Located in front of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, the amazing Wild Wadi Water Park offers more than 30 rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. The park is themed around the tale of Juha, an Arabian folklore character. It is written that Juha used to sail to distant lands until one day his ship overturned, marooning him and his family on an enchanted island where there were fresh water streams and beautiful waterfalls. The story goes on to tell how Juha’s daughter Leila and son Ali wove palm trees together to ride on the rushing water. Soon people of all ages came to the island to have fun together, just like they do at Wild Wadi Water Park.

Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai

The Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders offer an amazing surfing experience. One of only four such rides in the world, the Wipeout Flowrider was the first barrelling wave to be built in the world. Designed by the American surfing fanatic Thomas Lochtefeld, the Wipeout shoots out more than seven tonnes of water a second in a thin sheet across a moulded foam structure. This produces a life-like wave effect which is perfect for knee-boarding and body-boarding.

Breaker’s Bay is the biggest wave pool in the Middle East. Waves of 1.5 metres, in five different configurations are produced in the pool.

Tantrum Alley is the latest Wild Wadi ride, incorporating two large downhill waterslides and three amazing tornadoes. A four-person tube takes the riders downhill where they enter the first tornado where they circle around

Tantrum Alley

in the eye of the storm before hitting the second tornado, eventually splashing out into the pool.

Jumeirah Sceirah is a 33 metre speed slide where the riders travel at up to 80kms an hour.

Burj Surj is made up of two large sections of downhill slides and ‘the bowl’. Up to 5 riders sit on a tube and travel downhill to the bowl where they are thrust into a two spinning spirals before dropping onto the slide that takes them for a ‘splash down’ in the pool.

The Master Blaster rides are a series of high-powered water jets that take riders on an aquatic roller coaster ride. Riders are rocketed 15 metres above ground level starting in in White Water Wadi or Flood River Flyer. Flying Falls, Falaj Fury, Jebel Lookout, Wadi Leap, Hos’N'Hurler, Falcon Fury, Rushing Rapids, Thunder Rapids, Wadi Basher, Wadi Twister, Tumble Falls and Tunnel of Doom are also Master Blasters.

Flood River circles the Flowriders and features sudden surges of 100,000 litres of water which creates waves of more than a metre high and sudden river rapids.

Juha’s journey is a lovely relaxing ride along 360 metres of lazy river. This ride is great for all the family to enjoy together as it has a very gentle current.

Lazy River

Breakers Bay wave pool, Juha’s Journey lazy river, Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon childrens play structure and Flood River are ideal for smaller children to enjoy whilst visiting the park on their holiday deals to Dubai. Life jackets are available free of charge for visitors who are not confident swimmers and children should be supervised by an adult at all times.

Visitors are not allowed to take food and drink into the park. The park offers several different dining options including two main restaurants Julshan’s Kitchen and Sinbad’s Galley, Ali’s BBQ, Leila’s Stand for healthy eating options and drinks, Leila’s Oasis for snacks and delicious fresh juice and smoothies and Shahbandar’s Cafe for quick-serve snacks.  

Every Friday in July the park stays open until 10pm. Take advantage of the late closing time on your family holidays to Dubai.

Dubai Festival City is an urban community covering 1300 acres on the Dubai Creek waterfront. Stretching for nearly two miles along the creek it has everything including shops, entertainment and leisure, dining establishments,hotels,villas, apartments, duplexes, schools and much more besides.

Dubai Festival City

The Dubai Festival City is less than two miles from Dubai International Airport and consists of three main districts, the Festival Centre, Marsa Al Khor and Al Badia, which are connected by an 18 miles of internal roads and a creekside promenade.

Covering more than two millon sq ft the Festival Centre is the epicentre of the Dubai Festival City. With more than 400 top class shops, 90 restaurants, cafes and bistros including the Hard Rock Cafe Dubai and the Marina Restaurant Pavilion where you will find 14 great dining venues in one location, a 12-screen Grand Festival Cinema complex and Bowling City, the centre is regarded by many as the United Arab Emirates best retail, entertainment and dining venues. Visitors to the centre will not be disappointed as it plays host to events, entertainers, musicians and parades every week. The Festival Centre has played host to many concerts by world class entertainers including Kylie Minogue, Carlos Santana and Maroon5 to name just a few. Add a concert by your favourite entertainer to your holiday when booking one of the many travel deals available to Dubai. Located in the Festival City is the 33 storey Festival Tower which offers 360 degree views across Dubai and the Creek.

Al Badia Golf

Connected to the Festival City is the Al Badia Golf Club. Featuring a Robert Trent Jones II designed 18-hole golf course, the club has a golf academy for both experienced golfers and beginners. The club also has three restaurants, a lounge and bar, and a conference and events centre.

Marsa Al Khor is a business park connected to the Festival City, complete with offices, luxury suites and apartments, cafes, shops and landscaped gardens.

The Dubai Festival City is one place you won’t want to miss on your last minute holiday deals to the beautiful and fascinating Dubai.

Dubai enjoys year round sunshine so it is not a suprise that visitors flock to it’s beautiful beaches and beach parks. The beaches here are ideal for just relaxing or enjoying some of the great watersports on offer. Beaches here include the popular stretch of Jumeirah beaches, Palm Beach and Al Mamzar Park.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet that cuts right through the centre of the city. When walking along the Creek you will see traditional dhows, abras (water taxis), yachts which share the water with some fascinating water birds. Tourists can take in an abra to take in the magnificent sights of the Creek, including the Al-Maktoum Bridge, and the surrounding skyline. 

Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest and most important monuments in Dubai, is centrally located in Dubai City. The fort was originally built as a defence against attacks from the sea. Built in 1799 the fort is now a museum (Dubai Museum) displaying cultural artefacts from the past. One of the most amazing exhibits at the museum is a 4,000 year old grave from the Al-Qusais archaeological site. Other exhibits include military artefacts, ancient weapons, Arabian sailing boats and pearl-diving gear.

Al Fahidi Fort

Dubai has hundreds of skyscrappers which are best viewed at night from the top of one of these buildings, giving you a panoramic view across the city. These skyscrapers include the Burj Khalifa (tallest in the world), Rose Tower (72 storeys), 21st Century Tower (55 storeys) and the Emirates Tower (54 storeys).

Palm Islands are a group of artificial groups, the largest in the world. They comprise of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. These man-made islands have everything, including accommodations, shopping malls, dining establishments, water parks and much more.

Grand Mosque

Located on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek, the Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque was opened in 1900 and then rebuilt in 1998, retaining it’s original traditional Islamic style, with the addition of the tallest (230ft) minaret in Dubai.

Dubai has some great amusement parks and gardens for the whole family to enjoy. The larger parks include Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Al Mamzar Park, Safa Park and Mushrif Park. Smaller parks, but still worth visiting include Al Nasr Leisure Land, the Heritage and Diving Village and Al Boom Tourist Village.

When planning your package holidays to Dubai look out for the great offers that are always available throughout the internet.

There are lots of holiday websites offering last minute holidays for all the family to this wonderful destination.

Dubai has many great attractions and places to visit, there are far too many to mention so here are just a few of the most popular and the most unusual.

Global Village

Started in 1996, the Global Village is located beside Dubai Creek. Originally the village consisted of small units selling products from countries around the world but has now much bigger with more than 40 countries displaying their products. The village attracts millions of visitors every year.

Ski Dubai

Located in the Emirates Shopping Mall, Ski Dubai has ski runs, ski lifts and has the worlds first ever indoor black run.

Dreamland Aqua Park

Situated about 35 minutes from Dubai in Umm Al Quwain, the park covers 62 acres of ground with more than 25 water rides, restaurants, cafes and a pool bar. Camping facilities are also available here.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Situated about 20 minutes from the city centre between Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the waterpark covers an area of 12 acres. Here you will find more than 20 water rides to excite all of the family.

Wonderland

This is a theme park with a Caribbean theme, complete with slides, rides, shows, games and plenty of places to eat. The park is split into three areas, Main Street, Theme Park and Splashland.

Dubai Zoo

Located in Juneirah the zoo is a great day out for all the family. The zoo has many different species of large cats, primates and Arabian mammals.

Dubai Museum

Situated in Bur Dubai, the museum is located in the late 18th century Al Sahid Fort. The fort has been restored and offers an insight into the Dubai of years past.

Heritage Village

Here in the heritage village there is a museum displaying all kinds of artefacts, some dating back to 550BC.

Diving Village

Here you will find articles which relate to the days when local people dived for pearls in the  Gulf of Dubai.

Dubai Creek

The best way to view the wonderful buildings that line the Creek is to take an Abra (small barge) ride, particularly in the evening when there is a firework display from the middle of the creek.

Spice Souk and Gold Souk

Both of these souks (markets) are located on the north side of Dubai Creek.

Hatta

This is Dubais only mountain resort and is located about a 45 minute drive from Dubai. The Heritage Village here consists of houses made from mud, stone and palm tree trunks, watch towers, a mosque and Hatta pools.

The above are just a few of the great attractions Dubai has to offer you when on your family holidays to this fascinating destination.

You will always find great travel deals to Dubai available throughout the internet.

A souk is a market place where all types of goods are sold or exchanged. Originally the souks were located near the docks and were used as trading places for goods brought into the country on ships from India, Ceylon, China and the Far East. In the past the goods being bargained over were items such as spices, perfumes and silk, nowdays you can buy anything from gold to designer goods to electronic goods.

The Gold Souk

With more than 300 Gold Souks in Dubai, this is the place to shop as it is considered to be the cheapest place in the world to buy gold as there is no tax on gold and the import duties are very low. There is a huge variety of gold sold here, including such items as rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, necklaces, pendants and hair accessories. You will find both modern and traditional designs made from different coloured gold including yellow, white, pink and even green shades.

The Spice Souk

Here you will be amazed by the aroma of all the spices on offer. The spices here are imported from the Middle East and sold straight from the sacks that they arrive in. Goods on sale include saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, dried fruit and nuts to name just a few.

The Fish Souk

Open in the early morning and late at night, this is a fascinating souk to visit. Here you will find a huge array of different fish including lobster, crab, prawns, squid, shark, red snapper, sea bream, rock cod, king fish, barracuda, tuna, mackerel and sardines all of which are landed by the local fishermen.

The Perfume Souk

Here you will smell the aromas of thousands of different perfumes, from the traditional ittars (Arabian perfume) to all the latest designer perfumes. If you can’t find a fragrance you like the shopkeepers here will mix a potion to your taste. The traditional perfumes here differ from western perfumes as they have a very strong spicy smell.

There is much more to see and do in Dubai but for those who like to shop a visit to a souk is a must when on your direct holidays to this wonderful country.

Why not look on the internet for one of the many last minute holiday deals to Dubai which are on currently on offer.

For a lovely day out in Dubai a trip to the Dubai Zoo will be a hit with all the family.

Dubai Zoo is the oldest zoo of its kind in the United Arab Emirates and the first Arabian zoo to breed the rare Chimpanzee and Arabian Wild Cat.

The zoo is easily reached from the hotels and resorts as it is located just across from Jumeirah Beach, making it very popular with tourists.

Arabian Wolf

The zoo is home to over 200 different species of animals, including endangered species like Arabian wolves, Socotra Cormorants which are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, Scimitar-horned oryx, Barbary sheep, Siberian tigers, Bengal tigers and gorillas.

Arabian species in the zoo include snakes, skunks, lizards, gazelle, caracal, wolves, foxes, wild cats, hyena, eagles, vultures, buzzards, flamingo, gulls, herons and cormorant.

History of the Dubai Zoo

The zoo was built on a 5 acre site in Jumeirah by Otto Bulart in 1967.
During its early years the zoo housed only a few animals like big cats, monkeys and hoofed-animals and also had a small aquarium with fish and reptiles.
In 1971 the zoo was taken over by the Dubai Municipality.

Barbary sheep

Part of the zoo was redesigned and rebuilt from 1986 to 1989 and is still going on to this day.

A day at Dubai Zoo is a most enjoyable day out and not to be missed when on your direct holidays to the ever enchanting Dubai.

The new Stargate Dubai space age theme park is located in Zabeel Park and features five domes which are set around a multi-cuisine food court and shopping mall set in a central pyramid.

The central five-sided glass pyramid is home to the food court which offers natural light during the day and starry skies at night.

The Space Mall is a themed shopping mall which is family orienated. There are four interconnecting corridors which go from the central pyramid to the Space Mall. These corridors contain high-tec exhibitions and displays.

The Academy is a centre for school visits and child development activities.

Circling the park is a 450 metre long Fun Track set on a mezzanine floor. Along this track visitors will find interactive video games and a childrens art gallery.

The EARTH DOME

Home to a spinning roller coaster that travels through and around the Earth Dome.

The UFO DOME

This dome has an electric go-kart tracks. One track is for teenagers and adults with another track for younger children (complete with a children’s driving school). The dome also has bumper cars, a small games area and a cafe.

The LUNAR DOME

This dome is home to an ice rink, family viewing area and a cafe.

The SATURN DOME

Home to a state-of-the-art 3D cinema.

The MARS DOME

Here visitors will find a soft play area, slides, climbing frames, air cannons, party rooms, a family viewing area and cafe.

Take a visit to this family orientated new space age theme park while on your holidays to Dubai, there are hundreds of offers to Dubai available throughout the internet.

Why not take advantage of one of the many last minute holidays to Dubai that are on offer at the moment.

For more information on Dubai and to view my latest articles please visit my Dubai Blog.

Location…. Dubai , UAE – Exit 39 off Shiekh Zayed Road (when driving towards Al Barsha)

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction and is the first ski resort in the Middle East, ideal for experiencing  something ‘that little bit different’  when on your holidays to Dubai.

Covering 22,500 square metres, Ski Dubai is covered with real snow all year round, offering skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.
Originally tons of fresh dry powder snow would fall when the centre was closed but now, due to advanced technology, the snow falls during the day when the centre is open.

There are 5 runs, including the first indoor black run, which all vary in

Ski Dubai

 difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run is 400 metres with a fall of more than 60 metres. For snowboarders there is a 90 metre quarter pipe.
There are professional instructors available for lessons at the centre.

Tobogganing

Ideal for all the family is the 3,000 square metre interactive Snow Park which is the world’s largest indoor snow park. Here you can go tobogganing, take a twin track bobsled ride, have a snowball fight or view the slopes from the large observation tower.

At the entrance to Ski Dubai there is the St Moritz Cafe and at midway there is the Avalanche Cafe with views of the slopes. There is also a shop, Snow Pro, where the staff can give you expert advise on what equipment you will need.

AQUAVENTURE (ATLANTIS THE PALM)
Aquaventure is the largest waterpark in the Middle East. With Master Blasters, speedslide, rivers, rapids, Splashers children’s play area, lush tropical landscapes and a private beach visitors here are spilt for choice. Guests staying at the Atlantis The Palm have unlimited access to the waterpark.

Aquaventure-Ziggurat

AL-NASR LEISURELAND
This is Dubai’s oldest theme park (opened in October 1979) and covers 48 acres. With sports and entertainment all under one roof it is the ideal venue for all the family. The centre also caters for evening entertainment.

Dreamland Aqua Water Park

DREAMLAND AQUA PARK
Dreamland Aqua Park is located about 45minutes outside Dubai located in scenic coastline of Umm Al Quwain. Set in 250,000 square metres of lush greenery, the park has more than 30 thrilling water rides. There are rides such as the black hole, kamikaze and the amazing 4 twisting dragons. The park has numerous restaurants, food outlets and a licensed pool bar. The park also has overnight camping facilities and will provide a tent or wooden cabana. The Park is operated all year round with a daily capacity of 5,000 thousand visitors. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays are for families, pre-booked groups, and membership holders.

WONDERLAND THEME PARK & SPLASHLAND
Wonderland is located alongside the Dubai Creek Park, near Al Garhoud Bridge in Dubai. Opened in 1996, Wonderland is in fact two parks, Wonderland theme park, with more than 30 rides and attractions, and Splashland.

WILD WADI WATERPARK
Located between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, the Wild

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wadi Waterpark is just a twenty minute drive from the city centre. This water park is a themed water park based around the friends of Sinbad. Covering 12 acres and has 23 aquatic rides to suit all ages. Wild Wadi has the tallest and fastest free fall waterslide outside of America.

SKI DUBAI
Ski Dubai is located in the Emirates Shopping Mall. This is no ordinary ski slope , it has fully operational ski lifts along with 5 different runs, the longest being over 400m. The highest point for experienced skiers is more than 60m! This is the worlds first indoor black run.

DUBAILAND (under construction)
Dubailand is under construction and when finished will be the world’s biggest theme park.
Dubailand has 7 themes (Worlds): Theme parks, culture & art, science &

Dubailand

planetariums, sports & sports academies, wellbeing & health, shopping & retail and resorts & hotels and in total consists of 45 mega projects. A few of these projects are already operational and include: Autodrome, Polo & Equestrian Club and Al Sahra Desert Resort.
There will be a number of luxury themed hotels within the park.
The park is located on Emirates Road, just ten minutes from Dubai International Airport and about an hour from Abu Dhabi.

Direct holidays to Dubai are always available throughout the internet.