Mall Hop: The Dubai Mall

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The world’s largest mall (by total area as of press time) and definitely a must place to visit while in Dubai.

It is home to more than a thousand retail, entertainment and dining shops. There’s lots of things to check and be busy with, among those are

(taken from Dubai Mall website)

Dubai Fountain

Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft (150 metres), equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain is 900 ft (275 metres) long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It has been designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with the performance repertoire including Sama Dubai; Baba Yetu, an award-winning song in Swahili; the Arab world’s top-selling dance number Shik Shak Shok; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye).


Over 6,600 WET Superlights – the most advanced incandescent large fountain lights available today – and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world.

Saturday to Thursday
01.00pm and 01.30pm
06:00pm - 11:00pm every 30 minutes

Friday
01.30pm and 2.00pm
06:00pm - 11:00pm every 30 minutes

key Facts & Figures
• World’s largest dancing fountain
• In sync with classical, Arabic and world music

• 1.5 million lumens of projected light

• Spray heights of up to 500 feet

• 22,000 gallons of airborne water

• Set in Burj Khalifa Lake, right outside The Dubai Mall on Lower Ground Waterfront Promenade in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Aquarium

 

 A key centerpiece is Dubai Aquarium, one of the largest tanks in the world at 51m x 20m x 11m and featuring the world's largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide and 8.3m high. Dubai Aquarium has more than 33,000 living animals, representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined.

Dubai Aquarium's 270-degree acrylic walkthrough tunnel makes for incredible close-encounter experiences with some of the most fascinating underwater animals on the planet. A special 'lunar-cyclic' lighting system will change the ambience of the tank depending on the time of day.

Underwater Zoo 

Walk along the Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean environments at the Underwater Zoo and you’ll find yourself face to face with dangerous Piranha, Giant Catfish, playful Otters, a Humbolt Penguin colony, and more.
Whether viewing the Rainforest from a suspension bridge high above the river and tree canopy, or reaching out and touching some of the more hardy rock pool inhabitants, this is an aquatic experience you will never forget.

Combo Ticket AED 50
Aquarium Tunnel
Underwater Zoo

Platinum Aquarium Package AED 75
Aquarium Tunnel
Underwater Zoo
Behind The Scenes Tour
Aquarium Gift Shop Voucher
Available 10am to 4pm daily

Diamond Aquarium Package AED 85
Aquarium Tunnel
Underwater Zoo
Behind The Scenes Tour & Fish Feeding*
Aquarium Gift Shop Voucher
(Subject to availability) 

Ultimate Aquarium Package AED 100
Aquarium Tunnel
Underwater Zoo
Glass-bottom Boat Ride
Aquarium Gift Shop Voucher 

Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm
Last admissions at Aquarium Tunnel: 9:45pm
Last admissions at Underwater Zoo: 9:00pm


Thursday to Saturday from 10am until midnight
Last admissions at Aquarium Tunnel: 11:45pm
Last admissions at Underwater Zoo: 11:00pm 

Dubai Ice Rink   

Glide into a magical winter wonderland at Dubai Ice Rink. With its larger than life Olympic-size proportions, whether you want to learn skating, perfect your technique, play ice hockey, socialise with friends or just have a great time, this spectacular venue is the coolest place to hang out any time of the year.

Prices:
Skate hire and 2 hour session - AED 55
Disco on Ice – AED 80


Please refer to www.dubaiicerink.com for further information regarding skating lessons and group packages.

Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm*
Thursday to Saturday from 11.15am until midnight*
*As per the session’s schedule.

Sega Republic 

Welcome to a world of fun. Explore five zones of entertainment for all ages at the first SEGA Republic indoor theme park in the region. Enjoy 9 heart-stopping attractions and 250 amusement games spread over 2 levels of adrenaline and adventure!

Prices:
Power Pass – AED 150
Your day pass for all attractions


Pay & Play Pass
Purchase a Pay & Play Pass and top it up as you go!


Timings:
Sunday to Wednesday 10:00am - 12:00 Midnight
Thursday to Saturday 10:00am - 1:00am

Reel Cinema

The Dubai Mall had a blockbuster addition with the opening of Reel Cinemas on Level 2.

Now open with 22 screens including the first THX-certified cinemas in the UAE, The Picturehouse – UAE’s first cinema hall to exclusively screen critically acclaimed movies and four ultra-luxurious Platinum Movie Suites, Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall is the largest cinemas in the region.

How to get there:

*by Metro train

  -take the red line and exit on Burj Khalifa Station, feeder buses are available 

*by Bus
  -there are several bus available depending on your initial location
*by car or taxi

  -drive towards Abu Dhabi direction on Sheik Zayed road, take the 1st interchage

Wild Wadi Waterpark

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It's almost summer, perfect time to hit the beach, pool and other water themed parks. Summer here in Dubai can be too hot and you'd rather stay indoors with your A/C on. Residents and tourists alike usually plan swimming and other outdoor activities between Feb to April.

picture courtesy of wildwadidubai.com

So one of the popular waterpark here in Dubai, UAE is Wild Wadi which is located on Jumeraih beach and on the same stretch as Burj Al Arab. So you get to enjoy the different rides at Wild Wadi and the view of Burj Dubai at the same time.  


                                                 from wild wadi official website 

Mall Hop: Ibn Battuta Mall

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I'll be featuring different malls within Dubai and other emirates because they are so huge and grand! I adore them! I love to shop and I'm a certified mall rat.

So for the first Mall Hop, i'll be featuring Ibn Battuta Mall named after a Muslim Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta. Last February 25, Google Doodle featured him to celebrate his 708th birthday! I wrote a little background on him and his travels here.

Ibn Battuta Mall is situated on the far side of Sheik Zayed Road (going to Abu Dhabi) near The Gardens and Jebel Ali . It's a huge mall, boasting of over a million square feet of retail space. It is divided into 6 clusters or courts named after some of the countries or cities Battuta visited. Those are China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia.

Personally, I had hard time going through the entire mall in one go so I have to plan each visit which shops to check. I usually go the th China court where the cinemas and Asian restaurants are located. 

How to get there:

*by Metro train

  -take the red line and exit on Ibn Battuta Station

*by Bus
  -there are several bus available depending on your initial location
*by car or taxi

  -drive towards Abu Dhabi direction on Sheik Zayed road, between interchage 5 and 6

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Around the Mall

(pictures and italized descriptions from the official website of Ibn Battuta Mall)

Andalusia Court Grand in style, convenient in design. Andalusia Court takes care of your everyday needs, be it a quickie hair cut or an impromptu bouquet of flowers for the one you love. The centre-piece of Andalusia Court is its magnificent Lion Fountain, inspired by the Fountain of Lions in Alhambra.

 

Tunisia Court Blue skies and white fluffy clouds guide the way through 14th century inspired Tunisia Court. Here, you can let the kids enjoy a little time out at Fun City while you buy the weekly goods at Geant. Afterwards, why not follow the sensational aromas to one of Tunisia Court’s 16 international food outlets, where culinary delights await.

Egypt Court Pyramids and fairy tales, hieroglyphics and temples, kings and queens – Egypt Court brings to life the wonder and romance of its ancient history and leads visitors on a journey of discovery. For books galore, there’s Magrudy’s. For gadgets and playtime, there’s The Toy Store. For outdoor pursuits, there’s Sun and Sands. And for children’s clothes and toys, there’s Mothercare. Be sure to take away the perfect gift after your travels of Egypt Court with a tailor-made piece of silver jewellery, engraved with Arabic Calligraphy.

Persia Court The jewel in Ibn Battuta Mall’s crown, Persia Court is home to the dome, a captivating masterpiece which was hand-painted by a small group of talented artists. A host of distinguished stores have taken residence along her streets – the glamorous Paris Gallery, Debenhams and high-street favorites such as H&M and Forever 21. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a street-side coffee at Starbucks or Hediard and simply absorb the atmosphere and beauty of Persia Court.

India Court Showcasing the latest fashions, India Court is the place for those in search of classy boutiques, luxury brands and stylish stores. Outlets include Evisu, Bauhaus and the award-winning Ginger and Lace.

China Court Home to the Entertainment Zone, China Court has the region’s first IMAX theatre and 21 cinema screens. For casual dining with the family, there’s a host of restaurant to choose from including Finz for Mediterranean cuisine and Pizza Express for Italian. The mall’s largest electronics store, Sharaf DG, is pure entertainment in itself, housing every imaginable electronic device and gadget.

Dubai Desert Safari

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A must-to-do activity if you are in Dubai. A lot of travel and events agency offers Desert Safari packages depending on your needs and budget. Usually ranges from 120 to 180 AED, includes:

1. Pick up and return from agreed upon place
2. Dune Bashing
3. Camel Ride
4. Henna Tatoo
5. Arabic Dinner
6. Belly Dancing

Location: Al Aweer, Dubai or Hatta, Oman Rd.

I already tried Al Aweer twice and yesterday the Hatta trail. I really enjoyed Dune Bashing, it's like a roller coaster on the Desert, but not for the faint-hearted (I warned you guys!).

Some of our pictures at the Hatta, Oman Rd Desert Safari.

Dubai Global Village 2011

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Dubai Global Village opens today Nov 1, 2011 and ends till March 3, 2012.

Shops & Shows

Shop till you drop with 27 pavilions from around the world to satisfy your shopping needs.

Shows from around the world, specially created for you will be performed live. Pavilions from more than 30 countries present cultural experiences like no other. The whole family can have a good time together at the fun fair and for the food lovers, there are restaurants catering cuisines from across the globe. All this and a lot more is what Global Village plans to deliver this year.

Foods

Feast on dishes and delicious delights from around the world.

Hungry from all that shopping and walking? Eat your way around the world with Global Village's offering of 25 restaurants and cafes spread throughout, catering to a hundred different tastes and nationalities with delicacies from all over the world. Whether it's Arabic kebabs, Indian curries or even just some fast food, you are sure to be spoilt for choice.

You can also taste cultures – literally – throughout Global Village, with pavilions offering their respective country's traditional snacks and sweets to their visitors.

Rides

Providing all-round family entertainment, Global Village offers its younger visitors an unforgettable fun fair experience. From roller coasters to horror rides to sliding races, Global Village has it all.

60 rides offering thrills, chills and enjoyment to children of all ages, as well as kiosks with a variety of games and prizes to be won. Give your children the time of their life, and don't hesitate to join in!

Here are just some of the super-fun rides you can find at Global Village this year:

Brocumela Crazy Worm

Crazy Wave

Disco Star Bumper Cars

Flavio Slide

Flying Carpet

Fortress of Fear

visit globalvillage.ae

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Eid Al Adha was officially announced to start from Nov 5 to 7, that means only a 4 day holiday (including Friday) for us not 5 days as I previously blogged. Sad but we just have to enjoy what is given.

Amazing UAE Resident Rates for Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers

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Experience more for less at Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers. Save up to AED 60, with our special UAE residents rates, available to purchase at the gate only:

AQUAVENTURE

Adult: AED 140 (was AED 200)

Child: AED 115 (was AED 165)

THE LOST CHAMBERS

Adult: AED 75 (was AED 100)

Child: AED 50 (was AED 70)

* Special UAE rate tickets can be purchased ONLY at the Aquaventure ticketing plaza and The Lost Chambers prior to entry. Guests must prove UAE residency by a form of identification, Driving Licence, EID, or passport.

for more details visit the official site.

Things to do and Places to visit in Dubai

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With Eid Al Adha falling on November 6, 7 & 8 we are heading towards a 5 day holiday for Private sector and a 9 day holiday for Government sector. So what are we gonna do on those days?

My next posts will cater more on things to do and places to visit during those days.

We can always just stay home and relax but that would be a waste, isn’t it?