Featured Image : Dubai Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. In the 18th century, it was a...

Featured Image : Dubai Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. In the 18th century, it was a...
Features information that is relevant to travellers who are thinking about and actively planning a visit Dubai or any part of the Arab World.
This is a luxury five star hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It has been operated by Mandarin Oriental as of Jan. 1, 2020. After the present renovation the hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property.
Two popular landmarks nearby are Heritage Village (1.3 mi) and The Corniche (1.4 mi). There are 14 food and beverage outlets to choose from in this hotel. A variety of national as well as international cuisines are served in these restaurants.
The hotel is based on The hotel’s Mediterranean architecture. This 376-room beachfront property offers some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf. Louvre Abu Dhabi and the nearby golf club is only a 10-minute drive from here , and the city centre is 12 miles away. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Corniche are 20 to 30 minutes away. There are seven food and beverage venues in the hotel.
The Iridium Spa is by the side of five swimming pools. The Athletic Club is one of the best in the city and it has a 25-metre lap pool, squash courts, and dedicated studios for yoga and spinning. There is a children’s club suitable for children between the ages of 1–12. Children at the age of 4 years and below must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is situated on a 9 km stretch of private beach on Saadiyat Island. Each spacious air-conditioned room is equipped with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and are decorated in soft colors. An open-plan bathroom with an oversized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
The Atarmia Spa provides various beauty treatments in private treatment rooms for men and women. It includes a gym.
There are 3 in-house restaurants which offer a wide selection of international cuisine. The Beach House Restaurant features panoramic views of Saadiyat Beach and the landscaped hotel gardens.
The hotel is 35 minutes’ drive away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Nearby attractions include the Louvre and Saadiyat Golf Club.
This resort hotel is located in Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking Saadiyat Island with a spectacular 9 km stretch of white beach. Built on modern Arabic architecture, this five-star property has
striking and uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views. The resort has elegantly-designed 327 rooms and suites and 13 beach villas which displays casual elegance and contemporary style to reflect the resort’s premier beach-side setting. Club Rotana executive rooms have added privileges and personalized service.
There are eight modern dining areas that promise authentic flavours and new culinary experiences.Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Hamilton’s Gastropub, a lively nightspot, and Turtle Bay Bar & Grill are only some of the dining options to suit guests’ taste and mood.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas offers three fully-equipped banquet and event rooms, an elegant ballroom and The Lawn, a spectacular outdoor event venue for memorable events like weddings..
Bodylines Fitness, a modern gym, Zen spa offering Turkish Hammam and 10 treatment rooms, an outdoor pool, two tennis courts, mini golf and a beach club are some of the facilities offered by the resort. Aladdin’s Cave, the kids club offers a lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone, water slide and much more that will keep the younger guests active and engaged.
This upscale beachfront resort is 4 km from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, 2 km from Manarat Al Saadiyat, and 32 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The polished rooms provide safes, minibars and tea and coffee making equipment, in addition to flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. The elegant 1- to 3-bedroom suites have living rooms and dining areas. The 1- and 2-bedroom villas are set on the beach and have plunge pools. Room service is available 24/7.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers direct access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club, inclusive of a health and fitness center, kids club and a wonderful renovated swimming pool in addition to its sandy beach. It is adjacent to Nation Galleria Mall, district of Al Bateen, Qasr Al Watan and Emirates Palace.
The Terrace on the Corniche is a vibrant dining destination located on the ground level of the hotel. Guests can dine in the main dining room, or at the garden terrace and bar with private access from the Abu Dhabi Corniche. For those desiring privacy, a separate dining room can comfortably seat 40.
Middle Eastern and international dishes to suit every palate are offered with freshly brewed specialty coffees and handcrafted breads and pastries. In the evening, modern-Arabic music is played.
Villa Toscana is inspired by an Italian summer residence. Its elegant cuisine consists of handcrafted specialties from Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna.
Azura Panoramic Lounge wraps around the pool terrace and presents a view of the Corniche. It offers a menu of shisha and Arabic mezze. Live music is also provided.
The St. Regis Bar comprises three integrated spaces—the library, the main bar, and the Cigar Lounge—The St. Regis Bar presents a lively, atmospheric space for socializing or celebrating in the tradition of New York’s Gilded Age.
The bar displays a relief carving depicting heroic Arabic sporting scenes of camel racing, horse racing, and falconry. In the book-lined library is also there in the bar.
The cocktail menu includes the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary which was introduced to the original St. Regis in New York by Fernand Petiot in 1934. He perfected this cocktail by adding salt, pepper, lemon, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. Formal dress is required at the bar.
Etihad Towers is a complex of hotel buildings with five towers located opposite the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The towers feature offices, apartments and a hotel.
The hotel building is a part of the iconic Etihad Towers high-rise complex, this upscale, contemporary hotel is a minute’s walk from the Corniche waterfront promenade and 20 km from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Accommodations range from trendy rooms with free-standing tubs and panoramic city or gulf views, to opulent suites with living rooms and butler service. All rooms come with flat-screens, Nespresso machines and free Wi-Fi. Suites and club rooms have direct access to a lounge offering complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks. Room service is offered.
Amenities include 12 restaurants and bars, 3 outdoor pools, a gym and private beach, as well as a refined spa with a hammam (a type of steam bath). Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has a full-service spa with 13 treatment rooms, and a large fitness centre with modern equipment. Located on level 74, the Observation Deck is the highest vantage point of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Marina Mall is a 5-minute drive away.
The hotel features 198 spacious rooms, upscale suites and 57 residences filled with luxury amenities, including a spa with 7 treatment rooms, two pools, two state-of-the-art fitness centres, a three-story nightclub, a rooftop tapas bar, and three signature restaurants. Market at Edition is the health-focused all-day dining establishment. Alba Terrace is a Mediterranean-style eatery. The Oak Room rounds out the menu and is most notable for its meat case and crafted cocktails. The hotel also offers sophisticated venues for weddings, exhibitions and seminars. Event space includes a ballroom.
The design is superlative. The lobby is more like a comfortable lounge room than a hotel entrance and the soft peach tones and warm lighting make a real impact. The curved atrium is elevated by a kinetic art installation that moves majestically five times a day. Dark wood-paneled walls, marble floors and luxe furnishings give the space that stay-a-while feel. This sleek modern approach is continued into the rooms. In the rooms there is a coffee machine and Bang & Olufsen speaker system. Sand dune photographs on the walls give the space a local touch and the timber floors, beige color palette and sand-colored daybed combine well to provide a more minimalist boutique feel.
Attractions nearby include adjacent marina and inspiring views of the Gulf, Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Centre is across the road and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Al Bateen Executive Airport 15 km away while Abu Dhabi International Airport can be reached in 35 minutes by car.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qarat Al Beri has luxurious rooms decorated in a modern Arabic style with warm, rich colours and elegant furnishings. There are 213 rooms and suites, 6 private villas and 160 serviced apartments. There are also 7 restaurants and bars including the renowned Shang Palace. Each room has a balcony or terrace with an admirable view of the garden or Arabian Gulf. The hotel has a private beach and an infinity pool.
In the Shang Palace Chinese cuisine is served, and in Bord Eau, French delicacies can be savoured. Before and after dinner, Al Hanah Bar provides drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.
CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La style spas. Massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures. In addition to sa there are a gym, yoga studio, and sauna.
Other amenities include a business center, limo and car service, and express check-in etc. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference and meeting rooms, and space for weddings and exhibitions. Free valet parking is available onsite.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Attractions nearby include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a 15-minute drive away, Al Maqtaa Fort, 2 km from the property and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The hotel is connected by a winding waterway featuring Arabic traditional boats, known as abras. You lie back, utterly relaxed, while the abra slowly meanders throughout the verdant garden scenery.
The boat drops you at the hotel’s souk, a traditional Arabian market. There you browse through the enticing variety of shops selling traditional artifacts, paintings, jewellery and clothes.
A palatial resort in Mediterranean design, the resort connects with the centuries-old traditional Arab culture with its oriental court gardens and extensive water features. It boasts luxurious 378 rooms or villas, an onsite spa, fitness centre, tennis and volleyball courts, pristine private beach, and water park or wave pool. There are 7 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 680 persons. The conveniently located hotel offers easy access to the city’s most of the must-see destinations, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Waterworld and the Louvre Abu Dhabi (4.8 km), Manarat Al Saadiyat (27 min walk), UAE Pavilion (30 min walk), Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (32 min walk) and Abu Dhabi Corniche (8.8 km).
Services offered at Anjana Spa include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and Thai massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, a steam room, and Turkish bath/hammam. The spa is open daily.
For kids, there are Kids & Teens Club, separate kids pool and babysitting facilities. There is also Warner Bros theme park on Yas Island, a 20-minute drive away. Aqua Park is available for children only.
Club House is an exclusive venue reserved only for guests residing in the hotel serving a variety of International cuisine as well as refreshments. The Orient restaurant offers Oriental Turkish cuisine and Oriental A La Carte cuisine. It serves dinner only. Reservations are required.
L’olivo (à la carte) is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine serving dinner only. Reservations are required.
Mermaid (à la carte) is a beach fine-dining restaurant specializing in seafood and serves dinner only. A children’s menu is available. Reservations are required.
Turquoise restaurant offering poolside buffet specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. A children’s menu is available.
Aja (à la carte) specializes in Japanese cuisine and serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Reservations are required.
The rooms have garden or sea views and are equipped with King bed (twin beds available in garden view rooms), stocked minibar replenished daily, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, bathtub and standalone shower, air conditioning, flat screen TV, international direct dialling telephone, electronic safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, iron, ironing board, blackout drapes and curtains. Rooms and parking are wheelchair accessible.
W is set at Yas Marina and the F1 Yas Marina Circuit. The 499 room hotel features a unique design, set half on land and half on water.This modern hotel is 4 km from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and 8 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The rooms come with Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, safes, iPod docking station and floor-to-ceiling windows.
A rooftop terrace features 2 pools and a bar. Other amenities include a casual lobby lounge, a nightclub and a polished restaurant, as well as Italian, Indian and Japanese eateries. There are also spa treatments, a gym and a sauna, plus meeting and event space for up to 2,000 people.
The hotel offers a total of 3,520 square meters of event space, including the Great Room, seven studios, and four strategy and outdoor terraces for meetings and social gatherings.
Guests can also enjoy Yas Beach club, offering an incredible beach facility, a pool, a bar and dining area. Complimentary access is included and the Yas shuttle will whisk you from the hotel to the Beach Club. The hotel is only a 10 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 15 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi city centre. An 18-hole golf course and Yas Mall are within walking distance from the hotel.
Seawings is an experiential seaplane tour operator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the only one of its kind that offers seaplane experiences in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The company was established in August 2007 and provides scenic aerial experiences, sightseeing tours and private seaplane charters to destinations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Muscat. Its services include scenic flights, customized excursions, MICE, Golf, day trips, short sightseeing flights, corporate packages and exclusive aircraft charters to over 25 destinations within the UAE and Oman.
Seawings Lifestyle fleet consists of five Cessna 208 Caravan Seaplanes, each of which seat 9 guests and a pilot. Seawings Lifestyle network of 25 locations across the region gives travelers the option to tailor make their itinerary based on what they would like to do, the size of the group and activities during their trip.
Seawings Lifestyle blends unique seaplane luxury travel with the exclusivity of the region’s finest holiday resorts and best excursions. Seawings Lifestyle presents a collection of UAE luxury excursions and holiday packages that reflect the diversity and possibility of the UAE. Every holiday package and excursion itinerary is unique and completely individualised to your interests and needs, with no limit to the customisation. Each package is created by taking your ideas and handcrafting an experience that meets the criteria. Each tour lasts 45 minutes.
Seawings Beyond is product offered by Seawings Lifestyle that provides day and overnight excursions and holidays by private seaplane giving travelers an opportunity to voyage beyond Dubai to less visited and fascinating corners of the UAE and Oman covering a range of activities. These handcrafted tours fuse extraordinary scenic flights with luxury experiences to the mountains, beaches and desert island reserves like Sir Bani Yas Island and Zaya Nurai Island.
In the Seawings Signature Tour you will enjoy sweeping vistas of Dubai’s skyscrapers, beaches and architectural marvels on a thrilling 45-minutes seaplane flight. Take off in the comfort of our state-of-the-art Cessna seaplane and see Dubai’s attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Palm Jumeirah (the world’s largest man made archipelago, shaped like a palm) and The World Islands. You can choose from two take-off locations to suit your convenience.
The seaplane services are operated by Jet Ops FZE, a Dubai-based company and holder of a UAE Air Operator Certificate . Jet-Ops FZE is owned by Air Charter International Arabia LTD, a leading aviation management company based in Dubai since 1994.Seawings LLC launched a sister company named as Seawings lifestyle in the year 2013, which provides customized and luxury tour packages in UAE.
Saint Mina Coptic Orthodox Church is a Christian church serving the Egyptian Christian community in Dubai. The Coptic Orthodox Church (also known as the Egyptian Orthodox Church) is an Oriental Orthodox Christian church based in Egypt, servicing Africa and the Middle East. The head of the church and the See of Alexandria is the Pope of Alexandria on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, who also carries the title of Father of fathers, Shepherd of Shepherds, Ecumenical Judge and the thirteenth among the Apostles. The See of Alexandria is titular, and today the Coptic Pope presides from Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in the Abbassia District in Cairo. The church follows the Alexandrian Rite for its liturgy, prayer and devotional patrimony. With approximately 25 million members worldwide, it is Egypt’s largest Christian denomination.
Church of St. Mina vision and mission is to help connect people to faith. The church aims to perfect its congregation physically through sports ministry, emotionally through counseling and community support, mentally through providing biblical education, and spiritually through preaching Orthodoxy and church dogma.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, kindly gifted a land of 25,000 square feet to build the church in the area of Jebel Ali as a token of the UAE love and appreciation of the Egyptian Christians and their services to the UAE. The building of the Church was completed by 2008.
The opening of the church was made official by the first vesper prayer conducted by the Archbishop Anba Abraham together with the priests present in UAE at the time, and the first Mass prayers were held on the following day, November 21, 2009.
The church was officially consecrated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of all Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St. Mark during his visit to the UAE on May 11, 2014.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, kindly gifted a land of 25,000 square feet to build the church in the area of Jebel Ali as a token of the UAE love and appreciation of the Egyptian Christians and their services to the UAE. The building of the Church was completed by 2008.
The following churches in the UAE belong to the same denomination:
St. Antony Coptic Orthodox Church – Abu Dhabi
St. Mary & St. Shenouda The Archimandrite – Al Ain
St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church – Jebel Ali – Dubai
St. Mark & St. Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church – Dubai
St. Mary & Martyr Abou Sefein Church – Sharjah
St. George & St. Anthony Church – Fujairah
St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Cathedral – Ras Al Khaimah
The Al Ain Classic Car Museum is an automotive museum in the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to the display of classic and heritage cars. It is located in the city of Al Ain near Jebel Hafeet.
The museum started on 2 November 2009 as a small collection of personal and Abu Dhabi Classic Car Club member cars. While in its early days it was sheltered under a khaima, a traditional Arabic tent, the collection moved on 25th of November of 2013, to the Ain Al Fida Complex, next to Sheikh Zayed’s former home.
The museum has over 30 cars.
Ticket Charges/ Entry Fee is AED 10 per person (Age 5+) and free for Children below 5. The museum opens from-Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The museum has workshop facilities, and an antique and gift store. Many of our club members’ vehicles have lived across multiple generations and countries. It provides vintage vehicle restoration and repair, private VIP maintenance and service, pre-purchase evaluation and appraisal.
Al Ain Classic Car Museum documents its vehicles’ historical background and educate the public on their valuable significance.
Al Ain Classic Car Museum ensures members’ vehicles are always in tip top operating and cosmetic condition at reasonable rates, never sacrificing the integrity of their work.
Al Ain Classic Car Museum provides rental of classic cars from a wide selection, for occasions and promotional events. From time to time it also organises classic car events.
We operate to USA and European standards in everything we do. See for yourself why we are trusted by over one hundred club members, UAE government organizations and private companies.
Al Ain Classic Car Museum operates an antique and gift store.
Sir Bani Yas Island is part of the Al Gharbia region of the United Arab Emirates. The island is 17.5 km long and 9 km wide. It is the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates.
The name Sir Bani Yas originates from the Bani Yas tribe, who first inhabited Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas is the crest of a salt dome created millions of years ago by natural geological forces.
After decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. There is a bird sanctuary and a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
Arabian Wildlife Park, which takes up about half of Sir Bani Yas,showcases roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. They roam freely while the island remains open for visitors.
Salt dome hills define the island’s desert interior. The coast features beaches, sea kayak routes and a shipwreck.
Thirty-six archeological sites have been discovered throughout Sir Bani Yas, each providing a distinct insight into the island’s history. One of the oldest sites is the remains of a Nestorian Christian monastery which dates back to 600 AD, which is now carefully preserved.
The island is also the location of the only pre-Islamic Christian site to be found in the UAE. The 7th-century Christian church was opened to the public in mid-December 2010. It was discovered in 1992 and has been the focus of archaeological investigation under a team led by Dr. Joseph Elders. According to Dr. Joseph Elders the church was used by Nestorian Christians until about 750 AD.
The Island was named “Best Sustainable Global Tourism Destination” by the World Tourism Awards 2014. It regularly hosts exciting activities and events, while also boasting exquisite hotels, luxury villas and historical sites. Sir Baniyas Island was opened to weekend tourists. These tours soon became so popular that visits would often have to be booked over one year in advance.
In 2007, the Government of Abu Dhabi established the Desert Islands, bringing together Sir Bani Yas, neighboring Dalma Island, and six surrounding sandy outcrops into one destination. Sir Bani Yas and Dalma Islands are developed and can be visited, but the 6 discovery islands are currently closed to the public.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara with 64 rooms including six private lodges is located on the northwest reaches of the island. The resort is also home to three restaurants, a spa, health club, kids club and business facilities.
Several cruise lines, in particular MSC Cruises, use a small section of the island as a Private island destination on week long cruises. The section contains beaches and several bar and buffet areas. The MSC Beach includes a delicious barbecue lunch of succulent burgers and other grilled delights, fresh salads and vegetables, pastries and fruit. And you can enjoy cocktails, ice-cold beers and soft drinks from the island’s six bars.
MSC Aurea Spa provides massage or beauty treatment. The inflatable water park and kids’ play area will keep children happy all day.
The island operates a wind turbine, with a production capacity of 850 kilowatts.The island also uses solar energy to power part of the staff accommodation which is not currently connected to the national electricity grid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.