07 DUBAI
There’s never a dull moment in the emirate that we love to call home. Not content with giving the world its biggest buildings, hotels, malls and more, the desert city continues to expand with its adrenaline-boosting activities, jaw-dropping theme parks, and world-class dining scene. Here’s a few new things to try in the city.
Escape reality
The trend for escape games shows no signs of dying out, and Escape Reality might just be the best one yet. At 6,000 square feet, it’s the largest of its kind in the UAE and there are 22 themed rooms to choose from, where teams of up to six people together will put their investigative skills to the test, in order to solve a mystery within 60 minutes and guarantee their escape. Some of the themes you can choose from include ‘Alcatraz’ (based on the notorious prison) and ‘Nosferatu’ (a world populated by vampires).
Indigo Sky, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Wed noon to 10.30pm, Thur to Sat noon to midnight, Dhs140. Tel: (056) 8004304. Taxi: Indigo Sky. escapereality.com
Freefall at Skydive Dubai
When it comes to Dubai bucket list activities, nothing beats skydiving for the adrenaline hit and the bragging lights (not to mention the impressive Facebook profile picture). The best place to do this is undoubtedly Skydive Dubai, which offers skydives over its Palm drop zone as well as in the desert. The company recently announced that its drop zone tandem skydives will continue throughout the summer – a first at Skydive Dubai – so there’s no excuses for putting it off.
Skydive Dubai, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Dhs1,999 including photo and video. Tel: (04) 3778888. Taxi: Skydive Dubai. skydivedubai.ae
Explore Burj Khalifa from every angle
Of course, no trip to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the tallest building in the world. There are many different ways to take the Burj Khalifa in, from an abra trip around Burj Lake to dining alfresco in Souk Al Bahar. For a glamorous option, visit the Burj’s restaurant At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor for breakfast, and choose from indulgent treats such as truffle scrambled eggs and lobster eggs benedict.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883828. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
The Lighthouse
The newest project from La Serre’s award-winning Chef Izu Ani doubles as a concept store. But even we were too distracted by the food to shop, thanks to delicious sharing plates of Levantine-influenced cuisine: the spicy shakshuka and olive oil cake should all be on your must-try list.
Building 6, Dubai Design District, Sun to Fri 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4226024. Taxi: D3. dubaidesigndistrict.com
Lapita
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai Parks And Resorts, make a weekend of it by booking into the family-friendly Lapita. Colourful and comfortable, the Polynesian themed venue has everything to keep adults and children happy, with its kids and teens club, lagoon style pool with a lazy river and even a Q-Fast pass to help you beat the crowds to the nearby rides and rollercoasters.
Dubai Parks And Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel (04) 8109999. Taxi: Dubai Parks and Resorts. dubaiparksandresorts.com