ACTIVITIES

Head up high for the ultimate aerial adventure and once-in-a-lifetime memories. Hot air ballooning is on the top of many travellers’ bucket lists and it’s easy to see why Dubai is one of the best places in the world to experience this exciting activity. Gazing at the vastness of the desert at 3,000 feet is especially magical. You get to spot native wildlife such as camels, Arabian oryx and gazelles. The sun rising over the landscape is truly breathtaking, as the sunlight reflects a range of hues across the sand dunes. Dubai...

This Ramadan take a trip back in time and enjoy a sumptuous sunset feast in the heart of the Arabian desert. Visitors are welcome to travel to Dubai during Ramadan – in fact, it can be one of the best times to visit the city and a wonderful opportunity to join in the lavish iftar buffets and celebrations that occur every evening. One of the most authentic ways to experience iftar is in the middle of the desert, with Platinum Heritage offering a look back at how the region celebrated Ramadan...

True relaxation requires more than a massage - the best spas know how to create a haven of tranquillity, a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where guests can truly unplug, unwind and leave their stress behind. From pampering sessions in a secret garden to spa treatments in a poolside cabana, these are our favourite UAE spas providing an urban oasis to leave you feeling truly revitalised. Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah As you stroll among the lush greenery and inviting waterways of Talise Spa at Madinat...

Since its early days as a humble fishing village, the UAE has undergone a major transformation to become a modern metropolis. From record-breaking structures to renowned leisure destinations, the nation is home to some of the most recognisable architectural marvels on the planet. Although these attractions take pride of place, locals will tell you that no visit to the emirates is complete without immersing yourself in the Emirati way of life. And while there are numerous ways to do so, there’s no substitute for exploring the destination through local eyes. That’s...

Don’t we all love a classic good-triumphs-over-evil tale? Add to that a spectacular combination of music, dance, drama and action, and you have yourself the winning formula for a successful Bollywood production – one that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride with every change in sequence. And that’s exactly the experience you are promised with Dubai Parks and Resorts’ Broadway-style Bollywood musical, Jaan-e-Jigar. In this riveting two-hour tale, masterful storytelling meets a larger than life world to bring the magic of the Indian film industry to life. Fans...

As the largest indoor theme park in the world, visitors should expect nothing less than a day filled with exciting activities and surprises at IMG Worlds of Adventure. There's plenty to keep the whole family entertained with four distinct zones within the park, each offering something unique. The welcome zone, IMG Boulevard, features the park's best dining and shopping options. At Lost Valley, explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with hair-raising rides. Then, save the day with your favourite animated characters at the Cartoon Network zone and also meet the...

With summer in full swing, we can't think of a better way to beat the heat than with a water park splash. Head to the capital's popular aqua zone, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi for an exciting day packed with plenty of thrills and chills. With 45 rides, slides and attractions that promise to take your excitement levels through the roof, there's something to suit thrill seekers of all ages. No visit to the water park would be complete without trying the Dawwama - the world's first tornado slide that sees...

The novelty of playing with snow in the heart of a desert never loses its charm. Head to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates for a day filled with exciting experiences that can only be found in some of the world's most exotic winter destinations. Go snowboarding, tobogganing, zorbing and skiing at this popular Alpine attraction and also enjoy the chance to interact with adorable penguins....

Witness the UAE’s love affair with all things maritime in full force during the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race – one of the biggest sailing events on the nation’s sporting calendar. The annual race returns to the nation from May 3 to 13 for its 28th season, which will see teams of Emirati sailors steering 60-foot traditional Arabic vessels, known as dhows, from Sir Bu Nair Island in Sharjah to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. The sight of hundreds of dhows dotting the coastline makes for a pretty spectacular...

Adding to the city’s endless list of architectural marvels, The Dubai Frame, which stands at a whopping 150 metres tall, opened to the public last month. Designed by award-winning architect Fernando Donis, the structure features two towers connected by a glass bridge, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the city. Seeing the historic landmarks in Deira and Bur Dubai alongside the skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road feels like gazing through time. There’s also a museum on the ground floor that traces Dubai’s remarkable transformation from a humble fishing village...