Whether you’re on a family holiday or on a romantic getaway or with friends, Dubai is the place for you. Here are the top places to see when you’re in town.

• Burj Khalifa - Scale the World's Tallest Building
• The Dubai Mall - Spoil yourself at the World's Biggest Mall
• Palm Jumeirah - A must see man-made wonder
• Dubai Creek - Dive into the past and present
• The Walk and The Beach at JBR - Food, shopping & entertainment right at your doorstep
• Kite Beach - Tame the waves at Dubai's sportiest beach
• Dubai Marina - An awe-inspiring City within a City
• The Desert - Go on Safari in the Dunes
• Madinat Jumeirah - Treat yourself to Dubai's best Friday brunch
• Dubai Opera - The latest architectural Masterpiece
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood - Explore the old way of life in Dubai
• IMG Worlds of Adventure - The World's Largest Indoor Theme Park
• Dubai Parks and Resorts - Opening by end of 2016
• The Outlet Village - Designer label shopping in an Italian medieval setting

For holidays to Dubai check out our website or call 01 8047150

Six Places the Kids Will Love

IMG World of Adventures
Let the adventures begin...The long awaited IMG World of Adventures, the world’s largest indoor theme park, finally opened in August 2016 and cements Dubai’s standing as THE family holiday destination of choice - all year round.  IMG World of Adventures contains 4 distinct zones of unforgettable adventures, all in air-conditioned comfort, - 2 zones devoted to the renowned global brands, Cartoon Network and Marvel and IMG Boulevard and Lost Valley - Dinosaur Adventure, both original concepts developed by IMGGroup. 

With multitudes of spine-tingling attractions from erupting volcanoes, to 69 state-of-the-art breathing dinosaurs, to hair-raising roller coasters, a haunted hotel and exhiliarating theatre shows, IMG World of Adventures is a must-do for all families visiting Dubai.

Families can enjoy the sun or snow, with Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi and Aquaventure water parks providing endless hours of fun. Then there are the sunset desert safaris, fascinating art galleries, incredible restaurants and nightspots with unforgettable views. You’ll be hard-pressed not to extend your stay for another day or two!

Ski Dubai - Indoor Skiing, Waterslides and More
As bizarre as it may sound, this desert city does indeed have a ski slope. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai boasts a massive 22,500m2 indoor skiing area, including the first indoor black ski run in the world. As well as the serious skiing facilities, the slope offers a range of activities for children, including toboggan slides, a dual-track bobsled course, and even a chance to meet Ski Dubai’s resident penguins, which come out to play at regular intervals.

Wild Wadi - Find Thrills At Dubai's Original Waterpark
Located in the shadows of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark continues to offer gravity-defying thrills and awesome spills. You can enjoy 30 rides and attractions, including the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders surfing experiences.

At Tantrum Alley, you'll face three tornados and meet the eye of a storm, while at Jumeirah Sceirah (redesigned in 2012) you'll shoot down one of two 120-metre tandem slides at an astonishing speed of 80km/h. Babies and toddlers will love the colourful slides, water guns, climbing frames, and dumping bucket designed especially for families.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The next child-centric attraction isn't far from KidZania. Down a few escalators in The Dubai Mall lies the impressive Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Home to all manner of beautiful creatures including sharks, stingrays and a colossal king crocodile, it’s hard to believe such an extensive menagerie is contained inside a shopping mall. For those who want to get a bit closer to the action, the aquarium gives divers the chance to come face to face with fearsome sand tiger sharks. If that’s one step too far, cage snorkeling can also be arranged.

KidZania
With a name like KidZania, it’s no surprise that this theme park is one of Dubai’s most popular hangouts for children. The Dubai Mall-based venue is an interactive entertainment centre where kids can act out one of more than 80 role-playing experiences – from chef, to firefighter, to pilot - in a real city environment, offering an education and entertaining experience. 

Dubai Parks and Resorts
And one final (big) reason to bring the family to Dubai... The hugely anticipated Dubai Parks and Resorts mega-theme park, opening at the end of 2016, comprises three full-size amusement parks in one super-sized location. The site includes Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, dedicated to the beloved building blocks and featuring characters from the hit feature film. The first Bollywood-themed park in the world, Bollywood Parks, lets guests explore their favourite movie sets, visit replicas of bustling Mumbai and rustic rural Indian villages, and watch song and dance performances at the grand Rajmahal Theatre.

Motiongate Park features favourites from Sony Pictures, Lionsgate and DreamWorks, including The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters, the Green Hornet, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and How To Train Your Dragon. Visit Papa Smurf and his crew at the Smurf Village, with five imaginative Smurf-themed attractions. Or peer behind the scenes at Studio Central and discover firsthand how a movie gets made, from start to finish.

For Family Holidays to Dubai check our website or call 01 8047150

Fasten Your Seatbelt, Harness Or Helmet
With year-round sun and a dramatic combination of both the desert and beach, Dubai is the perfect setting to be swept away by high-adrenaline activities. There are few experiences that are as ‘Dubai’ as the desert safari. Take a backseat (unless you prefer to sit at the front of your four-wheeled drive) and hold on tight as an experienced driver whips you around the sand dunes, teetering on the edge of seemingly sheer drops, before dipping down sandy slopes and back up again. There's a couple of stops for sunset photos before you're safely whisked away to a traditional-style Bedouin camp, where an Arabic buffet dinner awaits. 

Make a Splash with Top Watersports
When the temperatures drop, it’s time to hit the waves, ride the wind and enjoy a rush of adrenaline on the beautiful beaches of Dubai. From sailing and banana boating to windsurfing and wakeboarding, the options are endless.

You can paddle board and kayak around the Palm Jumeirah, surf ski out to The World, kite surf on a Kite Beach, and sail along the water aboard a yacht. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of 100 traditional boats in the annual Al Gaffal Dhow Race.

Scale the Burj Khalifa
A trip to Dubai isn't complete without seeing the city from the 124th floor of the world's tallest building. The glass walls of the observation deck, At the Top–and its sister lounge, At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY on level 148 – gives guests an unbeatable 360-degree view of the city and, on a clear day, the seemingly endless desert beyond.

For one of the region’s most visited attractions, crowd control has been fine-tuned to an art form, with fascinating statistics and records fed to visitors as they ascend in the high-speed lifts. Afterwards, head down to level 122 to At.mosphere, for - what else? - a delectable high tea at 421 metres above sea level.

See Dubai From A New Perspective With Seawings
Everyone has a window seat on a Seawings flight, the perfect view for gliding over Dubai's skyline. From the moment you step on board this air-conditioned, nine-passenger seat Cessna 208 Caravan Seaplane, you'll feel like a VIP. Get comfortable in your leather seat and prepare to take off across the waves of the Arabian Gulf and into the cloudless blue sky.

This is your opportunity to see a completely different perspective of this bustling city. Look down and see how the islands of The World emerge from the water and appreciate how the Palm Jumeirah got its name. Get a good look at the pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa — impossible to see from the ground — and marvel at the dazzling skyline of twisting skyscrapers, mosques, hotels and beaches.

Seawings offers various packages in Dubai, taking off from either the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, or the Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Flights last approximately 40 minutes, and rest assured, you'll be in safe hands with a pilot who's been flying for almost 20 years — leaving you free to relax, take in the views, and click away with your camera.

Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
Fancy an adrenaline rush with equally thrilling views? Free-falling at 210 kilometres an hour from 14,000 feet above the world's largest manmade island is sure to get your blood pumping. Skydive Dubai welcomes beginners, with trained instructors walking newbies through their tandem jump, and even pointing out points of interest on the way down. Not ready to make the leap? The drop zone’s cafe is a far more relaxing option for those who prefer to simply watch.

The free fall lasts around a minute before your instructor pops the chute and you begin a leisurely five-minute descent. This is your time to take in the incredible views as you swoop over the Palm Jumeirah towards the landing turf. Want to skydive above the dunes, too? Skydive Dubai has a second drop zone in the desert, with a campus that's located about 35 kilometres outside the city.

Desert drift in a hot-air balloon
Could there be any better way to start the day than floating over Dubai's expanse of golden sand dunes? An early morning tour with Balloon Adventures Emirates is the perfect option for both professional photographers and avid Instagrammers, with the sands reflecting the sunrise’s ever-changing colour spectrum of deep red, orange and yellow. Keep an eye out for the wild camels and, if you're lucky, a herd of elusive Arabian mountain gazelles.

To plan your Dubai Adventure check our website or call 01 8047150

Retail Therapy in Dubai

Nowhere is Dubai’s harmony of old and new more evident than in its incredible shopping scene. Pick up gold and personalised souvenirs at bustling Creek-side souks before heading off to browse the flagships of some of the biggest names in fashion at Dubai's sprawling malls. For truly one-of-a-kind wearable souvenirs, Dubai’s collective of independent boutiques is sure to offer something special.

The Dubai Mall
One of the world’s largest malls, The Dubai Mall has everything from clothing to shoes, souvenirs to entertainment and food from around the world, all under one massive roof. There is also an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, and the awesome Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo to explore. 

Not to mention the 1200-plus retailers, which include high-street favourites such as Topshop, Zara and COS, and department stores Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. Luxury labels find their home in Fashion Avenue –a glossy section dedicated to high-end designers such as Chanel, Lanvin, Etro and Burberry, with the nearby Level Shoe District boasting 96,000 square feet of retail space and brands such as Nicholas Kirkwood, Saint Laurent Paris and Dior.

Mall of the Emirates
Ski slopes, penguins, and department stores - the city’s second most-visited mall, Mall of the Emirates is much more than just a shopping centre. Home to the Ski Dubai slopes (which includes a colony of penguins), Magic Planet indoor entertainment centre to keep children happy, and Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre for local and international performances, there’s always something to do or see. Add in anchor department stores Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, Centrepoint and Debenham’s, and the ultra-chic Fashion Dome for designer finds, for a memorable family day out.

Mercato Mall
Italian village-themed shopping mall - Dubai’s original themed mall, Mercato Mall mimics the sights and feel of a Renaissance-era Italian village for a fashionable day out with the girls. European-style archways and cobbled streets lead to open plazas.

The covered central court complete with Italian countryside mural is the perfect place to sip an espresso (with a side of biscotti, of course) post-shop. Fashion dominates, with shoppers able to choose from international retailers such as Laura Ashley and Jack Wills and local boutiques including Zinzin. Peckish? There’s a wealth of bakeries and confectioners to choose from, with 

Ibn Battuta
The world’s largest themed mall known for its exaggerated decor, Ibn Battuta Mall celebrates the travels of the Moroccan traveller of the same name. Each section of mall is named after one of countries he docked at during his travels in the 12thcentury. Egypt, Persia and Andalusia Courts are among the destinations featured, each decorated in idiosyncratic style – think elaborate tiling, a gigantic golden elephant, a high ceiling painted to resemble blue skies, and China’s lush outdoor tea gardens.

The centrepiece –an Eastern-style ship rolling though a fountain –finishes off the mall’s over-the-top appeal, making it a fun-filled destination for adults and children alike. Interior design aside, Ibn Battuta is a treasure trove of fashion, lifestyle and sporting shops, with regular mall-wide in-store promotions and celebrations.

Wafi Mall
Authentic Arabian shopping housed in an instantly-recognisable pyramid-shaped tower, the iconic Wafi Mall specialises in quality Arabian goods, for an opulent shopping experience. A mall frequented by locals and Emiratis, visitors can immerse themselves in an Arabic shopping experience with Middle Eastern fashion boutiques offering the latest in male traditional dress, and burqas and abayas, perfect for wearing to visit one of Dubai’s beautiful mosques. Or head to Salam, the UAE’s independent department store, for household buys.

Dubai Marina Mall
International fashion and dining: Sitting on the shores of the marina, Dubai Marina Mall offers a casual family shopping experience,with its variety of international retailers and an emphasis on affordable high-street fashion and beauty services in a relaxed atmosphere.

There’s plenty of choice for lunch, with options including Indian, Italian, Lebanese and bistro, all with outdoor alfresco seating along the water’s edge and multiple coffee shops beneath the high-ceiling of the Dome at the heart of the mall. Or wander next door to the attached Pier 7 tower, which offers seven exciting new dining concepts, each with breezy terrace seating.

Dubai Outlet Mall
Designer bargain-hunting: It might be a 30-minute or so drive from the CBD, but this the outlet mall is worth the trip for any dedicated bargain hunter. Here, sales run year-round, with plenty of bargains to be found from designer labels such as Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry and Marc Jacobs, homewares, electronics and perfumes. Prices are often slashed to 70% of the normal ticketed price.

Spice Souk 
Take a deep breath when you step into the narrow alleyways of the Spice Souk, located in Deira. Savour the atmosphere and aroma of the past as you are introduced to the mounds of aromatic herbs and spices spilling from large baskets at every turn. You’ll find bags of spices, incense, rose petals, and traditional medicinal products stacked outside each stall. If you’re looking to buy, bargaining is the norm in the souks — and even in shops you should ask for ‘the best price,’ particularly when paying cash, which is the most common way to pay. 

Cakery Epicerie by Stephane Glacier a favourite with locals for a quick pick-me-up treat and Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar the perfect option for a sneaky truffle and the city’s creamiest hot chocolate.

Check out our short  trips to Dubai online or call us for more info on 01 8047150

Old Dubai & Cultural Attractions

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
In Dubai, modern and historic culture are celebrated in equal measure, with opportunities to learn of Bedouin traditions as well s the city’s cutting-edge art, film, theatre, and music scenes. The historic Al Fahidi district’s labyrinth of lanes is lined with 18th-century merchants’ houses, now home to mini museums, chic art galleries, and cool cafés. After a morning taking in the charms of old town, head to the modern art hubs of Al Quoz and DIFC to see contemporary art before taking in an evening performance and an unforgettable meal.

The Dubai Museum
You’ll find Dubai Museum inside the storied Al Fahidi Fort–built in 1787, it is the oldest building still standing the emirate today. Inside the museum’s walls the past and the present are brought together, as the historic building is decked out with modern exhibits featuring impressive audio and video installations, as well as life-sized dioramas that portray life in Dubai back when pearl diving and fishing were the sole trades and the area was inhabited by Bedouin tribes.

A dhow boat cruise along the Creek is the best way to soak the panoramic settings for the city's famous buildings such as the Etisalat Tower 2 with its distinctive 'golf cap' top and the National Bank of Dubai with its shimmering facade with its dramatic blue glass structure. 

Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Situated between Jumeirah and Al-Wasl Road, the Jumeriah Archeological Site is one of the most historical archeological sites in the entire UAE. And while little of it still stands, what remains is sure to capture your attention —a visit here will transport you back to the Abbasid era, between the 9th and 11th centuries, when the settlement served as a caravan stop along a trading route connecting Iraq and Oman.

In 1969, archaeologists excavated the site. What they uncovered is sure to amaze!  Ancient treasures like pottery, coins, tools and more. You can view the collection at the exhibition inside the Dubai Museum.

Other Cultural Attractions

Al Hurr Falconry Services
Take to Arab tradition at Al Hurr Falconry Services, in Nad Al Sheba. Here you can learn all about the art of falconry, an integral part of Dubai desert life since the 13th century B.C. Practiced for sport in the present day, the facility provides a number of demonstrations with a selection of falcons including peregrines, sakers, lanners, gyrfalcons and hybrids.

Flying displays provide a brief history lesson on the ancient tradition of the sport and its role in the Emirates, giving you an opportunity to fully appreciate the spectacular flight of the falcon. A falconer will then set a pristine peregrine to soar — a truly breathtaking sight. You can even tour the whole facility and get to know the lifestyle of the Emirates’ emblem. You’ll see how they live, eat and fly above the city skyline.

Al Fahidi Souk
The Al Fahidi Souk, with its traditional architecture, is fairly new compared to some of the other markets around town. You'll find it when wandering away from the web of shops in the Al Fahidi Historic Fort, near Meena Bazaar, though the Al Fahidi Souk is still a little quiet as shops work on opening up to the public. The whole setup is based on an energy-saving model that sets it apart from other souks in the city.

Alserkal Avenue Arts District
Situated within the industrial neighbourhood of Al Quoz is Alserkal Avenue, home to ten contemporary art galleries. Since 2008, the Alserkal Avenue Arts District has grown to become the foremost arts district of Dubai and the UAE. You can take a leisurely stroll through the galleries, or visit the Salsali Private Museum where the finest contemporary art is on display. The district regularly hosts events, tours and workshops for those who love or practice the visual arts. The District is currently being expanded to house an additional 45 creative organisations, completing a diverse contemporary art portfolio that will include architecture, media, design and fashion.

Check out our packages to Dubai online or call us on 018047150

Ten dishes you can’t leave Dubai without trying

Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting dining destinations; a sprawling city with unparalleled multicultural cuisine. Catering to extravagant tastes, there are a number of outposts from Michelin-starred chefs from all over the world, but know where to look, and you’ll find hidden expat eateries like tiny Szechwan diners and Pakistani canteens. From Ravi’s rustic canteen curries to fine-dining at Qbara, here’s a foodie’s guide to Dubai’s best dishes.

Dish 1: Mutton achar handi
Where: Ravi Restaurant - Al Dhiyafa Road, Satwa
A perfect example of Dubai's wholehearted embrace of expat culture - don't expect a watered-down takeaway curry from this hole-in-the-wall canteen. Ravi's mutton achar handi is a full-blooded Pakistani plate. The combination of spices and fresh green chilli will leave you both catching your breath and heading back for a second serve. Price: €5.50

Dish 2: Pan-seared scallops
Where: Traiteur at Park Hyatt Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road
Daintily presented in pink blushed clam shells, Traiteur's classically trained French chefs have nailed the perfect scallop-caramelised and slightly crisp on the outside, plump and juicy on the inside. Those in the know will book in for Traiteur's Friday brunch, which sees a free flow of these beauties brought to your table as quickly as you can eat them. Price: €23.75

Dish 3: Milk and honey
Where: Obara - Oud Metha Road, Wafi City
Those lucky enough to score a reservation at the contemporary Lebanese restaurant can bookend their meal with the signature Milk & Honey dessert. On paper it's a simplistic arrangement-Greek yoghurt and sumac panna cotta with a side of honey and saffron pashmak–but once plated, it becomes a towering treat, the panna cotta both tart and creamy, with a headdress of dense Turkish pashmak adorning the dessert glass. Price:  On request

Dish 4: Rice cheong fun
Where: Homey - Goldcrest View 1, Cluster V, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Away from the flash of the neighbouring Marina, this teeny Szechwan eatery still manages to draw crowds for its authentic Chinese menu. One of the major reasons this inconspicuous joint has persevered against the Americanised Chinese food that dots Dubai's hotspots? The cheong fun, tightly wrapped rolls made with rice flour and coloured a bright red. This addictive appetiser makes for a crisp bite, with the plump and flavourful prawns tucked inside. Price: €7

Dish 5: Pink diamond oysters
Where: BiCE - Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Dubai Marina
Our waiter tells us that diners often wrap the cleaned-out shells of BiCE's oyster entree to take home as a memento of the meal. No wonder – with their pink tinge, the beautiful shells are exclusive to the restaurant. They're not just a pretty face, either, with each shell holding the plumpest oysters this side of the Gulf. Price:€8.50

Dish 6: Ryoog yerana
Where: Klayya - Al Barsha Mall, Barsha 2
For a sweet and savoury start to your morning, opt for this unique Emirati breakfast speciality. A fluffy omelette is folded over a shallow dish of chopped local dates, and served with bread to spread the resulting gooey combination on. Sweet, salty and more-ish. Best washed down with a mug of haleed kastar (Dhs7), a rich and eggy custard dessert drink dotted with red seeds.  Price:  €9.25

Dish 7: Koshari
Where: Al Ammor - Zabeel Road, Al Karama
Comfort food at its most rib-sticking, justice is done to Egyptian favourite at Al Ammor. The vegetarian version of the baked noodle, chickpea and lentil dish comes with a tray of condiments to customise to your liking – a dab of chili, a drizzle of nostril-twitching vinegar and a handful of deep-fried crispy onions hits the spot. For carb-overload, scoop spoonfuls into freshly stretched and baked cheese-layered fatayer bread and eat.  Price:  €3.00

Dish 8: Shaksouka
Where: Omnia Gourmet - Jumeirah Fishing harbour, Jumeirah 1
There's a lot to like about celebrity chef Silvena Rowe's latest project, like the prime ocean-front location, and the cake counter stacked with rows of raw and vegan desserts, but it's Rowe’s egg shaksouka that keeps the foodie crowd coming back. Sweet tomatoes and peppers, perfectly poached eggs, with a kick of chilli and creamy feta mingle in a terracotta pot for a dish that's just begging to be tackled with slices of oven-warm sourdough. Price:  €14.75

Dish 9: Carrot cake
Where: Lime Tree Café - Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
The battle for the best carrot cake in Dubai may rage on, but for us, the winner is clear. The perfect accompaniment to the best (and one of the only) flat whites in town, Lime Tree's hefty wedges of home-style, double-layered carrot cake are big enough to share (not that you'd want to) and loaded with carrot shaving and walnuts, and bowing beneath a solid slathering of cream cheese frosting.  Price:  €7.50

Dish 10: Smoked peppered mackerel spread
Where: Fume - Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Pot set in a kitschy hinged jar that was last spotted in your grandma's kitchen, this smooth spread is the perfect pre cursor to the inevitable onslaught of Britannia meets Spain tapas. Equal parts smoky, sea-salty and fishy – in a good way. Apply generously to a side of sourdough bread with smoked butter and a sprinkling of lava salt. Price: €10.00

Plan your culinary trip to Dubai online or call us on 01 8047150