Dubai Exursions

Abu Dhabi: city tours
Abu Dhabi (literally "Father of Gazelle") is the capital of the UAE and is the largest of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
The landmark is located on the north east of the Arabian Peninsula and about 170 km South-West of Dubai. This emirate has an area of some 67,000 square km, or 87% of the total of the country.
Abu Dhabi landscape varies from golden sandy beaches, approx. 200 islands along the coastline to 'sabkha' (salt flats), gravel plain and large areas of desert dunes, which cover much of the inland territory.
The city extends on a T-shaped island flowing into the Arabian Gulf from the central western coast. In 2006, the estimated population reached 1.8 million people, with approx. an 80% expatriate population. At the beginning of Abu Dhabi and across from the Corniche there is Lulu Island - a semi-artificial landmass that supposes to be the most strategic and valuable fragment of property in the UAE.
You should see the recently refurbished Corniche - the city's exhibit, with its beachfront situation, paved walkways and rich greenery. Here life knows no end: people always are doing something - cycling, strolling, rollerblading along the waterfront, jogging or gathering with their families to one of the various children's play areas or nice grassy parks.
Close to the end of western part of the Corniche, there is one of the newest gems of Abu Dhabi - the splendid Emirates Palace Hotel. From here, the way leads to the Breakwater, a region of proud land of the main Abu Dhabi island, with its shopping districts, sport club and, of course, Heritage Village or accumulation of Arabic traditions.
In order to see some other heritage sightseeings, you should visit the Khalidiya Street and Airport Road, where the impressive Qasr Al Hosn or Fort Palace, built in 1793 stands, as the official residence of the Regents of Abu Dhabi.
On the Al Maktoum Street, you may visit the government-sponsored centre - The Women's Craft Centre, where traditional crafts, such as producing high-quality weaving, hand made souvenirs and local artifacts. However, do not forget to ask permission before taking photos of veiled women in their workshops.
For the business and shopping purposes, you should go, without hesitation, to Al Markaziyah, centrally located business and shopping area, Al Safarat, at the end of southern part of the island, the General Exhibition Centre (GEC) - a venue for major exhibitions, the port district of Al Meena, on the northern point of the island, with traditional markets (souks) and modern shopping malls. These areas can be easily reached by hire car or taxi.
Abu Dhabi city has about 20 well-maintained parks, most having water features and children's play areas. Some of the parks have magnificent fountains and one of the most well known is the Volcano Fountain, reflecting the commitment of the governing family to the beautification of this desert city.

Al Ain: city tour
Situated just 148 km east away from the capital, Al Ain is known as the Garden City, which was once a vital oasis on the caravan route to Oman. Al Ain is pleased to present you several archaeological sites and historical forts, such as the Al Ain Museum and the Natural History Museum at the University of Al Ain, both of which feature demonstrations on life before the oil discovery in the region.
If you would like to see different settlements, dating back to 2500 - 2000 BC, the Hili Archaeological Garden preserved vestiges of that Bronze Age for you. This site is the spring of some of the richest archaeological discoveries in the area, certain of which are believed to be more than 4,000 years old.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the principal architect of the seven United Arab Emirates, was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years (1971-2004). He was born in the impressive Al Jahili Fort, built by his grandfather Zayed bin Khalifa al Nahyan, known as Sheikh Zayed the Great or the First, the traditional ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. The Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium are one of the largest in the Gulf region and is spread over 400 hectares. It contains a wide variety of species, both spread and rare, and participates in an endangered animals breeding programme.
Overlooking the Al Ain, the wonderful Jebel Hafeet, is standing, being the highest mountain in this majestic country. A road passes to the summit offering thrilling views in all directions. At its foot there are Green Mubazzarah tourism resort and the Ain Al Faydah natural spring.

Mujairib Fort
It consists of a main fort, a secondary fort and a watchtower, surrounded by a children's playground and Formal Park. Situated on Al Jimi St, several km to north-west of the city centre, the main fort is open to all visitors and has very interesting narrow stairways. We strongly recommend you to take a torch, as it is very dark.

Al Rumeilah Fort
This fort is not accessible to visitors. It is placed in a residential area in the northern suburbs, representing a modest walled structure with interesting architectural features. Close to Rumeilah stands the first Iron Age construction, disentombed on a large scale in the UAE. The sightseeing consists of a series of mud brick buildings, some of which are so well kept that their roofs are still entire.
Mazyad Fort has been recently restored. The watchtowers and battlements surround a courtyard that supports a date-palm grove. Every tower has a unique structure: besides usual bricks and mud ones, specific textile materials were used. Thus, such construction provides the building a good air circulation in the rooms, placed under the tower.
Another worth visiting place is the largest theme park in the Gulf Region or simply Hili Fun City. The park possesses 40 rides and attractions set in vast landscaped gardens and many picnic amenities. Al Ain Ice Rink, situated near the Fun City, is a marvellous Olympic sized facility with abundant children's games, in addition to the skating.
Actually, every place in Al Ain, as in Abu Dhabi as well, is unforgettable and unique in its construction, design, situation and historical intention. The UAE visitors should not worry, whatever place they visit in this splendid and astonishing country, they for sure will ccumulate as much as possible memorable moments.

Desert Safari Tour
No trip to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the mysterious desert. A trip to the desert offers to feel the true heartland of Arabia. Safari tour takes you right into the heart of the desert where you can admire a breathtaking view of the endless desert and the sun set over this calm solitude
The magic of the desert can be experienced in a selection of exciting half-day, full-day and overnight safaris.

Dune Driving
Driving in sand is an adventure in itself. It combines the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting sands. Courses in sand driving are available, with four-wheel-drive vehicles provided, along with expert instruction. For those who venture into the interior of the desert, the results can be rewarding. This seemingly empty expanse of sand is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, from foxes, hares and lizards to gazelles and eagles.

Sand-Skiing
Those who like speed, high an unusual sport will enjoy sand-skiing down the dunes of the Dubai desert. Special skis are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as "slopes".

Camel Riding
The camel, a symbol of Arabia, is the most popular tourist attraction. Camel rides are part of some tours and desert safaris. You can also arrange camel rides separately with lessons for beginners.

Desert Feasts
Very popular are safaris that culminate in the evening with a traditional Arab barbecue under the stars and spectacular sunset views.

Bedouin Village
You can also visit a Bedouin village and enjoy the traditional desert way of life.