Saudi Gazette

TO many of us, most of the time a visit to Dubai is for shopping or business. However, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai under the government of Dubai has more outdoor locations and sites that one would love to visit and enjoy with family and friends all the year round and especially during the nice weather of autumn and winter.

XLine Dubai Marina is not only the world’s longest urban zip line, but also one of the steepest and fastest, measuring an astonishing 1 km, with a spine-tingling incline of 16° and traveling at an average of 80 km per hour. It allows zipliners to channel their inner superhero with an electrifying flight-like experience at the world’s longest urban zipline at a km in length. Zipliners zip from one of the Amwaj towers in JBR, 170 meters in the air, weaving through skyscrapers and across water, down to the terrace of Dubai Marina Mall, landing in close proximity to the amazed bystanders.

XDubai Slingshot is another stirring destination at Dubai’s Kite Beach for seekers of excitement to experience a force up to 4 Gs and reach speeds of up to 100 km/hr in just half a second as they are propelled 120m over sand and water. Launched last October, the extraordinary experience of XDubai Slingshot is designed for single riders.

If you are a fan of water parks, then the Laguna Waterpark at La Mer beachfront destination gives everyone the leisure and a chance to spend several hours and enjoy different activities for hours or a whole day. It is characterized by four main zones namely Splash, Slide, Surf and Relax. In addition, Laguna Waterpark launched weekly activities for mothers and their babies giving them exclusive access to the star kids attractions, aqua play and the splash pad, nevertheless a buffet breakfast for mothers while kids would have more entertainment with face painting and plenty of splash time.

A totally different experience is the hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert. The excitement starts from the first moment as everyone has to be ready between 3.30 to 4.30 a.m. to be picked up to the desert where the largest hot air balloons are positioned. While flying in the balloon, passengers enjoy the amazing sunrise. Passengers are taken to around 4,000 ft high and for over an hour. One more excitement during the flight is flying with 2 falcons in the same balloon basket, of course with their falconers who train them to fly and come back. Once landed, you can enjoy a tasteful breakfast at an authentic Bedouin camp and one would also visit Dubai desert conservation reserve.

Hatta Damani Lodges is located 115 Km from Dubai at the Hatta village and close to the Hatta oldest preserved heritage village. It enjoys the picturesque mountains, cooler climate and untamed natural environment. While visiting Hatta Damani Lodges your activities could include kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, archery, axe throwing, wall climbing and mountain carts.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is a destination one should never miss. It has three world-class theme parks and one water park. Everyone of the family no matter his age or interests, would have all the enjoyment there. You can enjoy Legoland, Bollywood parks, Motiongate and Riverland Dubai, each with a totally different ambiance.