Get up close and personal with Dubai this DSS

DUBAI- Whether one lives in Dubai or is in the emirate for a visit – not a day goes by without one talking about Dubai’s signature landmarks that glorify the city’s success in epic proportions.

After all, when a city hosts marvels such as the Burj Khalifa or unique escapades such as an evening desert safari, there is bound to be countless memoirs that speak volumes about its exciting home-grown offerings.

Take advantage of the 17^th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) and plan your personal rendezvous with the emirate.

From the soaring heights of its iconic towers to the pristine depths of its magnificent waters – prepare to enjoy “The Fun Side of Summer” of Dubai through the eyes of the city’s iconic gifts to the world this DSS.

Discover the city with popular sightseeing tours

Explore Dubai’s stunning coastline with The Yellow Boats’ award-winning team offering a 90-minute spectacular tour showing you stunning views of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Royal Palaces and back through the Lagoon to the Marina. Departure: 9:00, 10:30, 14:30, 16:15, 17:15. Book today to enjoy a 20% discount. DSS price: AED 280/Adult, AED 210/Child.

Hop on the Dubai Wonder Bus, an amphibian 38- or 44-seater, state-of-the-art bus that will not only take you around Dubai on land but also on water, up and down the Dubai Creek. The tours start from BurJuman, past Shaikh Khalifa Road, Al Wasl Bridge, Wafi City Centre and Al Boom Restaurant before splashing into the Dubai Creek. It comes ashore again at the Creek Park, Dubai Courts, Al Maktoum Bridge, Sheikh Maryam’s Palace along Seef Road and Sheikh Khalifa Road before returning to BurJuman.

Or set aboard the Dubai Ferry to circle Dubai’s historic sites and its striking coastline! Running seven days a week, Dubai Ferry has four scheduled trips between 9 am and 9 pm: F1 Station Al Ghubaiba (close to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station on the Green Line) to Burj Al Arab Round Trip. F2 Station Dubai Marina Mall (close to the Dubai Marina Metro Station on the Red Line), to Atlantis Round Trip.

Enjoy the best sightseeing experience with Big Bus Dubai. Discover all the landmarks from the open-top double-decker bus and hop on and hop off at any stop of your choice, at your leisure. Select your preferred pre-recorded commentary among a choice of 10 languages on board. Tickets include many extras such as free entry to Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s house, as well as a free Dhow cruise on the Dubai Creek. As a special DSS promotion, buy two Big Bus Dubai 24-hour adult tickets and receive two kids’ tickets free (5-15 years).

Savor Dubai’s signature visual treats

Zoom up through the world’s highest building and view the world from its new peak – At The Top Burj Khalifa! Located on the 124^th floor, is the observation deck from where you can take in some stunning vistas of dynamic Dubai! Capture the magnificence of a sunset and Dubai’s musical fountains. Tickets are available online or at the ticket office at The Dubai Mall.

Relax in the tranquility of Atlantis The Palm situated on the Palm, Dubai, with family or friends. The popular landmark offers three private white beaches: Aquaventure Beach, with its own magnificent 700m beach, Royal Beach Atlantis offers over 1.5km of beach access, with delicious refreshments and snacks available around the beach area and the pools and The Shore and The Edge restaurants, located alongside the beach. Further, the Nasimi Beach Club offers the ultimate fusion of relaxation, entertainment, parties and dining at an incomparable beach-front location. Open 9am to 1am (Fridays 9am – 2am) for ages 21+, reserve a day bed or cabana.

Head to Madinat Jumeirah this DSS to enjoy the ‘The Arabian Resort of Dubai’. Madinat Jumeirah is an authentic recreation of ancient Arabia and features two boutique hotels – Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr – as well as traditional courtyard summer houses, all interconnected by 3km of waterways and landscaped gardens.

Seize the opportunity to plan a day on Dubai’s beautiful and most popular Jumeirah Beach Corniche which is accessible for free, has lifeguards in attendance and umbrellas, lounges, plus changing rooms and washrooms in addition to several cafes and restaurants nearby. Open 8am – 10:30pm daily and Mondays are for women and children only.

The JBR Open Beach, one of Dubai’s best beaches is also open all day and has free access. It’s conveniently located across the road from shops and restaurants on The Walk, some of which are part of well-known hotels like the Sheraton, Hilton, Sofitel, Rotana and Ritz Carlton.

Experience the golden sands of Dubai on a desert safari

They say your trip in Dubai is incomplete without embarking on an overnight desert safari. Offering you a tangible experience of the region’s landscape, a safari will see you whisked off for a host of intriguing activities, such as camel rides, dune-bashing, dune-buggying, sand-skating and henna painting. After enjoying a brilliant sunset, you will relish a scrumptious barbeque around a blazing bonfire and watch, perhaps even participate in a traditional belly-dancing performance all under a jewelled sky, while being wafted by a cool breeze.

The next morning, following sunrise and a hearty breakfast, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Contact leading tour operators like Planet Tours and Travels, which offers streamlined packages.