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Dubai tours and excursions

Dubai tours

Sand skiing

Arabian Adventures operates a 'Rides and Slides' tour combining camel rides with sand skiing. Rides on the original 'ships of the desert' offer a totally different perspective on Dubai's desert landscapes. A half-hour journey in a traditional caravan introduces tourists to Dubai's traditional way of life, before throwing them back into the 21st century with the exhilarating sport of sand skiing.

Tel: +971 4 303 4888.
Website: http://www.arabian-adventures.com

Boat tours

Arabian Adventures offers a variety of cruises on Dubai Creek, while Alpha Tours operates evening dhow dinner cruises, which take two hours. Alternatively, tourists should go down to Dubai Creek and charter a traditional abra (water taxi) for a short river tour lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The length of the tour and the price should be agreed in advance. Otherwise, visitors can just ride one across the creek to the other side (journey time - five minutes).

Tel: +971 4 294 9888 (Alpha Tours); +971 4 214 4888 (Arabian Adventures).
Website: http://www.alphatoursdubai.com

Dubai excursions

Desert trips

A popular activity from Dubai is to explore the sand dunes in a 4-wheel drive. This whimsical natural environment is home to a surprising number of animals and plants that have adapted to the extreme desert environment. Visitors should not hire their own vehicles, as desert driving can be dangerous for the inexperienced. Arabian Adventures run regular tours and can combine a trip with desert dinners in recreated Bedouin camps.

Tel: +971 4 214 4888.
Website: http://www.arabian-adventures.com

Hajar Mountains

Located 100km (62 miles) east of Dubai, the spectacular Hajar Mountains run along the border with the eastern Fujairah emirate and neighbouring Oman. The best way to explore the steep canyons and soaring peaks is by 4-wheel drive. Highlights include the many wadis (dry river beds), which often collect rain or flood water and offer the chance to cool off, and the hill town of Hatta, which has been recreated as a mountain oasis. Alpha Tours offer tours of the region.

Tel: +971 4 294 9888
Website: http://www.alphatoursdubai.com
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Set in one of Dubai’s many shopping, culinary and entertainment destinations, InterContinental Dubai Festival City offers a luxury yet affordable experience. It is also conveniently located by a massive Event Centre, with exclusive direct access to Dubai Festival City Mall.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

These two ultra-modern skyscrapers are among the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Part office, part hotel, each state-of-the-art room is geared towards business guests and have all the essentials, including super-speedy Wi-Fi. Although most of the rooms are ultra-modern, the deluxe rooms come with their own opulent chaises longue.

Grand Hyatt

Few business hotels come with a lobby floor decorated with mosaic tiles made from real gold but then again this is Dubai. Away from the lobby things are a bit less bling and very comfortable – think huge cushions and beds with crisp white sheets. It also boasts good restaurants and an excellent spa.

Citymax

Citymax has targeted the budget market in a bold way, opening large properties in Al Barsha and in the heart of the central Bur Dubai district. Its Al Barsha hotel is conveniently close to Mall of the Emirates and boasts comfortable, clean rooms – all within striking distance of the beaches and nightlife of the Marina.

EasyHotel Dubai

Sunglasses at the ready – Dubai's EasyHotel is almost entirely decked out in the Easy brand's trademark bright orange and white. That said, the hotel is comfortable and super-cheap, and offers free Wi-Fi in all of its rooms. The main downside is the location – Jebel Ali is about 25km (16 miles) from Jumeirah.

Desert Palm Dubai

Set away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai proper, the Desert Palm Dubai is a peaceful spot that conspicuously lacks the bling that characterises many of the city’s ultra-luxe hotels. Gorgeous gardens and a full-size polo field surround it, while the onsite spa is particularly good.