Monday 22 August 2016

10 REASONS TO TAKE A DESERT FAT BIKE RIDE

FAT Biking has quickly grown from being a fringe novelty to a fully fledged facet of any mountain biking expedition. It has been one of the best innovations till date that has shaken up the adventure tourism industry like nothing else. However, Fat bikes, popularly called Fads, have created as many followers as haters. While it’s true that anything with two wheels is exciting on a mountain, Fads are not for everyone. Consequently, it is available only with select manufacturers as a niche product. The big tired beauties already have international recognition and we even have a Global Fat Bike Summit every December!

Fads are argued to be among the first mountain bikes. Earlier called “ballooners”, these bikes had hugely inflated tires that were popular around Mount Tamalpais, Marin during the 1970s. There is however no promising evidence about how these bikes came to be or who conceived the design first. Today, existing bikes are thoroughly modified to support wider wheels and the tire carcasses got trimmed to fit new rims. The rims went up to 80 mm thickness and diameters exceeding four inches. This gave us wheels that could support low pressures, tackle soft sands, deep snow and even soft clay off-roading.
What does a Fat Bike bring about?
So, what could be the reasons that a self respecting cycling should go for a Fat sand Bike experience? Well, there are many to speak about, but mostly, it’s the simple pleasure that comes when you can forget about rolling resistance, weight or Strava time. After the first Fad ride, there are big chances that you will fall in love with these biggies. Here are 10 reasons why the first experience is mandatory:
1.       There’s no end to the season
The best thing about a Fad safari in Dubai is that the season lasts all round the year. Fad bikes are suited for all terrains and weather conditions and let you explore the deserts any time you want to. Fads are really the key if you want your biking season to last longer.
2.       It replaces stress with a lot of fun
Though a lot many lightweight carbon bodies two wheelers are available in the market, fat bikes are mindboggling, even for those standards. These biggies aren’t quite intended to go fast, but the pleasure for sure is among the best experience. Go for the spin, take time to stop and smell the cacti, breathe in the view, gulp down chilled beer and most importantly have fun. Fat bikes have reintroduced the nuances of enjoying every moment of the ride.
3.       Get to places you never thought were accessible
Yes, Fat bikes are meant to take you through the most difficult terrain. In fact, there is no two-wheeled alternative that would suit a safari in Dubai deserts better. Riders have been traversing sandy, rocky and muddy terrains and bringing back tales of epic adventures on a Fad! You should have one too!
4.       Rocks feel easy
Dubai safari is not just about long lengths of sinking loose sand. Rocks too have been a problem for several riders over the years. With suspension equipped bearings, fat bikes will always support a smoother ride on the most undulating rocks. It feels like cheating, but it’s not!
5.       Low environmental impact
Fat bikes have a pressure range between 3 and 5 psi that will leave ‘zero’ trace on the sand. Further, the total exclusion of any fossil fuel contributes to the cause of environmental readiness. If you are planning on a safari in Dubai sands, Fat bikes are the best way to go about it.
6.       Closer connection to the wildlife
Every cyclist understands the meditative effect of a relaxing bike ride. This way, you will notice every ripple in the sand, hear the crunching of sand under the hooves of Arabian Oryx and be able to take deep breaths of the occasional but precious greenery on the way. Fat bike ride allows you the opportunity to get more curious about every small thing that belongs to the Dubai sands.
7.       Completely safe
Compared to motorized ATVs and dune bashing quad bikes, fat sand bikes are the safest way to enjoy the desert. Further, you do no harm to the fragile animals living just below the sand’s surface and get to respect the local ecosystem.
8.       Fun for all
If you are visiting Dubai with your family or friends, a Fat bike would be the best way to explore the dunes in groups. This will be an activity that everyone will be able to enjoy. Also, anyone above 130 cm will be able to comfortably ride a fad bike. So, why not travel together and have the real fun of the terrain.
9.       You achieve humility
Riding a Fad is hard work, but at the same time you learn how life is about in this part of the world. It is the heat that makes the tour exotic. So, opposed to sitting back in your chair in an AC restaurant, try something more apt to the safari.
10.   An excuse to buy a Fad!
If you have ever been tired of paintball, bowling and the mini golf, this is something new to do. The Fat sand bike is a thing exclusively invented for enjoying an outdoor adventure, and is an opportunity to get your team together and have some real fun. The Dubai dunes offer a stunning venue and fads will be a healthy challenge to explore the real beauty of the place. Take back pictures that your social connections will be amazed, curious and jealous about! Have an excuse to have a long lunch under the Ghaf tree forests. Go back to work fitter. Do something that few others are doing! Fat bikes are worth an experience!


Exploring the desert of Dubai by riding a fat bike is not only fun, but you will also be adhering to the environmental policies. What's more, this fun-filled ride can be tried anytime of the year. 

Monday 21 March 2016

Facts about the world's tallest building - Burj Khalifa

Dubai creates an everlasting impression on visitors with its surprising numbers of huge skyscrapers.   One can easily lose the counting if he or she starts enumerating those numbers. The only thing that will stay on his or her mind like a symbol engraved on an object is the awesome Burj Khalifa. This building is the best gift the 21st century has given to the world. It is a fine epitome of arts, engineering, and craftsmanship. 



The majestic building is a  brilliant lesson to learn on the intricate combination of vision and science. One cannot help but be struck by the global standards created in the world of construction. Its height and design have gone down in the record books with several world-firsts to its name. Here are some amazing facts about the world's tallest building – Burj Khalifa.

The credit to build Burj Khalifa goes to the global property developer of Dubai known as “Emaar Properties PJSC.” It was the vision of this company to create the world's tallest building to celebrate  Dubai and call it Burj Dubai. They also wanted the record of the tower's height to remain unbroken for a longer time.  

The construction work started in January 2004 and got over in  2009. The building was declared open on 4 January 2010 and named 'Burj Khalifa' as a reciprocation for generous funding by the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Burj Khalifa stands 828 meters (2,716 ft) tall in height. It is three times more in height compared to the Eiffel Tower, 15 times of the highest point of Niagara Falls and twice as tall as the Empire State Building. Its design is inspired from a tropical and subtropical flower with long petals extending from its center, and developed by a Chicago-based architecture firm called Skidmore Owings & Merill (SOM). The “buttressed core” structural system is developed and implemented by SOM to support the height of the structure.

The construction work of the building was carried out by Samsung Engineering and Construction, a South Korean company. 55,000 tons of steel rod with ridges, 110,000 tones of concrete, and 22 million man-hours were used for the reinforced concrete work. The total construction cost of this beautiful and delicate building was $1.5 billion. 

Besides holding a record for its height, Burj Khalifa has other world records to its repertoire as well. It is the only tallest free-standing building with the highest number of stories in the world (200 stories out of which 160 stories are livable), has the highest occupied floor, highest observational desk  (124th floor), tallest service elevator, and elevator with the longest travel distance.

The exterior of the building is created using 26,000 glass panels that were cut individually by 300 Chinese cladding experts to enable the building to resist summer heat.

The daily water consumption of the building is 250,000 gallons, whereas  electricity use is equivalent to 360,000 bulbs of 100-watt all burning together.

To tackle emergency situation and save time from running down from the tallest storey, the building is equipped with a novel elevator system to aid in controlled evacuations.

One can see the tip of the building from a distance of 95 kilometers. From the observational deck, which is on 124th floor, the city can be seen as far as 80 km on a clear day.

To award the cleaning contract for the reflective windows, a competition was held that was participated by reputed cleaning companies in the world, but won by an Australian company, Cox Gomyl. To clean the reflective windows, 12 machines weighing 13 tons each was used on the tracks outside the building that were  operated by 36 cleaners.

This amazing tower has 304 hotels and 1,100 one to three-bedroom apartments with 2957 parking spaces. It houses the second highest swimming pool on the 76th floor. The gross floor area, minus the connecting buildings and adjacent buildings, is 309,473m2. 

Recently, Burj Khalifa has added one more attraction to its feather in the form of a spiral flight that connects 124th and 125th floors.  Visitors can now see the entire city from the 125th floor walking on the spiral staircase from 124th floor. The 36-step spiral staircase is 100 meters in length and is adorned with a beautiful crystal LED chandelier. The huge staircase can accommodate over 150 people at a time. 

Along with these facts about Burj Khalifa, you must also know when to visit the impressive buildings. The visitors' timing is from morning 10 to evening 10 from Sunday to Wednesday. The timing extends to midnight from Thursday to Saturday. 

So don't miss visiting this amazing tower if you are in Dubai. It has become a global address that no one can fail to reach. 

Thursday 17 March 2016

10 top beaches in Dubai that you must visit once in your lifetime

Nothing beats the stress than the sight of a clear blue ocean with the freedom to roll and run like a child on the beach, splash water with your feet like an insane, and get drenched in the nature's bounty. If you want to feel and grab such heartwarming situations, then Dubai is where you should dash to. The beaches here are immaculate, unspoiled, crowded, as well as isolated. Check out these top 10 top beaches in Dubai to visit once in your lifetime.




Jumeirah Beach Park

This is the busiest beach of all and perfect for those who do not mind enjoying amidst crowd. A grove of palm trees with a wide lush green garden makes the beach more attractive and calming. The grass and the shades of the palm trees offer nice comfort after running on the beach, swimming through the waves, and enjoying sun tanning. You can also enjoy lunch under the open sky on the beach with a barbecue. Sadly, the beach is closed to the public due to the water canal project and will open by the end of 2016.

Kite Beach

Amassed with shining white sands and clean water, the Kite Beach buzzes with lots of water sports activities. You can go swimming, windsurfing, play beach volleyball, have a sun bath, and do all the  craziest things within the boundary of laws here.  For all the kite lovers, this beach is a heaven. In fact, the beach got its name because of the numbers of the kite surfers thronging this place.


Umm Suqeim Beach

This beach is perfect for families who want to teach their children windsurfing as it is not crowded like other beaches. It is also called the Sunset Beach because it offers an ideal spot to view the setting sun. A park across the beach at a walking distance also makes the beach more suitable as a family spot because of the play area for the children. But the best thing about the beach is a chance to see and take a selfie with the Burj Al Arab.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

If you are looking for a clean beach with safe water for swimming and snorkeling, then you must visit this beach. It has been awarded with Blue Flag certification as safe for swimmers and snorkelers. Moreover, you get to visit five different beaches at the coast that sprawl to 5 km. The beach is ideal for a stroll as the sand is supple and white. The trees and green area near the beach is a perfect hangout for families and enjoying a barbecue. It is exclusively open for women and children on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Jebel Ali Beach

If sightseeing and beach enjoyment are on the top of your mind, then head to Jebel Ali Beach. Being at a distance away from the city, it is best for waters sports. It is usually hoarded with kite surfers. The Jebal Ali Beach Resort adjoining the beach is best of indulgence in food and massage. If you want to stay overnight at the beach, then take a camping permit from Dubai Municipality.

Ghantoot Beach

If spending for facilities does not worry you, then head to this private beach. You can access the beach in AED 100. The money spent will allow you to enjoy the pool, bars, cafes, and your favorite sports. The beach is managed by Golden Tulip Hotel that offers  equipment for water-skiing, wake boarding, and banana boating. The beach also has several volleyball nets. If access to just a day is not enough for you, you can rent a room at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Russian Beach

This beach has probably got its name due to its popularity among the people who came here for a job from Eastern Europe. It is also known as the JBR Open Beach. It has a 1.8 km long track for cycling, running, and walking with  your spouse and baby. The facilities at the beach also include children's play area, public utilities, lifeguards, and a cafeteria. Further, the beach road has lots of restaurants and cafes ready for your refreshments.

Black Palace Beach

If you want to see an unspoiled beach, then head to Al Sufoush Road to experience a beach in its rawness. You can take an SUV on the beach as long as you don't get stuck between the shrubs. Go there with chairs, towels, swimming gears, and everything you need to spend time on the beach as there is nothing available within a walking distance. This lack of facilities has made it  ideal for snapping photographs, sunbathing, and enjoying in solitude.  Besides, the beach offers a panoramic view of Palm Jumeriah.

Mercato Beach

This beach looks more like a lake as it is very short. The development activities going near the beach have compromised its length. However, it is best for a group that wants to enjoy with friends and doesn't get lost in the crowd. The beach has net-less goal posts for soccer enthusiasts. You can have the view of Burj Khalifa from here.

Madinat Jumeriah

Overlooking at the majestic Arabian Gulf and bathing in the view of the architectural miracle, Burj Al Arab is a dream sequence for any vacationer. Stay at the Al Qasr Hotel as it owns a beautiful 2 km beach from where you can see your imagination coming true. Enjoy the poolside barbecue with beverage, music and stunning views. Day passes for outsiders are also offered by the hotel, in case you don't want to stay at the hotel.




Whether you want to enjoy with a small group of friends, or your family, these 10 top beaches in Dubai are must visit. 

Saturday 13 February 2016

How to Dress in Dubai


Holidays are happy occasions where you get the opportunity to explore new places, learn a new culture, try out different varieties of food and meet new people. Packing for your holiday is as important as booking your tickets and making hotel reservations. Most of us pack clothes as per the climate of the place we are going to. If you are holidaying in a cold place, you would pack warm clothes, sweaters and jackets, while you would pack cotton clothes, shorts and t-shirts if you are holidaying in a place that has a warm climate. However, sometimes, the attire you wear during your holidays does not rely on the climate, rather on the culture of the place you are visiting. This rule applies to Dubai or rather UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most modern cities in the Arab world. The huge skyscrapers, the large malls, the chic restaurants, the luxurious hotels, etc. are the symbols of the growth and development of the city. Moreover, people from all over the world reside in this beautiful city. While Dubai looks like an ultra-modern city, it is still rooted to its religion and traditions. In short, Dubai is a Muslim country. While you do not have to wear a hijab or an abaya if you are a non-Muslim, it would be best to be slightly conservative while dressing up. Here are some points that will help you to know how to dress in Dubai.


For Women

There are several rules that women have to follow when it comes to dress code in Dubai. These should be followed when in public places like roads, malls, theatres, markets, public areas of hotels, etc. Take a look at a few of them:
·         Western clothing of jeans, capris, pants with tops and blouses are allowed. However, refrain from wearing too revealing clothes.
·         Your arms, legs and cleavage should always be covered.
·         Do not wear clothes like tube tops, Daisy Duke Shorts, crop tops, mesh tops, miniskirts, etc. Refrain from wearing transparent dresses.
·         In case you wear tube tops or spaghetti tops, it would be a good idea to cover yourself with a Pashmina shawl, cardigan or jacket.
·         If you are wearing a short skirt or dress, it would be best to cover your legs with leggings. However, leggings should not be worn just with a top.
·         Make sure that your undergarments are not visible through your clothing. This can cause you lot of trouble.
·         If you are visiting a mosque in Dubai or anywhere in UAE, you would be required to wear an abaya, which would be provided at the mosque.
·         You may be asked to wear an abaya while entering government and municipality buildings and sometimes hospitals too.
·         In case you are working out in a gym or exercising in the open, do not wear too revealing clothes. Make sure your shoulders and legs (at least till the knees) are covered.
·         Women can wear bikini on the beach or the pool area of the hotel. However, you should never go to public areas like shops and malls wearing beach wear. Restrict beach wear to the beach itself.
·         Your bikini should not be too revealing. Do not wear thongs. A one piece bikini or shorts and t-shirt are ideal for beach wear.
·         You are free to wear whatever you want in pubs and discos. However, you need to cover up properly while travelling from your home or hotel room to the disco. So, do not forget to carry a shawl or jacket.



For Men

Here are the rules that men should follow in terms of dresscode in Dubai. These should also be followed in public places.
·         Men should not wear shorts that are too short. Do not come out of your home or hotel room in trunks or boxer shorts.
·         If you wear shorts, make sure that they cover your knees.
·         While the temperature of Dubai can soar as high as 40 degrees Celsius, in no way can you walk bare-chested in public. Wearing only vests is also not allowed.
·         You can wear your trunks and shorts on the beach or near the pool area. However, do not wear these clothes in the public area. Carry something to wear over your beach wear while travelling from your hotel room to the beach or pool side and back.
·         If you are visiting a mosque, you may be asked to wear a kandourah over your clothes. Even if you do not have to wear this attire, you would not be allowed inside the mosque if you are wearing shorts and sleeveless t-shirt.
·         Several restaurants, pubs and discos require men to wear long trousers and covered shoes. Check the dress code of the venue before going for a party or dinner.

Dealing with Criticism

You must remember that Dubai follows Islamic law and as a tourist or an expat, you need to respect the laws of the country or city you are visiting or staying in. While going against the dress code of Dubai may not have legal consequences, it can bring in criticisms from locals. In case someone criticizes you for your clothes, do not shout or retaliate. It is best to apologize and change your clothes or maybe do some immediate modifications like wrapping a shawl or wearing a jacket. In case you retaliate, the police may get involved, causing you to pay a fine or get imprisoned too. One important thing you need to remember is that wearing bikini or beach wear anywhere else other than the beach or pool side is illegal and can have grievous consequences.
Dubai is quite open-minded when it comes to dress code in comparison to other Arab countries. Hence, while you enjoy the luxuries and modernity of Dubai, remember that you need to respect their culture and tradition. This will also ensure that you have a great and incident-free holiday.