It reiterated that pilgrims require a Haj visa and it can be obtained through recognised official channels
For residents of the Middle East, most of the year is spent in the sweltering heat and humidity. Over the last week, the winds and fog have picked across the country. Even Abu Dhabi has experienced negative temperatures! We've been relieved of the heat and dust for a bit and if you haven't found time to spend outside, I'm here to tell how to change that.
With Dubai showing off its best, I like to stay outside. Here are a few activities that I like to partake in before the cool breeze disappears, and we're back to shielding ourselves from the sun.
Picnic in style: There's no shortage of public parks in Dubai. Pack a few picnic essentials like a mat, portable food and drinks, plenty of water, disposable cutlery, napkins and bottles of sanitiser, and get on the road to one of the gigantic public parks in the city. If you're looking to barbecue, Zabeel, Mushrif and Safa Parks all offer barbecue pits and areas. The weekends get pretty crowded, so invest in a portable grill, so you have a backup if you're unable to secure a spot. Partake in a cliché winter activity, and make s'mores, while keeping warm in the heat of the coal embers. One of my personal favourites is Creek Park, which along with lush greenery, features a beach, and most excitingly for children, a science discovery centre.
Sweat it out: A great way to warm up the body is to get moving! Before we go back to air-conditioned gyms in the summer, jog up and down the running track at the Jumeirah or Kite Beaches. Tons of places also feature 'jungle gyms', a concept where one uses their own body weight to train. Rent a pitch by the hour to play the nation's most beloved sport, football. You can also rent courts to play basketball, tennis, beach volleyball and more. Fancy cycling? One of the popular tracks that I've enjoyed, stretches from the Dubai Canal until Nad Al Sheba with a dedicated bicycle bridge over Al Khail Road. You'll have plenty of cyclists to accompany you. If you don't own a bike, rent one from the nearby Careem bike stands and zoom around town!
Take an aquatic adventure: Seeking a thrill? Head on over to Kite Beach for a bout of parasailing or water-skiing. Or if you enjoy calmer water sports, paddle boarding and kayaking at the Hatta Dam will definitely do the trick. Take a swim at the endless number of beaches in the city and feel the cool waters engulf your body. Host a yacht party with your close family and friends, or ride on traditional abras and dhows across the Creek while feeling the winter sea breeze whip through your hair. The sea breeze is especially cold after sunset so carry your sweaters and beanies!
Stroll around: In my opinion, the apt way to experience the peak of Dubai's winter is to simply take a walk outside. Lift your spirits with a stroll around Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Marina or the Dubai Canal, all built around aesthetically pleasing water-bodies. If you love vibrant colours maybe buy a ticket to the vibrant Miracle Garden in Al Barsha, featuring beautiful structures and instalments encompassed by flowers. Or just walk across your neighbourhood sipping on a steaming hot beverage to keep toasty, you'll probably discover a new restaurant or encounter an old friend.
Truly, there's no such thing as winter blues in Dubai, and while most of the world is staying indoors to keep warm, we have the opportunity to soak in the sun during the day and bundle up and enjoy cool temperatures in the evening. Take the leap and make the time to take advantage of the world's coolest winter.
"I love to be in Dubai during the winter. There is a feeling of freedom to be outdoors both in the city, and the beautiful nature landscapes. Walks on the beach, riding a bike on the canal, garden dinners with friends and family, fireside chats under the stars; the outdoor tapestry of our beautiful city is endless."
Lina Malas,
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aventura Parks
It reiterated that pilgrims require a Haj visa and it can be obtained through recognised official channels
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