Escape Today Into the Future

The city that made its name as a place to find pearls has become the pearl of the Arab world

Issue: Jun 09

The Jumeirah Beach Resort, a beautiful beach resort and home of the Wild Wadi Water Park.
Photo Courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Fancy visiting a city of the future, today? Then head down to the wealthy Arab State of Dubai for a trip you will never forget. The Emirate has amazingly transformed itself from a sleepy desert outpost and pearl diving centre to a modern city with attractions that could well be from the next century. All this transformation has happened in the short time of a few decades.

The city has spent billions to build attractions and structures straight out of a science fiction novel, edging the Emirate closer to becoming the architecture capital of the world. The city-state has become famous for utilizing modern technology to change its landscape. So, on one side one can go skiing in blazing hot desert and on the other visit reclaimed islands designed in the shape of a palm tree. Even though the pace of construction may have slowed, Dubai will continue to add amazing structures at a frenetic pace in the coming years.

Some Sights You Would Never Expect

Escape from the heat of the desert into the winter wonderland of Ski Dubai indoor skiing facility

One of the strangest sights one could expect to see in the middle of the desert would be a person walking out of a building wearing a ski jacket and wool cap and carrying a snowboard. The Ski Dubai indoor skiing facility opened in December 2005 and is the world's third largest enclosed ski resort and the only one to boast a black diamond run. Measuring 400 metres and using 6,000 tonnes of snow, it uses the state of the art technology in terms of design and implementation.

Using chilled pipes under the snow it is possible to keep the ambient temperatures several degrees warmer than other indoor slopes, making it a more enjoyable experience for those who want to ski or snowboard all day long. A second indoor resort due to open this year, will be called the Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome. When completed, it will be even more impressive in scope and scale than the first. The builders from Ski Dubai have been able to secure Polar Bears to take up residence in a twist of animal relocation that is as delightful as it is absurd. There will be artificial mountain ranges complete with ice slides and light and music shows will entertain at night.

It is just another example of, "if you build it they will come" .Well in Dubai they are building it, so how can you say no?

(left) The perfect wave at Wild Wadi Water Park (right) People waiting in line to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai.

Another great attraction is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a welcome respite from the heat of the desert. Designers have come up with some thrilling new rides that are on the cutting edge of water excitement. One such ride is the "Master Blaster", it manages to defy Newton's Laws of Gravity by making water and riders run uphill. Referred to as a "water roller coaster", jets of water blasts riders seated on rubber innertubes uphill only for them to race back down again until the next set of jets. You can also body board on a never-ending wave with the "Flowrider". This ride pumps out an astonishing seven tonnes of water every second, forming a perfect surfing wave that never breaks. Lastly, experience weightlessness and speeds up to 88 kilometres an hour on the near vertical drop of the "Jumeirah Sceirah". There is no cooler way to spend the day with the family.

One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the elegant and graceful, Burj AL Arab.
Photo courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

A popular pastime that is hard to miss in Dubai (literally) is architectural sightseeing. While a few sprawling hotels and housing compounds have borrowed heavily from local styles, the space-age look is the main theme of the city-state's constructions. Whole complexes of malls, hotels and apartments are designed to recreate different locals and climates from around the world.

The Emirate is erecting what will be the world's tallest tower, The Burj Dubai, which is racing its way closer to the world record everyday. Another super futuristic building in the works is the "Rotating Tower in Motion", a skyscraper based on the "dynamic architecture" concept. This unique type of building design is untried and will be the first structure of its type.

Each floor is capable of rotating on its own axis a full 360 degrees. Add to that a life-size Eiffel Tower, the Tower of Babel and a look alike of the main Giza Pyramid, with all these attractions expected to be ready in the next few years, there will always be a reason to return.

Run Around the Future, Relax in Traditional Comfort

The Somerset Jadaf, Dubai, providing the perfect base for your escape.

Somerset Jadaf, Dubai, is a modern, stylish serviced residence situated in the heart of the city, within minutes' drive from all the key attractions in this modern metropolis as well as the business and financial districts along Sheikh Zayed Road. The state-of-the-art amenities mix perfectly with the apartment décor and the relaxing ambience created by the Somerset Jadaf management. Each apartment is spacious and is tastefully decorated, mindful of the international clientele it caters to. Somerset Jadaf is equally perfect for both short and long term stays, and with its fully-equipped kitchen and spacious living areas to recount the day's activities, it is indeed a welcome change from a hotel.

Round-the-clock security gives residents a private and secure living environment. Somerset Jadaf's 84 studio, one or two-bedroom apartments are each furnished with a modern home entertainment system and contemporary fittings. It also offers business support services and lifestyle facilities tailored to meet the individual needs of international travellers and their families. It is the perfect place to enjoy all that this city of the future has to offer.