Golf oasis – the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai. PA Photo/Handout.
manages to make the skyscrapers around it look a bit small, and looking down from the 124th floor is surreal. From this knee-wobble-inducing vantage point, you can really see how Dubai’s landscape has changed in such a relatively short space of time.
Despite being one of the most modern places on Earth, elements of Dubai’s traditional Eastern heritage are still apparent, and a great example of the contrast between old and new cultures in the city is in the shopping. With more than 1,200 retail outlets, an aquarium and an ice rink, you could easily spend a whole day in The Dubai Mall. But then you’d be missing out on the souks, the traditional markets, where you can buy anything from gold to herbs and spices. However, with temperatures well into the 40s, a massage and water sports at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa appeal more to me than shopping!
Beyond the city, a typical Dubai scene. PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. GET GOING
BEST FOR: Escaping bleak British weather for guaranteed sunshine.
TIME TO GO: Between November and April when the heat is less intense.
DON’T MISS: The Burj Khalifa – though as the world’s tallest building, you couldn’t really miss it if you tried!
NEED TO KNOW: The strict rules observed during Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting for Muslims.
DON’T FORGET: High factor suncream and the importance of being aware of local laws.
TRAVEL FACTS: Peter Thompson flew to Dubai with Emirates Airlines and was a guest of Jebel Ali International Hotels. Operators to Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa include Travelbag, which offers three nights’ self-catering in the Oasis Beach Towe r ’s serviced apartments from £639, incl Royal Brunei flights ex-Heathrow until June 20. Connecting regional flights from Manchester and Glasgow begin around £109 return. For more information about Jebel Ali Hotels, visit:
www.jebelali-international.com. The group owns four hotels in Dubai. Travelbag reservations: 0871 703 4240 and
www.travelbag.co.uk
I opt for a 40-minute sports massage – a nice, soothing treat before strapping on those wa t e r s k i s . Afterwards, I reward myself with a cool early evening beer at the Captain’s beachfront restaurant. But I don’t stay out late, as I’ve an early start in the morning – I’m heading to the Desert Ranch for a spot of horse riding and camel cuddling! I have visions of a camel throwing his
hooves around me, embracing me in a furry hug. As it happens, camel ’cuddling’ actually entails washing, dressing and feeding them. Phew! Afterwards, I join a group on a short horseback jaunt. Out in the desert, you can imagine what Dubai was like before its massive transformation. The Desert Ranch is certainly worth a visit.
My next stop is the Jebel Ali Shooting Club,
where I try my hand at clay pigeon shooting and enjoy a spot of archery. Of course, this is a holiday and it’s only fitting that it ends on a less active note, so I tuck into another gorgeous dinner, this time at the Shooters restaurant.
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