Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village

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Published on : 2024 - Jun - 29

In category : Attractions | Dubai Destination Guide

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Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village

Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village is located in the Ain Al Fayda district of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. The Village features 32 market stalls offering a variety of traditional Emirati handicrafts and foods. You can watch Bedouin (nomadic Arab people) women making beautiful craft pieces.

The shops also sell traditional clothing, spices, perfumes, date palm products and accessories.

Dining options include authentic Emirati fare from several kitchens selling traditional tea, Arabic dishes and moreish sweets.

Tags: Abu Dhabi, Ain Al Fayda district, Bedouin, Dubai, Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village, Tourist Destination

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Mar Thoma Parish

2025 - Aug - 16 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, What to do

Dubai Mar Thoma church

Mar Thoma Parish church of Dubai is located in the Jebel Ali area in the Emirate of Dubai. Established in 1969 by a small group of believers who came from Kerala, the parish serves under the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Diocese of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of India. Today, with a membership of around 2200 families, the Church serves the spiritual needs of the Mar Thoma families in this city. With Holy Communion services both in Malayalam and English, the church has four worship services every week.

Mar Thoma Sevika Sangham for women

Sevika Sangham within the Mar Thoma Church, is for all the women who are part of the church. Sevika Sangham organises Talent’s Day, Christmas programmes, family picnics and competitions for members.

Dubai Mar Thoma Church Sunday School for children

The Dubai Mar Thoma Church Sunday School for children is held after the holy communion service on Fridays and Saturdays for members, which involves various activities and festivals such as art festivals, summer camps and vacation Bible schools.

Dubai Mar Thoma Church beginnings

In the 1960s, Dubai witnessed an influx of residents from India, seeking better trade and job prospects, which included a number of Christians from Kerala. Thus, in 1969, the Dubai Mar Thoma Church was established by 130 Marthomites, who met as a group in the Our Own English School in Bur Dubai.

As the church members grew in number, the Dubai Mar Thoma Church moved its communion services from the school to the compound of the Holy Trinity Church in Oud Metha. However, in 1999, the Government of Dubai granted 20,000 sq.ft of land to construct the Dubai Mar Thoma Parish, and the first service was held on the new premises in 2001.

In November 2018, the parish celebrated its 50 years of congregation in the UAE.

Mar Thoma Church History in Kerala

The Mar Thoma (St. Thomas) Christians of Malabar (Kerala) are one of the earliest Christian communities in the world and as old as the Church in Rome and older than the Church of England. It is traditionally believed that St. Thomas, an Apostle of Jesus Christ came to India in A. D. 52 and landed at Kodungalloor, which was a port near Cochin, on the Malabar coast. According to tradition the ‘Namboodiri Brahmins’ were attracted to the new teaching and several of them received baptism. A few families among them were chosen to be responsible for the government of the new Christian community. Mar Thoma then continued his mission and reached the east coast of India. He died a martyr’s death at a place called St. Thomas Mount and was buried at Mylapore in Madras (Chennai). His relics were taken to Edessa in A.D. 232.

The following churches in UAE belong to Mar Thoma Parish:
Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Mar Thoma Parish
Dubai – Dubai Mar Thoma Parish
Sharjah – Sharjah Mar Thoma Parish
Al Ain – Mar Thoma Church Al Ain
Fujairah – Immanuel Mar Thoma Parish Fujairah
Ras Al Khaimah – St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church.

Tags: Dubai, Mar Thoma Parish, Sevika Sangham, Tourist Destination

The Wonder Maze

2025 - Aug - 2 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, What to do

The Wonder Maze

There are several entertainment options in Dubai and one of them is the Wonder Maze. This is the place for you if you love solving puzzles and navigating through labyrinths. The challenge is for the buffs to find their way out, before passing through the intricate and puzzling pathways. Navigating the maze is challenging, but there are clues spread all along the route to help participants to find their way. You will face many twists and even dead ends in this larger-than-life labyrinth.

The Wonder Maze Location

The Wonder Maze operates in the UAE at Al Ain Zoo, Riverland Dubai and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. This shows that the Wonder Maze is a popular pastime.

The mobile wonder maze

This is the largest mobile maze in the world covering 2,787 square meters. The maze is designed in modules so that nearly 3000 meters of paths could be changed frequently, ensuring no two trips are the same. At the centre is a five-meter high viewing platform. There’s also a “Quick Exit” there, for those who want to leave the maze without having to walk all the way back out again.

The Wonder Maze challenge

The attraction is suitable for all age groups and is pegged as a family activity that tests a participant’s sense of direction and memory. Wonder Maze will test your sense of direction and memory as you find your way to the center or reward. It is a significant mental and physical challenge.

The Wonder Maze Goal

Your goal is to get to the center of the Wonder Maze which is basically the five-meter high viewing platform. From the platform you can take a good look at what you’ve accomplished. At the centre point, you will also find a quick exit, from where you can easily walk out of the maze. Generally, it takes about 45 to 50 minutes to solve the puzzle.

The Wonder Maze For Schools

Dubai Wonder Maze offers a special discount for schools as it is is an excellent option for an outdoor school activity. The school packages include a dedicated tour guide, complimentary 3D maze puzzle, personalised certificate, maze games and complimentary vouchers for future visits.

Tags: Dubai, The Wonder Maze, Tourist Destination

Abu Dhabi Corniche

2025 - Jul - 19 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, Tourism, What to do

Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche (or Corniche Road) is an 8 km long road located in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In this area there are children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, fountains, parks, restaurants, cafés and the Corniche Beach. Between 2002 and 2004, land was reclaimed from the sea and the Corniche was extended. Some of the earlier landmarks (the volcano fountain and Abu Dhabi clock tower) were demolished in the process. Busiest in winter, Corniche boasts plenty of parking and public transport. Corniche offers affordable street food, to beach side cafes, to great coffee. For a private experience away from prying eyes, the family and singles beaches are worth the $2.75 entry.

Corniche Beach

Immaculately clean Corniche Beach consisting of powdery stretch of white sand sloping down to turquoise waters, was awarded Blue Flag status, it also has a beautiful seaside boardwalk, with well-kept walkways, manicured gardens and benches overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

The 2km beach has three sections: Al Sahil (Gate 4) is perfect for singles and larger groups with free entry, Gate 2 is ideal for families and has its own quiet zone, with Gate 3 also being great for families and kids. The two latter beaches are shielded from view with a fence. Showers, changing rooms and cabanas are available, and sun loungers and umbrellas can be hired for a fee. A lifeguard is on duty until sunset. Entrance fee for two latter Gates is AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children. Kids under five are allowed free. Sun lounger will cost AED 25.

Corniche Breakwater

Corniche Breakwater is at the far western corner of Abu Dhabi Corniche. Here are two of Abu Dhabi’s biggest attractions: Marina Mall and Heritage Village.

Marina Mall

Marina Mall is an entertainment complex that includes a bowling alley, ice rink, 400 shops, restaurants, cafes, and cineplex, as well as an array of designer brand outlets in its shopping mall. The Observation Deck 300 is at 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Emirates Tower Hotel, in Tower 2 of Abu Dhabi’s 5-tower Etihad Towers development. It is 300 metres above sea level. The Observation Deck is equipped with binoculars, allowing you to take a closer look at landmarks such as the Emirates Palace, Sky Tower, Marina Mall, and the Persian Gulf.

Marina Mall’s observation tower, ‘Sky Tower’. has traditionally been the budget way to get 360-degree aerial views of the city. The coffee shop here serves the highest high tea in the city. Admission includes ARD50 towards food and drink.

Heritage Village

Heritage Village transports you back to the UAE of the past thanks to its authentic reconstruction of a pre-oil-era enclave. Its open-air museum includes a campfire with traditional coffee pots and a tent made from goat hair.

Corniche Breakwater Founder’s Memorial

This memorial celebrates the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. The Constellation, a giant avant-garde 3D art piece reflecting the portrait of the sheikh is set inside the garden of the Founder’s Memorial. In order to fully appreciate the full spectacle, you will have to visit after dark when The Constellation comes alive with lights. Free 30-minute tours of the site are offered throughout the day when booked online or reserved on arrival.

Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel with 392 rooms and suits and 1002 crystal chandeliers, built at a cost of AED 11 billion. It is located in the Corniche Breakwater area. The hotel hosts operas and orchestras during the Abu Dhabi Classics concert season, Afternoon high tea in the foyer (from Dhs387 for two people), is very popular along with cocktails at the trendy Hakkasan, fine seafood at Sayad and upmarket Emirati cuisine at Mezlai.

Food offerings at Corniche

In the far western corner of Corniche Beach there are some excellent eating places such as Catch for fresh seafood, or Marl’s Organic for juices and salads. Rosina Bellina, overlooking the seafront, offers fine Italian dining with al fresco views, while further along Corniche Road you’ll find a collection of tempting dining options next to Corniche Park.

Tags: 3Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Heritage Village, Tourist Destination, United Arab Emirates, climbing wall, dventure playground, pirate ship, skate park

LEGOLAND Water Park

2025 - Jul - 5 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, Holiday Package, What to do, What to see

LEGOLAND Water Park

LEGOLAND Water Park is designed specifically for kids aged 2-12 and their families. At this unique Water Park, take on the Joker Soaker, build your very own LEGO raft, go on a splash safari or slip and slide your way down one of the many attractions! It is the seventh Legoland park in the world. In this park over 20 million Lego bricks were used to create 15,000 miniature models of different landmarks and structures around the world. If your kids are familiar with the magic of Legos, they’ll appreciate the fun and excitement of land made entirely of giant Legos.

Attraction in LEGOLAND® Water Park

Build-A-Boat

Here is where the creativity really flows. The whole family can each build their own boats with LEGO® bricks and put them to the test.

Build-A-Raft River

You can build the biggest, best LEGO® raft you can. Imagine, design and build your own unique LEGO vessel and float around the lazy river.

DUPLO® Splash Safari

Toddlers will love this water play area with four “toddler sized” slides and larger than life LEGO® DUPLO® characters.

Joker Soaker

This fun and interactive water playground with slides offers something for every family member.

LEGO® Slide Racers

This exhilarating ride consists of six mat slides where you can do wet and wild race together with your friends.

LEGO® Wave Pool

Catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for the whole family to enjoy. For toddlers, this is a dedicated shallow area with fun interactive elements.

Red Rush

The whole family can ride together in a family-sized raft down a 312-foot-long curving track on an 11-foot in diameter half pipe.

Splash ‘N’ Swirl

You can splash and swirl on your own or share a tube with a friend. Splash your way down the slide.

Twist ‘N’ Spin

Spin down the slide on your own or with a friend on a double tube and enjoy endless twists and turns.

Splash Out

In the Splash Out you speed down the 60 foot drop of this open body slide and ‘splash out’ into the water below.

Tidal Tube

You slide down 70 metres in this closed tube slide.

Twin Chasers

In the Twin Chasers two persons can slide together into a wading area below.

Wave Rider

In the Wave Rider you will zoom your way 240 feet down in an open body slide, straight into the water below.

Tags: Dubai, Joker Soaker, LEGO, LEGOLAND Water Park, Red Rush, Slide Racers, Splash Out, Tourist Destination, Twin Chasers, Twist ‘N’ Spin, Wave Pool, Wave Rider

Manarat Al Saadiyat

2025 - Jun - 21 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, Tourism, What to see

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Manarat Al Saadiyat ( “place of enlightenment,”) is a cultural community centre owned and operated by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi. It consists of an art studio, a photographic studio and a space for rent. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museums are located in Manarat Al Saadiyat. The centre also hosts special events, art fairs, panel discussions,talks, workshops, and educational initiatives from time to time. Occasional workshops include printmaking, figure drawing, and robotics; there are also one-off events like comedy nights, star-gazing, and yoga classes.

Art Studio

Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat is a multi-disciplinary arts space offering hands-on arts education programmes, art classes, drop-in sessions, workshops and outreach initiatives to students, adults, children and families in the Emirate. The emphasis on photography and multimedia. Fully equipped studios for ongoing classes, an open plan collaborative space for adults and interactive features make Art Studio the perfect place for creating art. Art Studio also hosts an arts supply store, making it easier for young artists to continue their practice at home. The arts education programmes continually adapt and respond to the needs of the community and dedicated outreach programmes such as helping teenagers develop their art portfolios, or proposing hands-on classes for people of determination continue to thrive.

In November, every year, the centre hosts an international art fair.

Photography Studio

The Photography Studio now offers an essential platform for photography enthusiasts, professionals and artists to improve their skills, expose them to new techniques and the latest approaches in the field, and assist them in maintaining a steady and professional growth of their talent.
Photography Studio encourages the participation of local, regional, and international photographers by hosting community-driven photography exhibitions as well as developing and promoting a year-round calendar of activities and programmes. The studio offers workshops and courses conducted by professional photographers, along with a large workshop space, a makeup and dressing room, a digital lab and a studio available for rent. Master classes led by regionally and internationally established photographers will include studio lighting, smartphone photography, videography, photo editing, black and white photography, photography for all levels, city-scape photography, still-life photography, fine art photography and food photography, amongst others.
Every Wednesday, from 6pm to 8pm, the studio will host meet-ups for enthusiasts who are free to attend. They will be given an opportunity to brainstorm ideas, exchange tips and techniques, share a photo of the week, ask about different equipment and gather information related to photography.
The Photography Studio has 250-seat auditorium and three gallery spaces for temporary exhibitions. The new café and brasserie, Larte, offers a modern interpretation on northern Italian and European classics. There is also a gift shop/

Tags: Dubai, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Tourist Destination, Zayed National Museum, art fairs, panel discussions, talks, workshops

Bollywood Parks Dubai

2025 - Jun - 7 | Dubai Destination Guide

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood Parks Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts, is the world’s first theme park dedicated to Bollywood, Mumbai’s legendary movie industry. There is everything from romance to comedy, action to adventure, music to dance, Indian food to Indian handicrafts. The park has a floor area of 1.7 million square feet.

Packed with action, adventure, dance, and romance, this family-friendly theme park offers exhilarating rides, heart-thumping live performances, and of course mouth-watering treats. Spread across five zones, Bollywood Parks Dubai offers a variety of attractions. From World’s Tallest Swing Ride to new family-friendly rides to thrilling and amazing attractions to 4D Bollywood Experiences to live entertainment shows and so much more.

The five zones of

1. Bollywood Boulevard is full of entertainment, shopping stores, street food stalls and cafes.

2. Mumbai Chowk offers from double-decker buses to glamorous portrayals of film-themed surroundings.

3. Rustic Ravine contains thatched houses, white-washed walls, rocky terrains, limpid water-bodies depicting the raw essence of rural central India.

4. Royal Plaza will take you to the bygone opulence and glamour of Indian cinema.

5. Bollywood Film Studios is the film making world of Bollywood while taking the whirlwind simulating 4D ride.

The main attractions in Bollywood Parks Dubai

1. Rajmahal Theatre

The Rajmahal Theatre is the heart of Bollywood parks Dubai. It bears the grace of the vintage period of Indian cinema to its exterior and state-of-the-art technology to the interior. It has a seating capacity of 856 and looks nothing less than a royal palace. The live shows there look more poised with its backdrop.

2. Jaan-e-Jigar

Jaan-e-Jigar is a Broadway-style Bollywood musical pioneering initiative of Middle-East.The live drama, action, romance, dance in the larger-than-life studio gets enriched with high-quality visual effects. In this 30-minute program, you will see the fascinating story of two brothers namely Jaan and Jigar in their battle against evil Marjani for ruling the kingdom.

3. Lagaan

Among the Bollywood Parks Dubai rides, Bhuvan’s Wheel, Gauri’s Carousel and the simulating roller coaster of The Thrill Of Victory are worth-mentioning. The setup of the laid-back Indian village flanked by rolling terrains and farmlands looks idyllic and will let you have the best view of a moving deuce ball. Kids over 80cm height are allowed on the mini Ferris wheel.

4. Dabangg

This 19-minute show is performed by ten efficient stunts-men. Here you will enjoy the Bollywood music. Chulbul Pandey, the police officer’s spectacular rescuing of his beloved Rajo along with her friends and an explosive encounter with rogues in a warehouse bring out the truest spice of Bollywood drama.

5. Sholay

The multi-shooter ride in the 3D interactive darkened Rustic Ravine will be full of a thrill as you are handed over the laser guns for shooting down armed robbers led by the all-time infamous Gabbar Singh from the legendary movie Sholay. Compete with friends in aiming and hitting mangoes and treat yourself with those mangoes you have hit. Anyone over 90 cm in height is welcome to take part with family.

6. Don

At the Mumbai Chowk in the Bollywood parks Dubai location, you can get on the 3D motion simulator tunnel ride with make-believe Interpol agents to catch the mafia Don running through Dubai streets. Don keeps taunting you with his cunning moves as you drive past the iconic skyscrapers. In this game of excitement, one wrong move will let Don slip away to carry on his brave robbery.

7. Krrish

This flying theatre can be visited by anyone over 120 cm of height. The ride will take you soaring over the 4D virtual sky above the vibrant Indian landscape while you are accompanied by Indian superhero Krrish. Sitting on a front row seat, you can not only enjoy the realistic landmarks of India but also engage in the battle against alien invasion to save the Earth.

8. RA.One

9. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

One can relive the lively super hit movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for thirty minutes with the behind-the-scenes journey of the production house. In the live show hosted by a brilliant interpreter, all the members of the family can take part in creating magic while learning about post-production and film making.

Tags: Bollywood Boulevard, Bollywood Film Studios, Dabangg stunt, Don, Dubai, Jaan-e-Jigar, Krrish, Lagaan, Mumbai Chowk, RA.One, Rajmahal Theatre, Royal Plaza, Rustic Ravine, Sholay, Tourist Destination

Jebel Ali

2025 - May - 24 | Attractions, Dubai Destination Guide, Shopping, What to see

Burj Park by Emaar

Jebel Ali, in Al Ain, is a large commercial port town located 35 km south of Dubai. Al Maktoum International Airport has been constructed just outside the port area. Sandy Jebel Ali Beach is near the busy harbor. “Jebel” means mountain or hill in Arabic. Ali perhaps refers to the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.

Jebel Ali Recreations

The area is home to a golf resort and dive centers. The waters of the gulf are rich in marine life and submerged wrecks. Nearby, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi has tournaments and events open to the public.

From here you can walk up to the absolute top of the Jebel Hafeet, the second highest summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are museums, forts and tombs present in the surrounding area. Legoland and Bollywood Parks are close by.

Jebel Ali Desalination plant

Among the infrastructure projects built to support the port and town is the world’s largest desalination plant, the Jebel Ali Desalination Plant, provides an ample supply of fresh water. The power plant complex, consisting of nine individual plants, extends over a length of more than three kilometers along the coast of the Persian Gulf between the port of Jebel Ali and the Jumeirah district. The facility, provides most of Dubai’s energy and water needs. With an installed capacity of 8.6 gigawatts, it is the world’s largest gas-fired power plant. Also the world’s largest seawater desalination plant, it can desalinate 2.135 million m³ of seawater per day, which corresponds to 470 million imperial gallons per day.

Jebel Ali Port

Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Due to the depth of the harbour and size of the port facilities, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated in the pier. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent shore-leave facilities (referred to by US Navy service personnel as “The Sandbox”) have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.

Jebel Ali Free Zone

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) was created in 1985 and houses an industrial area surrounding the port. International companies that relocate there enjoy the special privileges of the free zone. The privileges include exemption from corporate tax for 50 years, no personal income tax, no import or re-export duties, no restriction on currency, and easy labour recruitment. The free zone has evolved into a trade catalyst and a smart business community that offers unprecedented growth opportunities and market access. JAFZA is a dynamic base for over 8,700 businesses from some100 countries. JAFZA offers pre-built warehouses for high-quality storage and light manufacturing activities with leasing rates starting as low as AED 400 per sq m.

Jebel Ali Industrial Area

Jebel Ali Industrial Area (aka Jebel Ali Industrial) is one of Dubai’s oldest industrial districts. It is located west of the Port of Jebel Ali, south of Jebel Ali Village, east of Dubai Investments Park, and north of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Extension. Jebel Ali Industrial Area is home to several factories, manufacturing companies, warehouses and apartment buildings. It is well-connected to the central city via the emirate’s major roads, providing a hassle-free commute to neighbouring areas.

Offices in the neighbourhood spread over 580 sq. ft. to 984 sq. ft. are available for rent in flexible payment options. The facilities in the area include shared parking space, 24-hour security and free maintenance. The area also features warehouses suitable for cold storage, building material storage and other storing goods. These warehouses are equipped with modern fire fighting systems, smoke detectors and loading and unloading equipment. Other commercial properties in the area include shops, labour camps and commercial plots. There are bus and metro service connecting to the city.

A range of residential properties in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1 is available for rent and sale. As for accommodation spaces, prospective tenants can choose from studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with an area ranging between 435 sq. ft. to 1,253 sq. ft. These apartments have a living area, fitted kitchen and a bedroom with an attached bathroom and built-in wardrobe.

Tags: Al Ain, Bollywood Parks, Dubai, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Jebel Ali Desalination Plant, Jebel Ali Port, Jebel Hafeet, Legoland, The Jebel Ali Free Zone, Tourist Destination

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