Dubai adds products to increase its appeal

Winter Update

Winter Update

Dubai adds products to increase its appeal

Visitors look for more adventurous pursuits

TRADITIONALLY, visitors to Dubai would settle for a trip into the desert, a spot of belly-dancing and a ride on a camel before returning to their hotel.

But expectations have changed and many visitors are after more active pursuits.

The mainstay winter product – diving, windsurfing, jet-skiing, sailing and deep-sea fishing, desert safaris, dune and wadi-bashing drives and inland sand surfing – remain popular and have been joined by more adventurous pursuits.

This season sees the onset of desert quad biking, from introductory sessions to five-day desert and mountain tours.

However, the more traditional desert excursions remain popular with the UK market.

Arabian Adventures said best-selling tours include the Dubai city trip, a dinner excursion to the dunes, a four-wheel-drive safari into the desert and mountains, visits to other parts the United Arab Emirates, and dinner cruises on Dubai Creek.

Dubai is also trying to establish itself as a cruise destination and its reputation will be enhanced with the opening of the Port Rashid cruise terminal next year.

The terminal will feature the usual facilities for day visitors from cruise ships, as well as a cultural and heritage exhibition highlighting the history and lifestyles of Dubai and the Gulf.

Full of eastern promise: Dubai combines historical culture with modern, sophisticated facilities

Five things to do this winter

&#42 Head for the desert, savour dinner against a fiery sunset, or go wadi or dune-bashing.

&#42 Visit the souks.

&#42 Catch an abra – traditional trading boat – across the Creek for just 20 pence.

&#42 Visit the Centre for Cultural Understanding.

&#42 Visit Wild Wadi and experience surfing, mock thunderstorms, and wavepools.

&#42 Do the camel races at a racetrack on the fringe of the city.

Dubai Creek Marina: cruises are popular