Dubai is the Gateway between the East and the West. Where you can ski in the morning and go on a desert safari in the afternoon. You can shop 'till you drop or simply relax until just getting up is a chore. After all, Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with unprecedented developments and an understated elegance.
The city is also famous for building some of the most spectacular of hotels. Entertainment is second to none with a lively nightlife full of bars, cafes and clubs. During the day there are lovely beaches to enjoy, most of which are privately owned by individual hotels and require a small but most worthwhile entrance fee.
As someone who isn't aching to lie on the beach for days on end, I headed to Dubai looking for a little known dimension of this famous city. You will be amazed with what I discovered, a whole new and alternative Dubai filled with international sporting action and energetic traditional Arabian experiences.
Here's just a taster of what I came across:
Adrenaline JunkieSand skiing Dubai's stunning dunes – Dubai's sun drenched sand dunes don't just make for stunning scenery, they are also fabulous ski slopes! Knight Tours run daily morning adventure trips, which include a sand boarding safari, trip to a Bedouin village and camel riding.
Sailing and Windsurfing - Dubai's delightful and clear stretches of water can be enjoyed by booking sailing and windsurfing sessions with the Jumeirah Beach Club or Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa
Water-skiing and jet-skiing - There is plenty of opportunity to get your kicks in the sea with a spot of water-skiing in Dubai. The Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa and the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa offer water skiing facilities.
Scuba-diving and snorkelling - The waters around Dubai are great for both novice and expert divers. There is very little tidal flow and excellent visibility. Al Boom Diving can arrange assisted trips.
Cycling - Cycling in Dubai city is not that easy, in fact cycles are banned in some areas! As an alternative the picturesque Hatta Fort Hotel can provide cycling tours and a backpack full of everything needed for a cycling outing, including maps, water and other essentials.
Snow-skiing and snowboarding - Ski Dubai is a great way to cool down from the heat outside and is excellent value for money, at about £20 for 2 hours of boarding or skiing (including ski suit and equipment).
Arabian ExperienceCamel racing and horse racing - Camel races are held regularly during the winter months. The festive atmosphere is great fun to enjoy and all the more unusual as it all goes on first thing in the morning! Meanwhile horse racing, the sport of kings, has fast become one of Dubai's most popular spectator events. To organise a tour you can call Turner Travel in Dubai.
Camel trekking and horse riding - Said to be God's gift to the Bedouins, camels are a hugely important part of Arabic tradition. It's a great way to explore the beautiful desert and gives you a chance to watch the sunset from a truly unusual seat! Net Tours offer day and overnight treks. Meanwhile desert resorts such as Al-Maha or Bab Al Shams can arrange a desert horse-riding trip so the Lawrence of Arabia in you can truly come out!
Rugged mountain safaris - Driving though the stunning oasis of Al Dhaid and Masafi to the magnificent Hajar Mountains is truly a sight not to be missed. You will enjoy an adventurous journey amongst magnificent cliffs and deep canyons. Opodo offer excellent value for money tours that can be arranged from the UK.
For more information on activities and events, including international sporting events in Dubai visit www.voyana.com
Staying in DubaiOf course after all the activity and adventure it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy relaxation and luxury in true style - after all Dubai is famous for it beautiful hotels and it would be wrong not to indulge!
The exceptional Grosvenor House is truly a delight. Staying at this incredible property will make you feel like a queen and will give you every chance to relax from your active day. Why not wind down with a soothing massage at the hotel's spa or get your hair or nails done at their salon and nail bar. Dinner in the hotel provides a huge choice of tantalising restaurants in both the Grosvenor House and her sister hotel, Le Royal Meridien, an equally inviting hotel with just as much to offer.
Getting ThereEtihadairways.com , the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, currently flies daily from London Gatwick and Manchester and 12 times a week from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, providing convenient travel to Dubai.
On arrival in Abu Dhabi, Etihad's Diamond and Pearl Zone guests enjoy a free limousine transfer to anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai. Coral Zone Guests are offered a free luxury coach service travelling to and from Dubai. The transfer time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is approximately one hour.
Return flights start from as little as £321 per person, including tax. For further information visit www.etihadairways.com or call 0870 241 7121.
