Destined for Dubai: Arun's Thrillophilia Review for a Family Trip to Dubai
We were all brimming with excitement as winter approached, knowing it was time for our annual family vacation. By the last week of October, preparations for the trip were in full swing. Choosing a destination was a fun challenge that I decided to turn into a game.
The only rule? Each family member had to write their dream destination on a slip of paper and drop it into a jar. The following week, we would all sit together, and my wife would draw one slip from the jar—that would be our vacation spot!
I can still picture the expressions on my kids' faces—they looked even more nervous than they would on results day.
My wife took a piece of paper out from the jar, "Dubai!" she said.
The kids started jumping with excitement and told me how they both had written Dubai as their dream destination.
“We’re going to see the Burj Khalifa and ride camels!” my little girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"I want to go for dune smashing and desert safari!" her elder brother suggested.
Sensing the excitement around me, I immediately booked a family trip to Dubai, carefully including all of my kids’ beloved activities and attractions.
From Dhow Cruises to Desert Dunes
3 weeks later, we were all in Dubai, and our hearts were filled with joy for the adventures that lay ahead. We kicked off our tour with a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Marina, and the kids could hardly hold their excitement. The relaxing breeze blowing in the evening, and the warm reflection of city lights added to the magical ambiance.
My little girl pointed at the dazzling skyscrapers along the waterfront, “Look at that building!” she exclaimed.
We got a chance to admire several attractions from the cruise including Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Frame. The cruise also offered a delicious buffet, and we all enjoyed several authentic delicacies while admiring the breathtaking views.
"What a fantastic way to begin our family getaway," I thought to myself, As the wooden boat sailed across the waters.
Our next day was packed with thrilling activities, with a Desert Safari on the itinerary. We enjoyed riding in a 4x4 jeep and experienced the thrill of dune bashing.
“This feels like a roller coaster Dad!” my son, sitting right next to me, shouted.
But that wasn't it, we also went sandboarding, quad biking, and glided on the dunes pretending to be Hrithik from Dhoom 2. After an unforgettable day full of adrenaline-pumping adventures, we reached the campsite.
Over there, we got a chance to attend a variety of live performances such as Tanoura Dance and Belly Dance. Moreover, the BBQ dinner under the starry skies was an experience that everyone in the family enjoyed.
The following day, the driver assigned to us for the trip took us for a sightseeing tour of the city. We visited several popular attractions such as Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Mosque, and the Atlantis Hotel. Our guide for the tour told us that the multicolored marble slabs have been used in the architecture of the mosque, and they're known to be engraved with Quranic verses.
We even stopped near the Burj Al Arab Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, to click some amazing pictures. Later, we visited Jumeirah Beach and enjoyed some time at leisure, admiring the stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Right after our city tour, we reached the majestic Burj Khalifa, and my little girl was bubbling with excitement, eager to see the view from the top. We ascended to the 124th and 125th floors in a high-speed lift, while enjoying the superb panoramic views. Upon reaching the observation deck, we were greeted with even better views of the city's skyline.
"The buildings look like miniature models from here," exclaimed my boy.
After taking in the sights, we went to the Dubai Mall to explore the Underwater Zoo and Aquarium. The kids were amazed by the colorful aquatic life swimming behind the glass. We all laughed at how my girl pressed her nose against the glass tank, wide-eyed as she looked at a giant shark gliding across.
Views, Vistas, and Velocities
Our day began with a visit to the Dubai Frame, an iconic architectural marvel that stands as a symbol of distinction between old and new Dubai. All of us headed to the observation deck, from where we could admire the contrast. My wife was impressed by how Dubai had preserved its authentic charm while building innovative skyscrapers.
Next, we visited the Miracle Garden, where the unique and vibrant floral arrangements took our breath away. The kids ran along the flower pathways and were awe-struck by the big floral displays of Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
The following day in our itinerary had a city tour of Abu Dhabi planned for us, with a visit to Ferrari World (that the kids didn't know about). During our Abu Dhabi city tour, we explored many tourist attractions like the Emirates Palace and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. All the adults in the family particularly loved this tour, as it allowed them to admire the historic side of Dubai.
When we entered Ferrari World, my boy was thrilled to see so many rides and attractions. His eyes lit up when he saw Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world.
“I can’t wait to try that one..it must be so fast!” he announced.
Our entire family had a great time at Ferrari World as we tried several exhilarating rides together. We even watched the Ferrari World Show, where we witnessed the experts perform impressive stunts, leaving us all in awe.
Our adventure in Dubai was filled with thrill and joy. From popular attractions to unique experiences, each moment brought us joy, strengthening our bond and creating memories to cherish for years to come.
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