Snow in the Desert, Ski Dubai ( with a slight deviation update 2)

The Emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area allowing you to experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts, ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls.

Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts - Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south - connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of fine mosques and busy souks, public buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks, hospitals, schools, apartments and villas.

Outside the centre, the city extends to the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah to the north, while extending south and west in a long ribbon of development alongside the Gulf, through the districts of Satwa, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

At first glance, the city presents a predominantly modern face, an ever-changing skyline of new developments, striking glass and sculpted concrete towers to gracious modern buildings incorporating traditional Arab architectural motifs and features for everyone to enjoy - a Renaissance!

Beaches

Dubai has a number of excellent beaches and beach parks. Dubai's main beaches have soft white sand that slips into the shallow turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf that run along Jumeira Road. The Jumeira beaches is open to the public, its facilities include playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families.

The Souks

The Souks (markets) on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also as places for the sightseer to wander. In the tiny lanes of the spice souk, the atmosphere and scents of the past can be savoured. Bags of spices, incense, rose leaves and traditional medicinal products are stacked in the alleys outside each stalls. Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk, each shop is identical, the window display crammed with jewelry like necklaces, bracelets and many more pretty trinkets. The Souks are a necessary place of visit when in Dubai.


Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built in the last century and was renovated in 1995. The long narrow rooms to the fort, set around a large central courtyard, display collections of objects from the everyday life of the recent past.

Golf

I've had a few rounds of golf in the past but owing to my bad back I didn't really take the sport seriously but for all those Golf Enthusiasts there is Emirates Golf Club which opened in 1988, attracting considerable attention around the world as the first grass course in the middle of the Arabian Desert. It is a masterpiece of landscaping and sophisticated engineering, with palms bordering the fairways, two artificial lakes stocked with fish and a magnificent club house with a first-rate restaurant and bar, as well as other sports facilities. The Dubai Creek Golf & Marine Club which opened in early 1993, Dubai's second Golf Club. It moors 150 boats and has two superb golf courses and a gold academy. Dubai's third golf course was ready in late 1993 at Nad Al Sheba.

The Creek

The Creek, a natural deep-water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city, is the historical focal-point of life in Dubai. An attractive way to view the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis that cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those of the Bur Dubai side.

The Desert

Despite the sparse population of the desert, it is possible for visitors to gain a glimpse of the traditional life-style of the pre-urban past. The seemingly empty expanse is home to a surprising variety of life, from foxes, hares and lizards to gazelles and eagles. Driving and dining in the dunes, under the magical beauty of the Arabian sky is quite simply an exhilarating experience according to the snippet I've read. I thought I'd share this with you too.

Sailing/Water-Skiing

Apparently, conditions in the Gulf are perfect with constant, predictable wind all year round, little current or tide and warm waters around Dubai which make the turquoise water of the Arabian Gulf conducive to sailing and water-skiing.

Diving

I have heard that the waters of the UAE are among the worlds best for scuba diving, for both novices and experts. The marine life is of richness to rival the world's best known diving, the seas are calm and visibility is good. I have yet to experience it myself, hopefully on my next visit.

Horse and Camel Racing

Horse and Camel racing take place Thursdays and Fridays during the winter months. Entry is free to all. You may ask your hotel Concierge how to locate the Courses: visitors' facilities are superb with shaded stands, seating and refreshments.

Autodrome

The Dubai Autodrome is the first fully integrated automotive and motor sport facility in the Middle East region, incorporating a world class FIA sanctioned 5.39 km motor racing track, accommodating over 7,000 spectators. The racing calendar will include Single Seater Racing, Touring Cars, Motorbikes, Sports Cars and Karting. Located on the Emirates Road only 10 minutes drive from the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.

Shopping Malls

Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets. Some of the shopping malls worth visiting are Deira City Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, Wafi Mall, Bur Juman Centre, Mercato Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall. These make Dubai an ideal shopping haven for the holiday makers and visitors alike.

Shopping Hours

Normal Dubai shopping hours are from 0900 hours - 1300hrs and 1600 hrs - 2100hrs. Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week. All shops close for prayers on Fridays from 1130 to 1330 hours. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Oh, if you have the skill of 'bargaining', bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Dubai. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life - practice it on your Souk visits when you visit Dubai!

I have been fortunate to have read an advert on a British Airways flight to Washington recently on my way home about SnowDome that reads:

"Own your dream-home in the rising crescent of residential 'Iceberg Buildings' with an entire 'winter-snowdome' themed exterior appearance within one of the most attractive and exclusive destinations on the globe. Designer flats, exquisite finishing and lavish facilities. 'Snowdome' world most unusual daring and creative free-standing dome. A scenery of snow-covered mountains. A world of wintersports, leisure and indulgence!

I'm so awed by this idea that 10 years ago, I would have thought this all silly and just a dream!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Recently, a life-changing situation has occurred to me: the passing away of Gordon; the father of my best friend, John. Also I have had a very unfortunate experience with an account, a facility used in my blogging which I consider an essential part of my web log life - snatched away from me not to my doing but of circumstance and lastly, Christmas!

For this, I would like to apologise for the great delay in my writing. I hope that in the spirit of Christmas and giving you will find it in your heart to excuse my delay.

My blog is all about my travels but life is full of surprises and mysteries you cannot tell what lies ahead or what's in store when you turn around the corner. I will therefore deviate slightly in this particular blog.

When John sent me a message a few days ago that his father had passed away, I was overcome with sadness. Not because of his father's death but the thought of a young man orphaned at the age of 38 years. I succumbed to my emotions and cried. In fact, I believe it was a relief for Gordon to have gone due to the great suffering and discomfort he has endured in the last few weeks of his life caused by his illness. Some may disagree with me on this.

One evening, I was happily collating the materials and information I have collected in my recent trip to Dubai when my world-wide-web account was cancelled without clearly indicating the reason to me. The hardest thing about this was I believe this to be not my own doing hence this causes me great distress and the feeling of being lost. I got depressed and had a few sleepless nights. I will appeal for the decision to be reversed and hopefully my plea of not guilty will be upheld!

I know things happen for a reason, but I promise I will continue blogging for as long as you all would continue to read my personal experiences.

I will be talking about my stay in the US and would be collecting some jokes in my next blog and if any of you have good jokes perhaps you might want to send them to me so I can share them with all of you on my next blog.

A Belated Merry Christmas! A Very Blessed, Healthy, Happy, Emotionally and Financially Fulfilling New Year To All Of You!!!

Take Care and God Bless You All,

Alan Aldana