Showing posts with label DUBAI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DUBAI. Show all posts

Thursday, 18 August 2016

Al Fahidi Historic District


Traffic fades to a quiet hum in the labyrinthine lanes of this nicely restored heritage area formerly known as the Bastakia Quarter. Its narrow walking lanes are flanked by sand-colored houses topped with wind towers, which provide natural air-conditioning. Today, there are about 50 buildings containing museums, craft shops, cultural exhibits, courtyard cafes, art galleries and two boutique hotels.
The quarter was built in the early 1900s by merchants from the Persian town of Bastak who settled in Dubai to take advantage of tax breaks granted by the sheikh. By the 1970s, though, the buildings had fallen into disrepair and residents began moving on to newer, more comfortable neighbourhoods. Dedicated locals, expats and even Prince Charles prevented the area's demolition in the 1980s. Hidden within the restored maze, which is easily explored on an aimless wander, is a short section of the old city wall from 1800. For a more in-depth experience, join a guided tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding .
Next to the district, a new waterfront tourist development called Marsa Al Seef is taking shape. Set to celebrate Emirati culture, it may be completed in 2017.

Wednesday, 17 August 2016

Deira Gold Souq


All that glitters is gold (and occasionally silver) at this colourful covered arcade where hundreds of stores overflow with every kind of jewellery imaginable, from tiny pearl earrings to giant golden wedding necklaces. Simply watching the goings-on is a treat. Settle down on a bench and take in the colourful street theatre of hard-working Afghanis dragging heavy carts of goods, African women in colourful kaftans and local women out on a shopping spree. Best in the evening.

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Jumeirah Mosque


Snowy white and intricately detailed, Jumeirah is Dubai's most beautiful mosque and one of only a handful in the UAE that are open to non-Muslims, during one-hour guided tours operated by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding . Tours conclude with a Q&A session where you are free to ask any question about Islamic religion and culture. There’s no need to book. Modest dress is preferred, but traditional clothing may be borrowed for free before entering the mosque. Cameras are allowed.

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Burj Al Arab


The Burj's graceful silhouette – meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (traditional wooden cargo vessel) – is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Completed in 1999, this iconic landmark sits on an artificial island off Jumeirah Rd and comes with its own helipad and a fleet of chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce limousines. Beyond the striking lobby, with its gold-leaf opulence and attention-grabbing fountain, lie 202 suites with more trimmings than a Christmas turkey.
It's worth visiting if only to gawk at an interior that’s every bit as garish as the exterior is gorgeous. The mood is set in the 180m-high lobby, which is decorated in a red, blue and green colour scheme and accented with pillars draped in gold leaf. The lobby atrium is tall enough to fit the Statue of Liberty within it.
If you’re not staying, you need a restaurant reservation to get past lobby security. Don’t expect any bargains: there's a minimum Dh350 spend for cocktails in the Skyview Bar, while afternoon tea will set you back Dh620. Check the website for details and to make a (compulsory) reservation.
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Burj Khalifa


The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd. The world’s tallest building pierces the sky at 828m and opened in January 2010, six years after excavations began. To avoid wait times or expensive fast-track admission, book tickets online as far as 30 days in advance. Note that high humidity often cloaks Dubai in a dense haze, making views less than breathtaking.
The most popular ticket is the one to the At the Top observation deck on the 124th floor (452m), where high-powered telescopes (extra fee) help bring even distant developments into focus (at least on clear days) and cleverly simulate the same view at night and 35 years back in time. Getting to the deck means passing various multimedia exhibits until a double-decker lift whisks you up at 10m per second.
To truly be on the world's highest observation platform, though, you need to spring for tickets to At the Top Sky on the 148th floor (555m). A visit here is set up like a hosted VIP experience, with refreshments, a guided tour and an interactive screen where you 'fly' to different city landmarks by hovering your hands over high-tech sensors. Afterwards, you're escorted to the 125th floor to be showered with interesting titbits about Dubai and the Burj and to take another virtual tour of major sights in an interactive attraction called A Falcon's Eye View.
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Dubai Museum


Dubai's best museum occupies the sturdy Al Fahidi Fort, built around 1800 and considered the city's oldest structure. The exhibit charts the emirate's turbo-evolution from fishing and pearling village to global centre of commerce, finance and tourism in engaging, multimedia fashion. A walk-through mock souk, exhibits on Bedouin life in the desert and a room highlighting the importance of the sea illustrate the days before the discovery of oil. The last room showcases archaeological findings from nearby excavation sites.
Fortified by three towers, Al Fahidi Fort served as the residence of the local rulers until 1896 and went through stints as a prison and a garrison before becoming a museum in 1971. A sturdy teak gate gives way to the central courtyard dotted with bronze cannons, traditional boats and an areesh (a palm-frond hut that was the kind of summer home most locals lived in until the middle of the 20th century). Flanking the courtyard are rooms with modest displays of instruments and weapons.
The main exhibit kicks off at the end of a spiralling ramp with a 10-minute video featuring historical Dubai highlights from the 1930s to the 2000s. From here, you cross the deck of a dhow to enter a mock souq with dioramas depicting shopkeepers and craftsmen at work, enhanced by light and sound effects as well as film footage. Other scenes show life at home, at Quran school, in the desert and at sea. The latter includes a small section on the tough life of pearl divers, who made up to 50 deep dives daily equipped with nothing but nose clips and leather finger gloves.
The exhibit culminates in the archaeology section, which showcases finds from ancient settlements and tombs at Jumeirah, Al Qusais and other local archaeological sites that are believed to attest to the area's settlement for around 4000 years.
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Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Aladdin city the next project in Dubai 2016

“Aladdin City” will feature six towers, some designed to resemble Aladdin’s magic lamp, linked by air-conditioned bridges with moving walkways (magic carpets?).

 Aladin city the next project in Dubai has given the green light to yet another outrageous building project - a 4,000-acre complex of towers inspired by characters from Arabian Nights, including Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor.
In the latest of ambitious building projects, officials in Dubai have confirmed work will start on designing 'Aladdin City.'

Comprising six towers, all connected by moving walkways, the development is inspired by the tales of Aladdin from the Middle Eastern folk Tale The Arabian Nights and the more modern Disney blockbuster.
Dubai is known as the most famous city in UAE. Dubai is an incredible beauty. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Its strategic location has made it a strong commercial focus, especially with India. Although now Dubai is distinguished by having good relations with most countries.the United Arab Emirates has been making economic waves globally. It’s an area of the world made up of the seven Emirates – namely Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Fujaraih, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qaiwain and Ajman. The UAE borders Qatar to the west, Oman to the East and North, and Saudi Arabia to the south; the largest and probably most well-known emirate is Abu Dhabi. A large portion of the UAE is a desert, and the rest of the country is made up of rocky mountains and plains. The UAE has been gaining attention and recognition for its large annual trade surplus, high per capital income and an open economy. In recent years, it’s seen a transformation into a modern nation with an enviable economy – helped significantly by oil resources. A mid-nineteenth century Dubai was under the protectorate of Britain. Dubai currently has the right to control and all its natural resources. Oil and Gas Dubai resources were important in the past, but today trade is more important and has a port among the most important top 10 in the world.
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Sunday, 20 March 2016

Smart palms’ installed in Dubai offer free wifi, phone charging and information

Dh1 billion smart city planned for Dubai Silicon Oasis
Free Wi-Fi and parking app among plans to transform Dubai into a ‘smart city’
Topics: Dubai
DUBAI // Newly installed “smart palms” in parks and beaches are not only providing shade but also acting as free wifi hotspots.




The six-metre-tall artificial trees are solar powered and offer recharging for mobile phones and other gadgets, as well as weather forecasts, news and information about Dubai.

So far they have been installed at Zabeel Park and at the beach near Burj Al Arab, but there are plans to expand them to all public beaches in the emirate.

The smart palms are shaped like date palm trees and provide real-time data on the number of internet users and devices charged via the company’s website.

On average about 260 people use the wifi service, which has a range of 53 metres, each day, with 31 devices recharged daily.

Information display screens installed in the “trunk” of the trees can be used for public messages, government notices and advertisements.

“Seating areas are available next to each palm for resting and relaxation during the battery-recharging process, as well as for internet browsing via the wifi access,” said the company behind the palms, D Idea Media.

The charging stations are more powerful than standard chargers and the company claims they can recharge batteries two-and-a-half times faster. Users can also interact with a touchscreen pad that provides multilingual information and there’s an emergency button, if needed.

More of the palms are expected to be installed at Al Mamzar Park, Dubai Creek Park and Al Barsha Pond Park.

For more information, visit smart-palm.com.


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Friday, 18 March 2016

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has everything to keep the entire family happy.

The 10-million litre Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, is the largest suspended aquariums in the world.
It houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 sharks and rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks in the world.
There are numerous ways for visitors to experience the main Aquarium tank, which measures 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 11 metres in height.


Check our Video of full coverage of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo


Aquarium Tank

One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world

The 10-million litre Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world.
It houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 Sharks and Rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world.
There are numerous ways for visitors to experience the main Aquarium tank, which measures 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 
11 metres in height.

Aquarium Tunnel

An enormous diversity of marine species inhabit the open ocean.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo recreates this fascinating environment in near-perfect detail and gives you the opportunity to walk right through it.
Located on the Ground Floor of The Dubai Mall, the 48-metre long Aquarium tunnel takes you 11 metres under the surface

The Feeding 


Watch our divers feed the Sharks and Rays throughout the day and meet an Aquarium Educator who will share these amazing animals’ underwater secrets with you.

Underwater Zoo

Explore a fascinating aquatic world

Continue your journey at Underwater Zoo and learn more about what amazing creatures inhabit both our rivers and oceans.
Located on Level Two above the Aquarium tank, Underwater Zoo leads you through three ecological Zones; Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean.
Watch out for these aquatic creatures at Underwater Zoo: Otters, Piranha, Humbolt Penguins, African Dwarf Crocodiles, Lionfish, Giant Spider Crabs, Seahorses, Garden Eels, Archerfish, Arapaima, Water Rats, Paddlefish, Cichlids, Nautilus and many more amazing aquatic animals in 40 individual aquatic displays.

Rocky Shore


This is where the land meets the sea, a rugged, harsh environment where only the tough survive. In our Rocky Shore, visit a Humboldt Penguin colony and view several Giant Spider Crabs. If you don't mind getting your hands wet, you can also reach out and touch some of the more hardy rock pool inhabitants

Rainforest


Imagine walking along the banks of a pristine river bed surrounded by some of the most incredible freshwater animals alive. Dangerous Piranha, Giant Catfish, playful Otters and Water Rats are just some of the animals you'll meet here.

Aquatic Expeiences

Cage Snorkelling


     

Have you ever thought about jumping into a 10-million litre aquarium without an air tank?

Have close encounters with thousands of aquatic animals at Dubai Aquarium with the Cage Snorkelling Experience.
If you don’t want to undertake full-fledged diving, you can still feel the same thrills in a safe cage setting. All you have to do is put on snorkeling gear, dive into the secure cage in the aquarium, and watch over 70 different marine species including some 300 sharks and rays at close quarters.

Share this thrilling experience & dive in with friends!

Up to 4 people can snorkel into the cage at one time. 
Minimum age: 8 years old. 
Not applicable for our pregnant guests.

Shark Dives


Dive with the world's ultimate predator.

750 pounds of lean muscle, 300 razor sharp teeth, 100 million years in the making. Are you ready to come face-to-face with the world’s ultimate predator?
Dive into the depths of our 10-million litre tank and experience the thrill of a lifetime by coming face-to-face with the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks in the world.
Whether you are a certified Diver or not, anyone can experience the Shark Dive at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

            Check our Video of full coverage of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Daily Dives

Three Shark Dives are held daily, allowing up to four divers in each group to explore the wonders of the underwater world.   

Qualified Instructors

A Dive Master and Dive Instructor supervises every dive and will assist you throughout the experience.

For Certified Divers

If you already have certification with a recognised dive institution, you can present it to dive immediately.

For Non-Certified Divers

Non-Certified Divers and even those who don’t know how to swim, can still enjoy the experience by completing a short course with our partner - Al Boom Diving.

Minimum Age

Divers must be at least 10 years of age.

Equipment Provided

A full set of equipment is included in the package. Swimsuits are available at an additional cost.

Medical Requirements

Please note that medical requirements apply.
A completed medical questionnaire is required for both Certified and Non-Certified divers.

Shark Walker


Put on your helmet and dive into 10-million litres of water and enjoy the dive experience of a lifetime.

Forget dive experience, forget knowing how to swim, forget even getting your hair wet!
Now you can experience close encounters with sharks, rays and a multitude of fish species at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo by simply signing up for Shark Walker, a new dive experience.

Terms & Conditions

  • Shark Walker is suitable for guests who are medically fit to dive and age 12 years and above
  • 2 participants with one experience
  • In water time: 25 minutes
  • Allows free access to Aquarium Tunnel and the Underwater Zoo
  • Timings: between 12.00pm and 3.00pm, 4.30pm and 7.00pm (daily)
  • Other rules and regulations apply

Discover Scuba Dive



Sign up today and become the diver you've always wanted to be

Becoming a PADI certified Diver has never been easier. Sign up for our 2 day scuba course for beginners (suitable for those 10 years old and above) and earn your internationally recognized PADI certification for life.
With our flexible Scuba Dive course (independent study) that allows you to study at your convenience, you can now dive into our 10 million litre tank under the supervision of our PADI professional Divers and earn your PADI certification in just 2 days.

Go Pro Camera


Take home memories that will last for a lifetime!

With our Go Pro professional underwater cameras, you can now document your dive experience whether it is a Shark Dive, Specialty Dive, Cage Snorkeling, or Shark Walker experience within our 10-million liter tank and capture these priceless moments.

Specialty Dives


3 professional underwater experiences you will treasure forever

If you're a PADI certified Diver, there’s nothing more exhilarating than getting up-close to aquatic life than with our Dubai Aquarium Specialty Course. This pre-approved PADI Distinctive Specialty Course ensures that you receive a PADI Certificate Card on completion which counts towards your PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Features

Dive 1: Enjoy a dive to remember as you move freely amongst the waters of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and come face-to-face with sharks and rays.
Dive 2: Learn about shark conservation identification, underwater photography tips and take photos in a 30-minute theory session using either your own or our professional underwater camera and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Dive 3: Our Shark Feeding dive is a rare opportunity to interact with these graceful animals during feeding time. Take photos of the Shark Feed from the safety of our diving cage.

Terms & Conditions

  • Equipment is provided
  • Divers must be at least 10 years of age
  • Dives can be completed on different days or on the same day

Ticket Information

The Price List

Researcher Experience - AED 100


  • New Meet & Greet Area
  • Aquarium Tunnel
  • Underwater Zoo
  • Behind the Scenes tour
  • Underwater Observatory
*Adult and Children: AED 100 each
*Children below 3 years of age are free of charge

Explorer Experience - AED 120


  • New Meet & Greet Area
  • Aquarium Tunnel
  • Underwater Zoo
  • Submersible Simulator
  • Big Screen Theatre
  • Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat

*Adult and Children: AED 120 each
*Not available for children below 3 years of age.
*This package is not available for our pregnant guests.

Otter Encounter - AED 200


  • Aquarium Tunnel
  • Underwater Zoo
  • Otter Meet & Greet Experience 
T &C
  • No restrictions. Wheelchair and Stroller accessible.
  • Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Subject to Availability

Ray Encounter - AED 200


  •   Aquarium Tunnel
  •   Underwater Zoo
  •   Ray Feeding 
T &C
  • Minimum height requirement is 100 cm.
  • Not applicable for our pregnant guests.
  • Guests must be able to ascend and descend stairs to access the ray Feeding portion of the Experience.
  • No Swimming required. The activity will be done on standing level.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

King Croc Encounter - AED 200


  • Aquarium Tunnel
  • Underwater Zoo
  • Crocs Tour & Bird Feeding 
T &C
  • Minimum height requirement is 120 cm.
  • Not applicable for our pregnant guests.
  • Guests must be able to ascend and descend stairs to access the Crocodile habitat portion of the Experience.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Guests should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

VIP Line Buster Package - AED 250

  • Aquarium Tunnel    
  • Underwater Zoo
  • Back of house tour
  • Underwater Observatory
  • Submersible Simulator
  • Glass Bottom Boat
  • Fish Feeding
  • Subject to Availability

Membership Programme - AED 250

  • 12 months unlimited entry to the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo
  • 12 months unlimited Glass-Bottom boat rides
  • 15% discount on entry for all accompanying family and friends
  • 15% discount on all non-sale items at the Gift & Souvenirs store
  • 10% discount on Shark Dives
  • 25% discount on Cage Snorkeling Experiences
  • 20% discount on PADI Courses, dive trips and Al Boom Diving retail merchandise

Terms & Conditions:

  • Membership is not transferable or refundable
  • Membership card is not for commercial use
  • Government Valid ID card has to be presented for entry
  • Pregnant lady or Child below 3 years, are not allowed in Glass Boat
  • Behind the scenes tour & Fish feeding are not included

Opening Hours

Come for the experience of a lifetime.

10:00am - 11:00pm [Sun- Wed]
Last admission: 10:30pm
10:00am - 12:00 midnight [Thu - Sat]
Last admission: 11:30pm
*Timings are subject to change.

Directions

Located within The Dubai Mall, come experience one of the largest Aquariums in the world

Walk through the 48-metre Aquarium Tunnel on Ground Level, and explore the Rainforest, Rocky Shore Living Ocean environments and UAE Night Creature at the Underwater Zoo on Level 2.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo 
The Dubai Mall 
Doha Street 
Off 1st Interchange - Sheikh Zayed Road 
Dubai, U.A.E
Source: http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/