, videos and photographs. A Web camera, the Dubai Map and hotel directory remains equally popular.
The DTCM has been a front-runner among the local government organizations in utilizing the Information Technology to promote tourism and trade to the emirate in addition to e-Services in line with the vision and objectives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Reference: Here
It’s the world’s fastest-growing city with gleaming skyscrapers and ultra-modern shopping malls - but it’s still fun to get back to basics in Dubai.
Drive 45 minutes beyond the heart of the city and you feel as though you’re transported back in time as the mirrored glass skyline recedes to make way for an enormous expanse of desert.
The Margham Desert Conservation Reserve is truly awesome. Spanning 235sq km, it is protected as the natural habitat of gazelles and the Arabian onyx and is worth a trip just for the photo opportunities alone.
We fancied a bit more of an adrenaline rush, however, and signed up for a morning desert jeep safari with excursion company Arabian Adventures.
After hearing that Robbie Williams took the same trip on his recent tour stop in Dubai, we knew we’d made a good move. If it’s good enough for the prince of pop…
Our guide, Roshan, had been Robbie’s driver and while I secretly hoped that Mr Williams had screamed like a girl while riding the dunes, the man at the wheel informed us his superstar passenger had been the very image of composed calm.
Never mind, I did enough screaming for both of us.
The peaks and troughs of the dunes stretched out like a sandy roller-coaster ride but expert driver Roshan’s instincts were as sharp as a desert rat.
He took us on an exhilarating hourlong ride with a few hairy moments thrown in for good measure as the jeep slipped and slid its way down the sandy slopes.
For the complete Bedouin experience, you can also have a bash at camel riding or enjoy dinner and belly dancing in a desert camp but our stay was too short for an extended trip. We’ll leave that for our return.
At just over seven hours’ flight time from Scotland and with daily direct Emirates flights from Glasgow, it’s no wonder Dubai is a hotspot with Scots.
There’s year-round sunshine, it’s a shoppers’ paradise and the hotel accommodation is first class without costing the earth.
We stayed at the Residence and Spa, one of three properties which make up the fabulous One & Only Royal Mirage.
Situated on Jumeirah Beach, the resort has 1km of private coastline for sunbathing and eight restaurants where you’ll be spoiled for choice without getting a knockout blow to the wallet.
The food is surprisingly reasonable for a five-star joint and you can easily fit in three courses for 30 quid.
We loved Nina, an Asian restaurant with a contemporary twist, and Celebrities, a fine dining eaterie with dishes from a young Kiwi chef that could get Gordon Ramsay hot under the collar.
If total relaxation is what you’re after, there’s a Givenchy spa in the hotel, a Turkish steam room and a fab French pedicure studio.
But it would be a shame not to venture a little further afield and indulge in a spot of retail therapy.
If you’re planning a trip between January 24 and February 24, then you’re in luck. You’ll be in town for the annual shopping festival when prices are slashed by up to 50 per cent in most shops.
Don’t worry if your dates don’t tie in though, there are bargains all year round, especially if bling is your thing.
Jewellery - gold and diamonds, in particular - can be less than half the UK price so a trip to either the city’s Gold Souk or Gold and Diamond Park is a must.
For clothes, the nearby Mall of the Emirates, with more than 400 stores, is a shopper’s paradise. And just to prove Dubai really is a city of contrasts, the shopping centre is also home to Ski Dubai, a 22,500square metre indoor ski resort. So, if the fancy takes you, you can bake yourself on the beach all day, then swap your suntan oil for winter woollies and enjoy an evening on the slopes. Bizarre.
With the city growing faster than the Beckhams’ bank balance, no two trips need to be the same. You could try out something new every day for a fortnight and still have plenty of things left on a “to do” list for your next trip. We never had time for a day at the races Dubaistyle, or a night cruise on a traditional dhow boat but we’ll be back to give both a try.
The city will be massive when it’s complete. Dubailand is the most eagerly awaited tourist attraction, a huge theme park split into six sections, due for completion by 2010.
As well as rollercoaster rides, massive new shopping malls, science centres and wellness spas, there will be world-class sporting facilities with a Tiger Woods golf academy and Manchester United soccer school.
It’s easy to see why the city has been dubbed the superstar of the Middle East and the superstar treatment is not to be missed.
Reference: Here
Getting all your Christmas shopping done then splurging again at the post-Christmas sales not enough for your bad case of the shopping bug? Then it’s time you booked a flight to the Dubai Shopping Festival which this time ’round takes place from January 24 to February 24, 2008.
The Dubai Shopping Festival is basically the ultimate in tourism marketing, in which retailers offer prizes to shoppers as well as huge discounts, a scheme which recently has been bringing at least an extra 3 million people to Dubai each time the event is held.
The colorful website that comes along with the shop-fest makes all kinds of odd claims–it even has a “fake” poll to hook visitors into taking a Desert Safari between shopping stints–and it’s also full of interesting statistics about how much money the Dubai Shopping Festival rakes in a year. Dubai is still one of those odd destinations that we’re not quite convinced by, but it does at least seem a popular destination for shopaholics wanting to escape a northern winter.
Reference: Here
With unprecedented global air travel fuelled by the economic boom in emerging markets such as China, India and the Gulf, the aviation sector has never seemed more lucrative. On Tuesday, for example, Prestige Jet was launched out of Abu Dhabi to run private jets and this region has also seen Sharjah-based Air Arabia grow from strength to strength since its launch in 2003.
However, the process of new airlines getting off the ground and staying in the skies may not be that easy. MAXjet Airways ceased operations on Monday – leaving jets on tarmacs and stranding passengers – as the all-business class airline said it would file for bankruptcy protection. MAXjet blamed soaring fuel prices and the deteriorating credit market for the “drastic measure”.
But analysts said the company’s failure may raise questions about the viability of all-business class airlines.
MAXjet launched in 2005 and offered ‘all-premium’ flights between London Stansted, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. But analysts said it could not compete with deeper-pocketed rivals such as American Airlines. “High fuel prices were a contributing factor, but American’s inauguration in October of [service between New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport and London’s Stansted Airport]… was the coup de grace,” said Robert Mann, an airline consultant in Port Washington, New York.
While business class service can be very profitable to airlines, it is also a very “thin” market, Mann said, serving, typically, “40 to 70 seats per flight, depending on the route and aircraft”.
Any loss of market share to a competitor can be devastating, particularly to an all business-class carrier like MAXjet that did not have revenue from economy passengers – or a robust route system – to fall back on.
“They could not get the current premium class passengers away from major carriers,” said Mike Boyd, president of The Boyd Group, an Evergreen, Colorado, airline consultancy.
Analysts suggest flyer loyalty – to bigger carriers – makes the model followed by MAXjet and international rivals like Silverjet and Eos.
“The business class challenge is that there’s strong brand loyalty [frequent flyer programmes], plus there’s some corporate deals major carriers offer,” Boyd said. “These off-brand all-premium carriers will struggle.”
Could these challenges also be applied in this region where Prestige Jet and other potential operators hope to capitalise on the sector’s growth?
Dubai-based ArabJet is a proposed all-business class carrier that has already postponed its launch date twice. Speaking to Emirates Business, Mohammed El Shanti, the airline’s chief executive officer, disclosed the challenges he has faced.
So, will ArabJet be flying anytime soon? “Yes,” says El Shanti, seemingly undaunted by the challenges that his company has faced over the past couple of years.
“We have no reason to believe that it [ArabJet] will not fly out of Dubai. At the moment, we have about 10 UAE investors, who are dealing with us professionally and are willing to provide the initial $50 million [Dh183.5m] startup capital. It is difficult to say when we will definitely launch but if things work out well, we are looking at the next six months,” he said.
Richard Aboulafia, of Teal Group Corp, a US-based aerospace and defence consulting firm, said ArabJet’s delay is not an exclusive case.
“Many all-business class carriers have failed or been delayed all over the world. I don’t think ArabJet’s delay reflects poorly on the UAE. Most countries are judged by their national champion carrier, for better or worse. One reason business-class carriers would have a tough time in the UAE is that the national airlines, especially Emirates, do a terrific job catering to business travellers.
Another newcomer, Kang Pacific Airlines (KPA), has made monthly changes to its launch schedule since it went public about its plans in August. KPA’s self-made claims as the ‘fifth airline of the UAE’ and ‘the airline of Fujairah’ have also put it in a controversial light, particularly following official statements from civil aviation authorities that it has not yet applied for the required air operator’s certificate. But KPA’s founder, Indian businessman Paul Kang, seems determined on proving that this airline can and will fly out of Fujairah.
In November, the airline sponsored advertisements on their official website, as well as on a local television network, announcing special Christmas fares for flights from Fujairah to Clark International Airport in Angeles City in the Philippines.
Although Kang refused to provide updates regarding the airline’s operations, Emirates Business has learned that KPA had put off its supposed December flight and that it is tentatively targeting late February 2008 for its maiden voyage.
Abid Riaz, aviation analyst at EFG-Hermes Dubai, said the Gulf has more than enough space for industry players like KPA wanting to tap the low-cost market.
“I guess the real issues would be whether a potential airline can create a demand that wasn’t earlier addressed and if it can implement a sustainable business model. Can it replicate the success of existing airlines and will people be willing to travel, for instance, from Dubai to Fujairah in order to avail of their service?”
Citing Air Arabia as an example, Riaz said the Sharjah-based carrier’s operational matrix successfully targeted a particular segment of the region’s travel market. “The growth of Air Arabia has been exponential – from breaking even 18 months after it was launched in 2003, to becoming highly profitable in 2006.”
In addition, Riaz said the backing of a local government can also influence the success of a startup airline. “If an airline is backed by a local government, it enjoys preferential treatment like landing rights. Airport expansion may also be undertaken to accommodate its increasing fleet.”
Meanwhile, another new entrant to the market, RAK Airways, managed to finally take off on November 29 despite a tough start. The highly anticipated fourth national carrier of the UAE had to weather three launch postponements and two changes of chief executive officers in less than two years.
UAE’s newest carriers?
ARAB JET
An ambitious business-only airline that aims to be in the same league as Silverjet (United Kingdom) and L’Avion (France), the Dubai-based Arabjet hopes to offer flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Manama, Amman, Cairo, Beirut, Tehran, Doha and Muscat. But in order to realise its plans of acquiring, and eventually expanding, its fleet of two leased Airbus A319 corporate jetliners, it needs a capital investment of $100 million (Dh365 million).
CEO: Mohammed El Shanti
ORIGINAL LAUNCH DATE: First quarter 2006
CAUSE OF DELAY: Failed negotiations with potential Saudi investors
CURRENT SITUATION: Co-ordinating with new investors in UAE and Qatar
NEW LAUNCH DATE: Unconfirmed
KANG PACIFIC
Attempting to set up its hub at the Fujairah International Airport, Kang Pacific has been showing an unwavering determination to launch its service to the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. With an initial capital of $10 million (Dh36.5 million), this private low-cost carrier plans to lease a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft for its operations.
CEO: Paul Kang
ORIGINAL LAUNCH DATE: October 2007
CAUSE OF DELAY: Undisclosed
CURRENT SITUATION: Preparations are underway with bookings expected to be available by late November
NEW LAUNCH DATE: Tentatively, February 2008
RAK AIRWAYS
As the UAE’s highly awaited fourth national carrier, RAK Airways has been waiting in the wings for more than a year. Setting its hub at the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the airline has launched its service to Beirut and also has active plans to offer scheduled commercial flights to Bangladesh, Bulgaria, India, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Its industrial objectives are backed by a substantial capital investment of $411 million (Dh1.5 billion).
CEO: Jack Romero (February to September 2006), Kishu Teckchandani (February to May 2007), Captain Khalid Almeer (July 2007 to date)
ORIGINAL LAUNCH DATE: End-2006
CAUSE OF DELAY: Acquisition of route access rights
CURRENT SITUATION: Operational
NEW LAUNCH DATE: November 29, 2007
After being tightlipped about its plans, the Ras Al Khaimah government-backed airline last month began its thrice-a-week service to Beirut, with plans to expand its route network to include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, India, Nepal, Qatar and Tanzania.
Earlier reports mentioned that, although the carrier operates charter flights to Turkey using a Boeing B757 aircraft, its full commercial launch has been put on hold following the acquisition of route access rights to India and Iran.
RAK Airways’s fitful start has not dampened its promising entry into the aviation market, experts say.
According to a Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) report published in August, “Ras Al Khaimah is a late mover in the increasingly congested Middle East skies, but it could develop an effective niche role, particularly in the cargo segment, in the years to come”.
Undoubtedly, the UAE’s diverse economic opportunities, open skies policy and strategic location have stimulated a phenomenal growth in its aviation industry. Capa projects revenues from the country’s travel and tourism sector will stand at about $33.9bn (Dh124.4bn) by the end of the year, 65 per cent higher than the income generated three years ago.
Reference: Here
GMG Airlines, the only private airline from Bangladesh operating on international routes, shall be endorsing its presence in Dubai by operating a daily flight, between Bangladesh and Dubai, with effect from February 1, 2008.
Commenting on the new service, Mr. Virendra Nautiyal, Executive Director, GMG Airlines, said: “We are pleased to announce our Dhaka- Dubai service. We are certain that our service will benefit thousands of expatriates from Bangladesh residing in the Gulf region. The service will also act as a catalyst to increase trading activities between Bangladesh and the GCC region”
He added: “Our Dubai-Dhaka service will also benefit Nepal and India bound travelers. We have connecting flights to Kathmandu and Kolkata respectively from Dhaka with in a short transit time.”
GMG Airlines started its international operations in September 2004 with the Chittagong-Kolkata service. The airline has come a long way since its maiden international service in terms of adding new destinations and increasing frequencies of its services. Today, GMG Airlines connects Dhaka to Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur.
Reliability, on-time performance, flexibility to travel, safety, competitive fares, quality service at all passenger interaction points are the hallmark of GMG Airlines.
Notes and contacts
About GMG Airlines
GMG Airlines started its operations in April 1998 connecting different cities of Bangladesh. The airline changed the concept of domestic air travel in Bangladesh by providing exceptional service to passengers, thus making it the airline of choice in Bangladesh in no time.
GMG Airlines started its international operations in September 2004, making it the first private airline in Bangladesh to start flying to destinations outside the country.
GMG Airlines is owned by GMG Group, a business conglomerate with interests in textiles and manufacturing.
Reference: Here
We found the journey by car from Dubai to be quite enjoyable as the last half involves passing through rolling deserts and desolate mountains. The only hassle involves navigating your way between the huge trucks that are chugging their way slowly along the highway.
Upon reaching our destination we were immediately struck by how well the resort blends in with the local landscape. Since it is only four stories high at its tallest point, the hotel does not block your view of the adjacent mountains. The grounds are also nicely spread out, so the entire resort feels roomy and relaxed.
The airy surroundings are a pleasant contrast from the beach hotels in Dubai that are growing increasingly claustrophobic as skyscrapers are being built practically on top of them. We also found it wonderful to look out at the Indian Ocean and see nothing but clear blue sea in the horizon, with not a man-made island in sight.
The hotel itself boasts 250 rooms, most of which are in the main building facing the beach. There are also two low-rise outer buildings that offer beach-front rooms.
We stayed in the main building on the second floor with a nice view of the pools and beach. Our ‘executive’ room was spacious and stylishly appointed. We also had a large balcony in which two people could comfortably stretch out.
The hotel is relatively new - it opened in April - and the room looked fresh and clean.
Our only complaint was the size of the bathroom, which was quite small in proportion to the rest of the room. Two people could not use it at the same time.
The room came equipped with an internet connection which cost Dhs25 for one hour. The hotel’s business center also had internet access, but it cost Dhs50 per hour. By contrast, free wireless internet access was available in the lobby and we saw many guests using their laptops there.
Free water sports
The hotel has a spacious outdoor pool for adults with a swim-up bar and a large kids pool with a water slide. However, for guests who want to do more than lounge around the pool there are loads of recreational activities available.
The hotel’s Waterworld marine centre offers a wide range of water sports, many of which are free, including water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, and pedalo. Rotana claims that it is the only hotel in the UAE to offer these activities at no charge.
The highlight of our weekend was taking a glass boat ride to nearby Snoopy Island for snorkeling. The equipment and boat ride were free, and the quantity and variety of fish -including a sea turtle that swam gracefully below us - that were on view was breath taking.
In addition to water sports, the hotel offers tennis, squash, a fitness center, kid’s club, and, in another UAE first, mountain biking.
Although the hotel lost much of its beach to Hurricane Gonu, there is still a good amount of sand to relax and enjoy the view. However, if you decide to go into the ocean for a swim, be careful of the large rock outcroppings that can be hidden by the high tide. These can be especially treacherous for children. On the other hand, kids were having a great time spotting the crabs and small fish that are in abundance in the water pools that collect on the beach in the late afternoon.
Food and drink
The hotel has a limited variety of restaurants on offer. The Waves is a beach front restaurant that has a basic menu of sandwiches and seafood. The portions were good size and the quality was good.
After building up a hearty appetite following a busy day at the beach, we opted for the dinner buffet at the hotel’s only other restaurant, Mozaique. We were pleased by the quality of the food, including the Prime Rib which was tender and juicy. Seemingly every variety of food was available, including seafood, barbecue, Middle Eastern, stir fry, and Indian.
For guests seeking an after dinner drink, there is Tabu, which features a fully stocked bar and live music every night.
Reference: Here
With near perfect weather, within easy reach of Europe and Asia, the UAE and Dubai in particular, is perfect for a golfing holiday. Or if you are stopping off on business, take time to tee off and sample some of the world’s finest greens, kept green through gallons of desalinated water pumped daily into the desert to ensure they are kept fresh. Book through the central reservations office or speak to them about discounts and getting a handicap.
Arabian Ranges Golf Club.
A challenging course designed by Ian Baker-Finch working with Nicklaus Design, the Arabian Range Golf Course is a short drive out of town. It is well worth the effort of driving a short distance to play on the par 72 course which has a floodlit driving range, putting and chipping greens and a par 3 pitch and putt course. Part of the Arabian Ranges residential complex it is open from 6.40 a.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Emirates Golf Club.
Home of the famous Dubai Desert Classic, the Emirates Golf Club on Sheikh Zayed Road, is an icon in Dubai. The 7,101 yard Majlis course, one of two immaculate courses, was the first green facility in the region and is the mainstay of local tournaments. Open 8.30 a.m. till late.
Four Seasons Golf Club, Dubai.
One of the newest golf courses opened after the Dubai Desert Classic in 2007, the Four Seasons Golf Club incorporates the Al Badia golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.The Clubhouse is one of the most striking in the UAE. Teaching facilities include a swing analysis studio. Open 5.30 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
Dubai Country Club, Dubai.
The first golf club in Dubai, opened in 1971, in a different looking city to that which greets the visitor today. Ungrassed now as then, the Dubai Country Club is still a draw to those who find playing on sand a challenge. 18 and 9 hole courses available and play off is from a patch of artificial turf except for “the browns” (the sand equivalent of greens) which are brushed regularly to ensure a smooth ball.
Dubai Creek & Golf Club, Dubai
Conveniently situated opposite Deira City Centre shopping mall and next to the Park Hyatt Hotel the Dubai Creek and Golf Club, Dubai, has a flood-lit 9-hole par 3 and 18-hole courses, plus driving range, putting and chipping greens. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and serving excellent food in the various outlets, this is a popular course with locals.
The Montgomerie Golf Course, Dubai.
An oasis of green amidst the concrete jungle of Dubai, designed and named after Ryder Cup winner Colin Montgomerie. Colloquially known as The Monty, this 200 plus acres of lush, emerald-green turf dotted with 14 lakes and landscaped gardens has a well deserved reputation as one of the best golf courses in the Emirates. There is also an Academy by Troon Golf which includes putting greens and a floodlit practice fairway, a swing studio, plus 9-hole and par 3 courses, all backed up by expert instructors. Open 8.30 till dark.
Reference: Here
The end of another uncomfortable UAE summer signals the start of the season for people to enjoy the great outdoors. During the next few months, there is an abundance of outdoor activities and events to be enjoyed by families, thrill seekers and sports enthusiasts alike. Here are ten of the absolutely ripping best.
1. Dubai Seaplane
Seawings offers you the opportunity to enjoy and marvel at the ever-changing Dubai skyline from a Cessna 208 Caravan Seaplane. There are three tours to choose from, and some of the sights that are to be enjoyed from 1,500 feet are the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek.
Location: Jebel Ali Hotel
Cost: Starts Dh795 per adult
Contact: Seawings (+97148832999) or visit: www.seawings.ae
2. Movies under the stars
Every Sunday from 8 pm you can enjoy some of your favourite movies under the stars at the Wafi City garden rooftop. There is a different theme every week, with Ghost, Seven and American Pie being some of the past movies shown. Giant beanbags, popcorn, pizza and hot dog stands heighten the chilled out ambience.
Location: Wafi City Rooftop, entrance through Carters
Cost: Free
Contact: Wafi City (+971 4 3244555)
3. Absolute outdoor adventure
For true outdoor activity enthusiasts, Absolute Adventures offers all types of experiences at its beachfront facility in Dibba.
The centre is set among the region’s best trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock-climbing, diving and sailing areas, and is equipped with quality outdoor gear. For the full experience, take a group of friends and spend the weekend here and indulge in a fun list of outdoor activities.
Location: Karsha, Oman, on the UAE-Oman border
Cost: By quotation
Contact: Absolute Adventures (+9713459900)
4. Dubai Surf School
Take to the azure blue waters with Dubai’s first surf school, Surf Dubai, and learn how to ride the waves with the professionals. Dubai’s coastline suits the novice surfer due to the manageable waves. Lessons are offered daily, and specialised learner surfboards are provided.
All lessons are subject to sea conditions; you can receive daily Wave Alerts by signing up on the company’s website, (www.surfingdubai.com) and then call to book lessons at your convenience.
Location: Sunset Beach, Near Ladies Club, Dubai.
Cost: Starts Dh175 for adults, and Dh150 for children
Contact: Surf Dubai (+971505043020)
5. Desert safari
A popular outdoor experience is the desert safari; trips into the extensive desert are the ultimate UAE pastime. Many companies offer these excursions, with camel riding, dune bashing and safari skiing just some of the activities that are on offer whilst in the desert, in addition to the 4×4 wheel drive to reach ‘camp’.
Some packages include overnight stay with traditional Arabic entertainment in the form of belly-dancing, henna painting and shisha smoking.
Some companies that offer desert safaris are Arabian Adventures (+97143034888), and Desert Rangers (+9714 3402408)
6. Hot air balloon flight
You can now experience the moon-like landscape of the Hajj mountains, the Dubai skyline, and the giant dunes of the UAE from a hot air balloon. The trip lasts for approximately an hour and is suitable for most people, making it possible for families with children over the age of five to have an adventure in a safe environment.
Cost: Dh880
Contact: Balloon Adventure Dubai (+97142854949)
7. Dhow boat cruise
Take a dhow cruise on the Dubai creek to marvel at the city’s architecture and changing skyline. Many different tour companies offer cruises with some offering packages including food and beverages and live entertainment such as belly dancers and Arabic music. Some companies that offer Dhow Boat Cruises include Creekside Leisure (+971 4 3368407) and City Smart (+971 4 2246 181).
8. Tandem Sky Dive
The thrilling experience of a tandem sky dive from 12,000 feet is a must for adventure seekers, and this can be done at the UAQ Aeroclub in Umm Al Quwain. Accelerated free falls are also on offer for the extremely brave.
Location: Umm Al Quwain
Cost Tandem sky dive with an instructor, Dh1000.
Contact: (+971067681447)
9. Camel racing
Camel racing is a deep-rooted traditional sport that finds its origins in the desert culture of North Africa and the Middle East. The UAE has 15 racetracks with spacious and well-kept stadiums for viewers. Camel races take place from late October to early April, and periodically throughout the rest of the year. The races generally take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter season or on five-day events held in the UAE’s larger centres.
Contact: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse (+9714322277)
10. Water sports
Dubai International Marine Club is a beach resort that offers a large variety of water sports and pastimes including windsurfing, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving. There are also the Beach Olympics for incentive and corporate groups. The DIMC also hosts a number of racing events for vessels ranging from traditional dhows to modern yachts.
Reference: Here