The floor to ceiling windows overlook the entire city – its majestic coastline with turquoise waters and white sands , the modern buildings and the vast desert. Probably a good place to capture some of the best Abu Dhabi sunsets over its skyline, you can also enjoy a delectable afternoon tea with an extensive selection of sandwiches, cakes and of course, tea. And not to forget, the extremely hospitable, courteous and friendly staff that pays attention to your dietary requirements. The place is recommended for its trendy setting, excellent views and well presented scrumptious snacks.
A fascinating journey all the way from Al Ain city to the pinnacle of Jebel Hafeet mountain, the second highest peak in the UAE, is best taken in the afternoon, allowing you enough time to sip on a hot beverage as you watch the beautiful sun set beyond the majestic rocky hills. The winding roads will take you to the top, 4,000 feet above the sea level, in less than an hour and you will be intrigued by the serenity and peace once you’re at the peak. A regular gentle breeze ensures the temperatures are cooler than the plains below, so make sure you carry warm clothing if you travel in the winter months. Do not forget to capture some great shots amidst these superb backdrops – a rare landscape to be found in this country. After watching the sunset, you can sip on some sun downer beverages at the Eden Rock restaurant in Mercure Grand, a majestic setting at the edge of the hill offering incredible night views of Al Ain city. The drive downhill is safe as the roads are well lit and and immaculately smooth to drive on.
Undoubtedly one of the most fun experiences for sea food lovers in Dubai, you’ll be taken by surprise when you enter this floating restaurant. A relaxed setting on a dhow moored over the waters at the Dubai International Marine Club, you will be offered aprons to wear and handed over hammers to crack the crab shells at Aprons and Hammers, in the Mina Seyahi Beach Resort. Don’t be afraid to make a mess, the friendly staff is happy to give you a lesson in crab eating etiquette. The casual setting with the dark wood and slate walls décor, the flavourful fresh catch and the incredible vistas of the skyscrapers all add to the brilliance of the ambience. Get cracking with your weapons and attack the buckets full of juicy and tender sea food at this unique themed restaurant that’s all about the experience!
The contemporary and classy white furniture and the relaxing beanbags offer the perfect ambience for catching the spectacular sunset while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks, over the sound of the gentle waves splashing on the shore. That’s not it – from the pier across the lounge, you can board a boat that takes you over to the swanky 101 Restaurant, at One & Only The Palm, a mere 15-min ride away. The brightly lit night skyline of Dubai Marina is visible across, with the reflections of the skyscrapers lighting up the waters on the shore.
You must try the seafood at this restaurant, although you have a wide selection of tapas and fresh salads too. This fashionable overwater chill out lounge is a perfect complement to the Jetty Lounge – the seaside tables are an ideal choice if you enjoy the feel of gentle breeze from the ocean. A superb combination of two ultra chic lounges in Dubai, the overall experience is remarkable to say the least!
Although it might take some time for the first timers to get comfortable with balancing on the wakeboard while it is propelled up to 10 meters above the water, through two pipes linked to a Jetski turbine, once you get the confidence and learn to balance, you can fly, turn, dive like a dolphin and try some tricks of your own.
For the braver, there is also Hoverboarding – a very new concept that has been introduced in Dubai only recently. In this, not only can you fly in the air, but you also move forward, up and down, as if you are surfing in the air – an activity not for the faint hearted. If you love the ocean and have a passion for adventure, there’s no better experience than this!
The floor seating in the majlis-type setting, where you have to serve yourselves, along with an open floor cultural exchange with friendly, informational and entertaining hosts who are happy to tell you stories of the past era and answer all your questions with honestly and grace, is probably the most interesting and exciting way to learn more about the lifestyle and beliefs of the Emirati locals. To top it all, the food is absolutely tantalizing!