Riding the Dunes in Dubai

Q: Can you tell us about the various activities available in Dubai, such as riding the sand dunes, the aquarium and the underwater zoo? Also, when does the Dubai shopping festival take place early next year? - Marilyn Nathaniel

A: Dubai has much more to offer than just shopping malls - there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied in Dubai. If you are of those interested in mega-skyscrapers, then you will have to visit the Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world. Another man-made attraction that might interest you is hotelier Sol Kerzner's Atlantis, a waterpark with great rides and swimming. An alternative one is the Wadi Wadi Water Park located on Jumeirah beach. If you want to be captivated by the desert, you must visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). This protected area is home to scores of plant species, birds and mammals, including the famous Arabian Oryx. The best way to experience this area is to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort or to take a day tour. You can also take a 4x4 ride through the desert and enjoy a meal under the stars with a bellydancer providing the entertainment. Get a feel of the ocean by visiting the amazing underwater zoo and aquarium located inside the Dubai Mall. At the Mall of the Emirates you can experience snow and take to the ski slopes, while the Bastakia Quarter will take you back in time to the old Dubai. However, if shopping is your thing, then the best time to visit is during the Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place from January 20 to February 20 in 2012. . (31/7/11)