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Half Term in Dubai by Paul

Heartburn & I had a great five days in Dubai during February half term; it was so nice being able to put my shorts on (although not so nice for anyone who could see my legs!) and enjoy temperatures of around 30* – I always think it’s a real tonic at this time of the year to get some sunshine when it’s cold, wet and windy at home (actually that’s most of the year!)

We stayed at the Sheraton Jumeirah, it’s a good 3 star or basic 4 star hotel in an amazing location right on the beach where they offer every water sport and never run out of sunbeds for their guests. The hotel is also walking distance to lots of restaurants to suitable for all budgets.

We crammed in visits to the tallest building in the world – The Burj Khalifa which is 840 metres or 160 floors high. Our visit was at night & we had stunning views over the city as far as Abu Dhabi.

Our next stop was the Aquarium at the Dubai Mall where the 10-million litre tank houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 sharks and rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks in the world.

The next day’s excursion was to the best water park in the middle east which is part of the Atlantis The Palm resort, the Aquaventure Dubai has impressive water rides and adventures suitable for kids of all ages, we flew down corkscrew chutes, through shark tunnels, and the lazy rivers were amazing and often transformed from the Lazy river to a raging torrent which was great fun even for an old bloke! For families with younger children there is a Splasher’s kids’ area.

Our final product test was a bit weird for a desert sate but Discover Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East was really good fun! An amazing winter mountain-themed  complex where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, take part in many snow events and meet and play with Ski Dubai’s newest residents; the Snow Penguins!  Heartburn is learning to snowboard so we had a great time as there was hardly anyone on the slopes.

On the subject of the middle east we are now selling an amazing alternative to the sky scrapers and bling of Dubai – Ras al Khaimah is the next emirate to Dubai and offers beautiful unspoiled beaches, mountains, ancient forts, via ferrata’s, mountain biking and a 2 mile long zip wire. There is a stunning Waldorf Astoria hotel right on the beach set in beautiful gardens & it’s around 40% less than the equivalent property in Dubai!

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