Dubai Tourism - Exclusive Stories

Dubai has, over the past few decades, strategically positioned itself as a global hub, transforming into an economic powerhouse. From fine dining and luxurious hotels to world-class shopping, it really has played its cards well, earning a firm place among top destinations for travellers from all continents. Its strategic location further enhances its appeal, making it a convenient layover for long flights.

However, on this trip though – courtesy of Dubai Tourism – we were invited to explore and experience a different side of the city – one that’s ideal for petrolheads and adventure junkies.

Sighting Porsches

Our trip started with a visit to the famed DRVN by Porsche café, which offers a rare combination of great coffee and amazing sportscars by the famed German maker. The exhibit at the café changes every few months – on this occasion, we got to see a 911 GT1, which competed in the LeMans 24 Hours Race, along with a rare 993 911 Turbo. Even some of the advertising snippets around the café were quite interesting and well worth our time.

The next day, we went to Hatta Dam – a place I’d visited before, but this time, it wasn’t just about soaking in the scenic views or taking pictures. Instead, we were there for kayaking! Now, I’ve kayaked before on a fast-moving river, but this experience was entirely different. Since the dam forms a calm lake, the kayaking was much more relaxed, allowing us to truly enjoy the moment. One unexpected realisation during kayaking was how peaceful life feels when you’re completely disconnected from your phone and social media – something I wouldn’t have noticed had I not been using both hands to row.

Skiing Off!

The next day, we were set for an adventure that I’d tried before – jet skiing! However, to be honest, my previous experience with it hadn’t been great, for the sea was choppy, and I didn’t enjoy the experience very much. This time, though, it was the complete opposite. The sea was calm, I had the jet ski all to myself, and the instructor at Xtreme Jet Ski was not only incredibly skilled but also a pro at riding while filming with a camera at the same time!

We spent an hour riding around Burj Dubai and the marina around, having a whale of a time (pun intended!). One key lesson I took away from the experience was that trying to control the jet ski too tightly is a big mistake. It’s like holding on to the steering wheel too firmly while off-roading on sand – if you do that, you’ll either lose control or get stuck! Instead, the trick is to stay relaxed, move fluidly, and let the ski do its thing. Just go with the flow! This will ensure that you have a good experience while avoiding any unexpected dip in the water.

But ultimately, this trip was an eye-opener as to what Dubai has to offer beyond its reputation as a luxury retreat or a shopping paradise. It’s a destination that offers world-class adventure experiences, seamlessly blending thrill and excitement with top-tier hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and unparalleled luxury – something only a handful of places in the world can truly match.

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Kayaking at Hatta Dam, in the peace and quiet, is a revelation it itself

Culinary delights in Dubai are very varied and a pleasure to experience.