DUBAI – THE PERFECT PLACE FOR DADS ON FATHER’S DAY

Fancy doing something different this Father’s Day, then why not soak up the sunshine and enjoy an action packed break with the family in Dubai? The emirate has something to suit all tastes, from world-class golf courses to men-only spas, and with Dubai’s reputation as the “Sports Capital of the Middle East” there is an extensive selection of activities on offer, including everything from archery to fishing. Or perhaps enjoy a relaxed gourmet dinner from one of the many stylish restaurants in Dubai – no father could ask for more.

Guaranteed year-round sunshine together with warm Arabian hospitality ensures that a golfing experience in Dubai is unique to any other destination in the world, courses cater for the budding amateur through to the seasoned professional. For a truly incomparable experience, there is also the opportunity to play in the evenings on a floodlit course surrounded by the timeless beauty of the desert (www.dubaigolf.com). As one of the world’s leading golf destinations Dubai boasts several internationally acclaimed courses created by celebrity golfers such as Colin Montgomery, Greg Norman, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. The newly opened Four Seasons Golf Club offers a great day out from the striking skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road to the club house, a perfect spot for 18 holes followed by lunch with the family (www.fourseasons.com/dubaigolf/).

Dubai’s sporting prowess only begins at golf, there are myriad opportunities including archery and shooting, bowling, cricket, fishing, horse racing, kite surfing, karting, jet skiing, rock climbing, and sailing. The list is quite literally exhaustive!

The desert offers its own sports experiences with safaris being one of Dubai’s most popular activities, which can include an overnight stay in one of the Bedouin-style tents under the starry night sky, after a thrilling day’s adventure racing in 4x4s across the steep desert dunes. Try your hand at sandskiing or sandboarding down the pristine golden slopes, or head out for some wadi bashing – exploring the wadis (or dry river beds) that flow after rains from the Hajar Mountains creating deep pools, winding streams and other unique water features.

Alternatively, you could take the chance to brush up on your skiing at Dubai’s first indoor ski slope in the desert – Ski Dubai. It is the world’s third largest indoor slope, measuring 400 metres and using 6,000 tons of real snow (www.skidxb.com).

By the end of your day you will certainly have worked up an appetite, and where better to celebrate Father’s Day than in one of the many world renowned restaurants in the emirate. There are over 100 different types of cuisine within Dubai, ranging from modern French to traditional Arabian, sophisticated sushi and everything in between. Not to mention the number of famous chefs who have established a presence in Dubai, including Gordon Ramsay (www.gordonramsay.com/dubai), Mourad Mazouz and Gary Robinson, former personal chef to Prince Charles (www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com).

Dubai is a luxurious five star destination offering year-round sunshine, stunning beaches and stylish shopping malls, but it is also fast becoming the number one spa destination. If relaxation is the order of the day, a massage may be just what the doctor ordered. With men now constituting 25 per cent of spa visitors, the emirate has a new trend of men-only spas, including Jumeirah’s ‘H2O’ spa at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel (www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com), and ‘1847’ at the Grosvenor House (www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com).

While the dad’s are busy there is plenty for mums and kids to do too. From shopping to spas, and culture to cuisine there is something for every mum. Dubai also boasts water parks such as Wild Wadi, theme parks offering some of the world’s most exciting rides, and there is also Children’s City – aimed at educating children in a fun and informative way (www.childrencity.ae).

Dubai is the ultimate destination for luxury and diversity, offering a fun filled treat for all the family on Father’s Day.

For further information about Dubai, contact Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing on +44 (0) 20 7839 0580, email: [email protected] or visit www.dubaitourism.ae