New Destination Alert – Ras Al Khaimah: The New Jewel in The Emirates' Crown

Spend a relaxed day at pristine beaches

If you want to get away from the hustle bustle of Dubai’s fast paced life and yet want to enjoy the authentic Arabian experience, this is the place to be! Another jewel of the Emirates’ crown is shinning and will soon be the next most sought destination for the all kind of travellers. With options ranging from mountains to desert, from beaches, mangroves to water sports and many ancient cultural sites, Ras Al Khaimah is the quieter sister of Dubai.

Learn to Sail

 

How to reach?

Fantastic high speed drive of 45 mins from Dubai International airport, Ras Al Khaimah can be reached by hiring a cab or by daily shuttles from most of the hotels. One can stay in Ras Al Khaimah and can explore the cities of Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi as a stopover destination, one day tour or extended emirate holidays. The lure of staying at Ras Al Khaimah is that it is tranquil, calm and not too far from the most happening places.

Airlines such as Emirates and Fly Dubai operate to Ras Al Khaimah along with Air Asia and very soon Qatar Airways will be joining the line.

The beautiful mosque

 When to go?

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah receives round the year sunshine with little rainfall and perfect winter temperature. While the west has a long stretch of sandy coastline, the east has a majestic mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal which has Jebel Al Jais – the highest peak in the entire UAE where sometime it snows during the winter!

The best weather to visit is October-April when the climate is cool; rest all five months record high temperatures especially during the daytime.

Snow at Jebel Al Jais

Where to stay?

Ras Al Khaimah is home to many high end hotels and resorts for a luxurious break. There are options of boutique hotels as well offering authentic hospitality and local culture.

You can opt for budget hotels like Double Tree or experience high end luxury with Banyan Tree and Hilton. There are many beach front resorts for a relaxed break.

Luxury @ Banyan Tree

What to do?

• Book a private yacht and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing or book a champagne package for a beautiful & romantic sunset view.

• Book a desert safari for dune bashing, belly dancing, Tanoura and Arabic barbeque.

• Visit Tower Links Golf Clubs set in mangrove reserves with mountains as the backdrop.

• Join Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Academy between the months of October and April to learn sailing since the weather conditions are ideal.

• Enjoy one its kind experience falcon and raptor display & fight show featuring region’s most diverse collection of falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and kestrels.

• Beat the heat at Iceland Waterpark with extensive range of games, slides and food court. Be a part of the world’s tallest man made waterfall which has facilities for guests to be in the midst of it.

• Live a life of a "Bedous" (nomadic tribes) with one of a kind desert camp at Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp.

• For party loves – beach, music & dance is the best combination! So head for the famous beach parties.

• Camel Race is an interesting way to spend the morning which in turn is a fun filled unforgettable experience.

Falcons fight competition

Trekking the mighty mountains

Catamaran Ride - Fishing in the azure water

Visa Procedure: Standard Tourist Visa required for Emirates. “Ok to Board” is a must for flying to the UAE. Documents such as return air ticket, accommodation detail, scanned copy of passport’s first & last page and 2 passport size photographs are required.

Exotic massage@the beach

Source: http://www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com/

 

When in Dubai!

Dubai is the most famous city of the seven Emirates, known for world-class architecture, luxurious shopping and extravagant lifestyle. The yearly Dubai shopping festival happens in Jan-Feb every year and it’s one of the best times to be here, though any time from November until March is considered an ideal period. More the number of days you spend in Dubai, the merrier it is so let’s have a look at what should not be missed “When in Dubai”.

 

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s landmark building, that is 828m tall is the highest man-made building in the world. The observation desk on the 124^th floor called “At the Top” is an exceptional experience that gives you a view of Dubai city’s skyline. Burj Khalifa is all about grandeur and is a must on every visitor’s check list.

Burj Al Arab

This 7 star hotel is an epitome for luxury and architecture which cannot be matched with any other building in the world. It has one of the best spas called Assawan and if you want to feel the opulence without burning a big hole in your pocket then the two restaurants Al Muntaha and Al Mahara can be the best options for a meal. The Skyview bar on the 27^th Floor has a panoramic view of the city and a cup of coffee there with your special one is a delight.

Dow Cruise @ Dubai Creek

Separating Bur Dubai to the south and Deira to the north is the saltwater creek called Dubai Creek. The Dhow Wharfage is located on the banks of the Dubai Creek and the dhows are still used by small traders from across the Gulf. Many dhows have been restored as a tourist cruise boats and a romantic evening can be planned in one of the cruises which also gives a magnificent view of Dubai skyscrapers and the creek.

Ski Dubai

Desert, creek, world class hotels and amazing night life, if that’s not all then experience throwing snowballs at each other or skiing in the snow! Yes, Dubai is home to UAE’s first indoor ski resort – Ski Dubai. With activities like chairlifts, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and Penguins enclosure, enjoy the snow in the heart of the desert – all at minus 4 degrees Celsius.  

Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall

The best of the brands in the world with endless shopping opportunity, oodles of options for in-house entertainment, experiences that should not be missed and boundless eating options with conceivable world cuisine are the highlights of the 2 most famous malls in Dubai. Dubai Mall provides entry to Burj Khalifa, Fountain and Aquarium and Mall of the Emirates has the Ski Dubai. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January & February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July & August are also held in Dubai Mall.

Dubai Fountains

Modelled on Las Vegas’ famous Fountains of Bellagio, the Dubai fountains are the world’s tallest performing fountains with a capacity to spray 22,000 gallons of water in air at any point in time. It is 902ft in length and shoots water up to the height of 500ft; it is illuminated by 6600 lights and 25 colours projector. The performance is accompanied by lights and music. This extravagant show should not be missed.

Palm Jumeirah

Pure luxury is what defines this man-made archipelago that is one of the three planned Palm Islands. A 6 lane bridge leads to Palm Jumeirah which clearly is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The Atlantis Hotel stands tall at this man-made marvel that has many exciting theme parks. Retail therapy can be done at its best with many up-market malls. The island has many luxury beach resorts and hotels.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Jumeirah Beach

The most famous beach in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is a strip of white sandy bliss and is also home to numerous high end hotels. Sun, Sand and lots of fun is possible as there are many water sports that can be indulged in like para-sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling etc and for those who are looking for relaxation, this place is best for sun lounger with great sea views and skyline of Dubai.

Image Source: flickr

Desert Safari

Another must when you are visiting the UAE, this safari SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! An experience that you will always remember, Desert Safari include options of exciting dune ride, belly dancing, BBQ, Shisha, Camel ride, Sun set photography, Quad bike, Sand Skiing, Sand boarding, Henna designs, Traditional costumes etc. Option of overnight safari is also available.

Dubai Museum

If you want to witness how Dubai was before it turned into an architectural delight then head to Dubai Museum. Housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort which was built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek, Dubai Museum will take you to more traditional Dubai with artefacts showcasing the pre historic era. There is also a movie that exhibit the journey of Dubai from a barren desert to an example of modern architecture & infrastructure.

Atlantis Hotel

Opulence, Lavishness, Extravagant and Style are few words that are synonym to Hotel Atlantis. It’s not just about food and stay, the hotel is a lot more than that. Various activities in the hotel make the place a destination in itself. You can enjoy the following activities in the hotel:

·         Encounters with Dolphins at Dolphin Bay

·         Slides

·         River rides

·         Shark Safari

·         Cownose Ray feeding

·         Snorkelling

·         Diving

·         Exquisite Marine Life

·         Lost Chamber

·         Fish Feeding

Deira Gold Souq

Gold Souq is renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world and hence Dubai received the name “City of Gold”. All possible designs and a variety of jewellery is available here from traditional to modern, from daily wear to wedding and also the option of customizing your own design. Since the gold rate in UAE is much better than in India, you can find many Indians buyers shopping their hearts out.

Image Source: Flickr

The World

The World compromises of 300 small artificial islands which are in a rough shape of world map and attract many tourists because of being abode to private homes of celebrities, out of the world resorts & hotels and much more. This man-made wonder cannot be seen anywhere in the world and the architecture is worth the appreciation. 

Image Source: Wikimedia

Tour of Abu Dhabi

The 150 kms (approx 93miles) drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a fantastic idea of covering another astounding city while you are in Dubai. The city of Abu Dhabi has bountiful leisure options few of them being a "Must Do" , like-

·         Ferrari World

·         Sheikh Zayed Mosque

·         Emirates Palace

·         Yas Waterworld

Image Source: royalpark

12 Most Magnificent New Year Eve Celebrations in the World

On 31^st December, as the clock will strike 12, we will be ready to welcome the new year with open arms. New Year Eve is celebrated worldwide by all individuals regardless of their religion or nationality. Raucous, Ribald or Relaxing - whatever you are in mood for, you will find the apt celebrations across the globe. So, be prepared to drink, dine, dance and crash this New Year’s Eve. We can find celebrations happening in all the places in the world in some way or the other but there are many countries who believe in greeting the first day of the year in a truly extravagant style!

The NYE celebrations in these 12 countries will make you book your tickets right now!!

Sydney, Australia

Be among the firsts to ring in the New Year along with thousands of people who gather around the Sydney Harbour for one of the most spectacular fireworks at midnight. You can expect to see indigenous smoking ceremonies, aerial flyovers with messages in the sky, light shows and a lighted boat parade. You can join the dance party at Bondi beach or being summer time in Australia, you can dance your night away in your favourite shorts!

Image Source: Wikipedia

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Always a party town, millions of people gather to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. The party starts from 6pm on the famous 4-mile long strip that is closed for vehicles and is open for those who want to walk around, drink, club hop, dance and enjoy various fireworks being shot from many hotels. So for the people who are in a mood for a little debauchery, the sin city – Las Vegas is for you.

Image Source: Wikipedia

New York City, USA

New Year in the New York’s Times Square is what millions of people around the globe wish to be a part of, especially those who are watching it live on TV, where another millions of people are already counting down the seconds to midnight to witness the huge ball being dropped from a flagpole atop the former New York Times Building, for which the iconic square is named. This is a 100 years old American tradition. You will witness star studded entertainment, pyrotechnic lightshow, world class fireworks display and people streaming between lively clubs.

Image Source: Flickr

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

You will be swept away by the carnival atmosphere on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Millions of visitors are dressed in white, which is a tradition called Reveillion, lined up near the beaches and throwing flowers in the waves at midnight for the African sea goddess Yemanja. Afterwards, the beaches, streets, bars and roads are filled with people enjoying drinks and music & dance. The fireworks in the sky above the far-fetched sea are truly a spectacular watch.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is home to many of the worlds’ iconic structures – Burj Khalifa, Burj-Al-Arab, Atlantis the Palm and to witness the extravagant celebrations at these places is a lifetime experience. The parties hosted by Dubai stands out from the rest of the world. The Dazzle, the midnight fireworks, the shows the performances by superstars bring such an unparallel dimension to the parties that it is difficult for others to match it especially in terms of its grandeur. Dubai has so much to offer that once you are here on 31^st December, you will be compelled to come year after year.

Image Source: forbes

London, England

Over a million visitors gather around the bank of Thames River and start the countdown as they wait for the Big Ben to strike 12! The magnificent show of lights & fireworks start subsequently, the highlight being the swirl firework from the London Eye and the city getting echoed by British rock music. The celebration continues until wee hours of the morning with activities planned for the next day including the three-hour parade of marching bands, colourful floats, costumed dancers and a procession of queen’s horses.

Image Source: visitlondon

Paris, France

The City of Love turns into The City of Fireworks with hoards of people waiting to ring in the New Year with a bottle of champagne in hand and the view of Eiffel tower in front of them. The glittering Eiffel tower showcases one the most beautiful display anywhere when fireworks burst from the entire length of its iron structure. The streets of Paris come alive with people celebrating, making rounds of bars & clubs with their family and friends.

Image Source: Wikipedia/citywonders

Madrid, Spain

The tradition of eating twelve grapes one by one for each stroke of the clock at midnight on 31^st December is considered a sign of good luck in the coming year. Whether you believe it or not the experience is a lot of fun when millions of people are doing it together in front of the clock in Puerta del Sol Plaza. The atmosphere is amazing: confetti, music and streamers everywhere, people in wigs, hats and masks watching the Gran Via for fireworks.

Image Source: passportpacked

Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese title for New Year is Shogatsu and it is said that Japan was one of the first countries to make use of excitement of fireworks to celebrate special occasions so we shouldn't be surprised at how seriously they commemorate the New Year - setting fireworks that can be viewed for miles across the Tokyo Bay. The tradition of ‘Hatsumode’ is completed by visiting the temple where the temple bell rings 108 times at midnight. If you stay through 2^nd January, you can access the palace ground, that is one of the two days when it is opened for public.

Image Source: traveljapanblog

Hawaii, USA

The attractive beaches of Hawaii are filled with people enjoying at the beachside bars and clubs where special activities are planned for the celebrations including theme nights and contests. New Year in Hawaii means gorgeous weather, breathtaking views and lively galas. Outdoor music concerts and boat cruises are special attractions as the beautiful water gets lit up by the midnight fireworks.

Image Source: hawaii-nye

Moscow, Russia

In Russia, during the winter season, the day becomes very short giving way to an extremely long party night. The celebration takes place at the Red Square that looks amazing with vibrant lights and splendid fireworks. The clubs and bars in Moscow offer lavish, louder, bigger and extravagant parties that will definitely amaze you. Watch out for the fireworks display that is set off behind the gleaming domes of St.Basil’s Cathedral.

Image Source: pursuitist

Goa, India

India’s coastal “party state” Goa regularly tops the travel lists as one of the best places to celebrate New Year Eve. The party starts 4-5 days before 31^st December with the famous SUNBURN and VH1 Supersonic events which are fairly similar – dancing on the sand, big main stage pyrotechnic shows and performances by the superstars of EDM and trance. The beachside bars explode foot tapping music and people dance all night long. The striking firework above the ocean is a great show.

Image Source: bookmyshow