DUBAI- The bright and sparkly rays of sun shining upon the golden sands of Dubai, are a reminder of the numerous water adventures that await fun-loving residents and visitors to the city during the on-going family extravaganza, the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).
From the world-class waterparks awash with oodles of thrill, to leisure activities such as fishing, skiing and pearl diving and those luxurious yachts and cruises that offer visitors the perfect escapade into moments of tranquility around the city’s famous iconic attractions – the 17th edition of DSS is calling upon all the thrill-seekers to soak up every bit of the refreshing summer offerings that Dubai is drenched with during this season.
Make it a summer to remember at Dubai’s renowned waterparks
Head to the Atlantis The Palm to enjoy an unforgettable journey into The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Ambassador Lagoon. With the fantastic DSS offer, guests have the chance to enjoy both attractions in one day! Price: Adult AED 300, Child AED 240 discounted from Adult AED 350 and Child AED 275. Call 04 426 0000 or visit www.atlantisthepalm.com for more details.
Visit the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is designed around a tale from Arabian folklore featuring Juha and his seafaring friend, Sinbad. The park breaks new ground in that 13 of its 30 attractions are inter-connected, allowing visitors of all ages to experience one adrenaline rush after another without ever leaving the water. Visit www.jumeirah.com for more details.
Plan a day at the Wonderland Theme Park and Splash Land near the Al Garhoud Bridge, which offers more than 30 rides and attractions to suit all ages and sizes. Enjoy the metre-high waves of Flood River and the long, lazy river of Wonder Land in addition to many other exciting kids’ activities.
Enjoy yachting, fishing, pearl-diving and water-skiing
Sail away on a luxury yacht at the well-known Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) in the heart of “new Dubai” or head to the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, the oldest yacht club in the region and enjoy a plethora of relaxing and recreational leisure activities.
Dubai Marina Yacht Club: 04 362 7900; info@dubaimarinayachtclub.com
Dubai International Marine Club: 04 399 5777, 04 405 8800; info@dimc.ae
Fishing is another option on the cards this summer with several well-known fishing tour companies organizing fun activities such as coastal cruising and watersport activities. Call Club Joumana, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, 04 8145555; Planet Travel & Tours, 04 2822199; Al Wasl Cruising & Fishing, 04 2950516 for more details.
Enjoy a glimpse into Emirati life in the past with the pearl-diving expeditions by The Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Dress up in traditional clothing and set aboard on an authentic dhow boat off the shores of Jebel Ali to use original pearl-diving methods of collecting oysters. To make a reservation, call 04 4068828 or email: divecentre@jumeirah.com, or visit www.paviliondivecentre.com
Turn more adventurous on the beach by indulging in some superb water skiing and let the wind blow away those blues! For details call Sheraton Jumeirah Health & Beach Club on 04 3995533; Jumeirah Beach Hotel on 04 3480000; The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa on Suzi 050 4262415; Westin Mina Seyahi on 04 3994141 or Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on 04 887 6771.
Summer cruises
Cruise on Dubai Creek’s blue waters to take home memories of one of the most fascinating experiences you can capture with some vibrant, memorable vistas en route like traditional dhows, sand-coloured wind towers, loading and unloading of goods from sailing vessels and the evolving skyline of the city.
Book the Captain Jack Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina to enjoy a relaxing cruise that is suitable for all ages. Open daily: 3:00pm to 01:00am. The hour-long cruise comes with refreshments (soft-drinks and still water) free on board. The DSS 2014 Offer: Buy one Adult Ticket Dhow Cruise (AED 60.00) and get one Adult Ticket Dhow Cruise free or buy one Child Ticket Dhow Cruise (AED30.00) (age 3 to 12 years) and get another Child Ticket Dhow Cruise Free! The offer is valid from August to September 2014. Call: 04 3682480, 050 4732988 / 4732998 for more details.
Burj Al Arab – Catamaran Cruise, a 90-minute sharing cruise offers magnificent views of Dubai Marina, The Palm, the Sheikh’s Palace and Burj Al Arab. Chill out and relax on its trampoline lounge with an assortment of refreshments while the DJ sets the mood with great music and entertainment.
DSS 2014 Offer: Adult – AED 100.00 (Regular AED 120.00); Child – AED 50.00 (age 3 to 12 years) (Regular AED 60.00); valid: August to September 2014. Cruising Hours: 16:00 to 17:30; 18.00 to 19:30; 20:00 to 21:30; route is subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions. Call: 04 3682480, 050 4732988 or visit: www.bristol-middleeast.com for more information.
Set sail on the Burj Khalifa Lake, home to The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest dancing fountain where light, water and music fuse in magical harmony. Board a traditional Abra and enjoy a breath-taking visual and aural treat in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Hours of operation are from 5:45pm to 11:30pm and the last boat departs 30 minutes prior to closing. Ticket: AED65.00 per person, available at The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride kiosk located at the Fountain Promenade and the At the Top, Burj Khalifa ticket counter.