There’s no denying it’s hot outside, but don’t sweat it, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained. Check out Connector’s A-Z for cool summer fun...
Aqua magic
Dreamland Aqua Park is celebrating its 15th year with non-stop partying, mega raffle draws and fun activities for the entire family. Splash out at Dreamland before 15th July and each guest that pays the full price for admission on the first visit will automatically receive the 15th Anniversary Admission Coupons, which can be used by paying only Dhs 15 on the next visit. The same coupon doubles as a voucher and entitles the guest to the mega raffle draw. Fantastic prizes are up for grabs which include Dreamland season family passes, overnight camping packages, and other surprise prizes. Call 06-7681888 or visit www.dreamlanduae.com.
Bowled over
You may not have done it for years, but bowling is a fun and social way to spend a few hours with family or friends. Check out Dubai Bowling Centre just across Sheikh Zayed Road from Safa Park. Call 04-3391010 or visit www.bowlingdubai.com.
Creature comforts
Can anything be better than to jump into a cold pool with real dolphins? This dream can come true for you at the Dubai Dolphinarium and indoor marine mammal facility, which is fully air-conditioned and is located in the Creek Park. In addition, this month will see the closing season of the Illusion Show. This magical performance at Dubai Dolphinarium by French illusionist Max Stevenson, combined with the Live Dolphin and Seals show, is a spectacular performance where you can witness a girl cut into nine pieces and rejoined again, four girls appear on the stage out of nowhere and the magician’s escape from the chained and closed water tank. The Illusion Show, in sync with the dolphin show will be performed until 14th July, so don’t miss your chance to see Max Stevenson and the dolphins in action! Call 800 DOLPHIN or visit www.dubaidolphinarium.ae.
Double whammy
Enjoy a double treat from Wild Wadi and VOX Cinemas this summer. From now until 31st August, when you visit Wild Wadi, just add Dhs 10 to your general admission and get a free movie ticket to VOX Cinemas. In addition, when you visit VOX Cinemas, you will receive a Dhs 40 discount coupon on your next visit to Wild Wadi. This offer is available at VOX Cinemas at Ajman City Centre, Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Marina Mall (Abu Dhabi). Visit www.wildwadi.com.
Exotic encounter
Located at The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most diverse aquariums in the world and features the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com.
Flying high
Defy gravity with skill, style and courage at iFLY Dubai at Mirdif City Centre. Flying has never been this easy with the world’s first double skydiving simulator. Flight instructors will give you one-on-one instruction on how different body positions control how you fly inside the tunnel. You will receive free complimentary skydive gear rental and the flight experience at one-tenth of the cost of a tandem jump but with much longer freefall time. iFLY Dubai is safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens and realistic for skydivers. Call 04-2316292.
Girl power
The popular Ladies’ Nights, Wild Wadi has been extended to include Fridays during July and August (excluding Ramadan). So ladies, this is your night to relax, splash and have fun with no man in sight with Wild Wadi operated by female staff only. Boys eight years old and below will be admitted provided they show proof of age. Timings are 8pm to 1am on Thursdays and Fridays and rates are Dhs 205 for general admission and Dhs 165 for children below 1.1m. Visit www.wildwadi.com.
Head for heights
At the Top, Burj Khalifa is the globe’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace, located on Level 124 of Burj Khalifa. So if
you have a head for heights, check out Dubai from a whole new perspective. Visit www.burjkhalifa.ae.
Ice ice baby
Dubai Ice Rink, the Olympic-sized ice rink at The Dubai Mall, is offering a new promotion on weekdays (Sundays to Wednesdays). For only Dhs 125, skating enthusiasts can purchase an all-day unlimited ice skating pass (including locker), valid for the day it is issued. Regular prices are Dhs 55 for a two hour public skating session, Dhs 80 for a Disco Session and Dhs 550 for a learn to skate lesson. Timings are Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm, and Thursday to Saturday 11.15am to midnight. Visit
www.dubaiicerink.com or call 04-4485111.
Join the club
Does the sound of a chilled pool with swim-up bar and a comfy shaded lounger appeal to you? With many of Dubai’s 5-star hotels offering summer beach club daily entrance rates, what are you waiting for? You deserve it!
Kitchen creations
The culinary sessions at Balance Café’s Cooking School promise to take you through a gastronomic journey with award-winning chefs from across Dubai. The cooking school offers sessions focused on a variety of cuisines such as Thai, Italian, Sushi and Indian. Priced at Dhs 250 per class and Dhs 800 for any four classes, the courses are designed for amateurs, connoisseurs and homemakers looking for a creative outlet or a fresh approach to cooking. Call 04-3847010 or email balancecafe.oasis@cplmg.com.
Local traditions
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts Cultural Breakfasts each Monday and Wednesday at 10am for Dhs 60 per person, and Cultural Lunches on Sunday and Tuesday at 1pm for Dhs 70. These 90 minute cultural exchanges include local Emirati foods and talk about the culture, traditions and religion of the Emirati people. In addition, the Ramadan Iftar Breaking-of–the-Fast will begin on 22nd July and run until 15th August. This extremely popular programme begins at sunset and is priced at Dhs 135 per person and free for under 12’s, and guests can enjoy a traditional meal with local Emiratis. The evening also includes a visit to the Diwan Masjid in the Bastakiya. Call 04-3536666 or visit www.cultures.ae.
Match of the day
Dubai World Trade Centre is offering action-packed sporting adventure this summer. Dubai Sports World 2012 is taking place until 31st August and has the capacity to host tens of thousands of sporting enthusiasts, seven days a week, from 8am to midnight, and 8am to 4am in Ramadan, providing 20 hours of nonstop sporting entertainment. Offering a variety of sports and leisure activities for sports enthusiasts including football leagues, rugby tournaments, basketball and cricket matches, futsal, volleyball, fitness areas and a 660m indoor running track around the perimeter. Every Saturday is for ladies only from 8am to 3pm. Visit www.dubaisportsworld.ae.