Source: www.iol.co.za
Dubai, where one great experience leads to another, is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It truly is a destination that the whole family can enjoy, offering a wide variety of attractions, beautiful beaches, superb service, delicious food, iconic hotels and an abundance of traditional Arabic charm and hospitality.
From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to lively bustle of a Souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. And it also offers an incredible range of activities and entertainment for children through Ski Dubai, Kidzania, Wild Wadi Water Park and Aquaventure to name but a few.
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest free standing structure at 22717 feet. It also holds a number of notable records such as the tallest skyscraper, the building with the most floors (160), the world’s fastest elevator (an ear blocking ten floors per second) and home to the world’s highest restaurant (Atmosphere on the 123rd floor). Built at a cost of $1.5 billion it truly is a wonder to behold.
The surrounding desert is the perfect playground for dune bashing or a desert safari. Caravans of 4×4 vehicles take you on a tour across the dunes followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars. Or you can go wadi-bashing – exploring wadis (dry beds or streams), sand skiing or sand boarding down the dunes.
And to escape the heat, head for Ski Dubai – the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East – 6000 tons of snow and open seven days a week, all year round, between 10am and midnight. The change in temperature from 45 degrees Celsius to minus 5 is quite extreme, but also very welcome. At Ski Dubai guests can enjoy tobogganing, snowboarding, snow ball fights and proper skiing under the guidance of a ski professional. Boots, pants, jackets and disposable socks are provided, while beanies and gloves can be purchased at the Ski Shop.
Theme parks are the pride of Dubai and Kidzania, in the Dubai Mall, is one of the best. This safe and interactive edutainment centre shows children how to lead independent lives and to understand the world of grown-ups better. At Kidzania children can learn how to fly an aeroplane, get their ‘drivers’ licence, be part of the fire brigade and star in their own theatrical production.
Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palms is the largest water park in the Middle East. With thrilling rivers, rapids, speed slides and master blasters set in tropical landscape Aquaventure is a great day out for the whole family.
Or you can visit the Wild Wadi Water Park located at Jumeirah Beach. This beautiful water park features waterfalls, cliffs, swimming holes, a tidal pool and loads of waterslides. Look out for the Jumeirah Sceirah – a 33 metre high slide designed to propel riders up to 80km per hour downward or the Breakers Bay – a wave machine creating 1.5 metre waves.
Let’s not forget the shopping… with a plethora of world-class malls offering a full range of consumer goods to the traditional Souks where bargaining for gold and silk are the order of the day. Excellent souvenirs to remind you of your Dubai dalliance include Arabic coffee pots, soapstone figures, jewellery boxes, Persian carpets, marble goblets and of course the very competitively priced electronic products like watches and cameras.
The Qamardeen and Al Manzil hotels are both set in the heart of Dubai’s Old Town. Situated very close to the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and the Metro station they are the perfect base for your journey of exploration. The Qamardeen Hotel offers the very essence of Arabian hospitality with terraces and gardens that are perfectly melded with modern interiors, a luxurious blend of old and new. Expect to enjoy all day fine dining at Esca restaurant, a world-class gym and respite from the searing heat in the outdoor pool.
Special:
Priced from R11 850 per adult sharing and R4010 per child under 12 sharing with adult spend three nights in the splendid city of Dubai. This package includes return flights from either Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town, return airport – hotel transfers, three nights’ four star accommodation at the four star Al Manzil or Qamardeen hotels on a half board basis (with breakfast and lunch or dinner daily).
This package also includes a tourist visa and a Dubai Mall discount shopping voucher. Valid for travel from 1 June to 30 August thereafter a shoulder season travel supplement of R1080 per adult will apply for travel until 30 September 2011.
Children can enjoy free entrance to wide range of attractions and free travel on the Dubai Metro subject to parent’s purchase of entrance tickets. Bookings to be made a minimum of 14 days prior to departure to allow for visas to be processed.
Travel insurance is not included and clients are advised to allow at least ten working days to process the Dubai tourist visa
To book contact Flight Centre on 0860 400 747 or visit www.flightcentre.co.za for more information.
