Dubai Attractions

Meydan today announced that international artistes Elton John and Santana will be performing ‘live’ at the 2010 Dubai World Cup on March 27. The 15th running of the Dubai World Cup also marks the official launch of the world’s largest integrated racing facility, the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse.

Mohammad A Nasser Al Khayat, Commercial Director of Meydan speaks of the worldwide significance that March 27 will represent: “It is fitting that we have 2 legendary performers, Elton John and Santana, closing the 15th Dubai World Cup here at Meydan. They are iconic, inimitable and extremely dynamic entertainers. Not only will we see, what I am sure will be amazing world-class horseracing action throughout the evening, but we will also showcase an opening ceremony which will not only astound and touch the hearts of the people who will be there to witness a historical moment as we officially launch Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. The concert will serve as a wonderful way to cap off an unforgettable night for all our guests, partners and the people around the world.”

Frank Gabriel Jr, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club added: “We have world-class horses, jockeys and trainers on one of the world’s most anticipated race days with US$26m in prize money at stake over 8 races. Add to that an amazing facility like Meydan, and with both Elton John and Santana to close the 15th Dubai World Cup and Meydan’s official launch – this will be the event of the year. I think our horsemen, guests and partners will be in for a spectacular treat and this will undoubtedly be a night to remember for a long time to come.”

The dual headliner concert is expected to commence after the last race at approximately 10.45 pm. Gates at Meydan Racecourse will open from 2pm for the races. Dubai World Cup Apron Views tickets start from AED 350, and exclusive Dubai World Cup Golden Circle tickets for up close access to the concert arena start at AED 600.

Tickets are available from 8 March, Monday, from Virgin Megastore, Box Office and Time Out.

For Virgin, please visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com.
For Box Office, please visit www.boxofficeme.com, or call +971 4 367 6699.
For Time Out, please visit www.timeouttickets.com, or call 800 4669.

For more information, please visit the Dubai Racing Club website at www.dubairacingclub.com.

The Meydan Hotel will also cater for guests, private functions and advance bookings may be made at www.themeydan.com . Hospitality and room reservations for the 2010 Dubai World Cup are expected to sell out quickly, therefore patrons are encouraged to confirm their reservations promptly to avoid disappointment.

For more information on Elton John, please visit his official website at www.eltonjohn.com
For more information on Carlos Santana, please visit his official website at www.santana.com

This HD video shows a trip on the Dubai Metro Red Line. It was shot on September 10th 2009, the first day the Metro was open to the public.

Things to look out for include:

• The train arriving at Rashidiya Metro Station from the depot (0:07)
• Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Metro Station (1:35)
• Going past the Deira City Centre shopping mall before going underground (3:10)
• Dubai World Trade Centre (4:30)
• Trade Centre Metro Station (4:59) – not open yet
• Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel (5:20)
• The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai Mall, and Burj Dubai (5:43)

The video was shot on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera.

This video shows some of the adrenaline rides and motion simulators at SEGA Republic in the Dubai Mall.

Rides featured are:

• Initial D4 (0:10)
• Let’s Go Jungle! Special (0:18)
• Wild Jungle (0:36)
• Sonic Hopper (0:41)
• Half-pipe Canyon (0:46)

This video shows some of the rides at SEGA Republic, an indoor theme park at the Dubai Mall. It was shot on the opening day, August 21 2009.

Rides shown include:

• Sonic Hopper (0:24)
• Half-pipe Canyon (0:27)
• Storm-G (3:15)
• Spin Gear (4:27)

A preview publication for Cityscape Dubai contains an interesting interview with the one of the key players behind the City of Arabia project in Dubai.

Alex Vacha, Deputy Director for Projects, stated the following concerning the state of the development:

• Mall of Arabia – Piling works are now complete. 89 percent of the gross leasable area of phase one of the mall is leased and committed.
• Wadi Walk – Shoring works and bulk excavation complete.
• Elite Towers – Construction work on Wadi Tower, I&M Tower, and Metro Tower has begun.
• Restless Planet – 70 of the 110 animatronic dinosaurs being made in Japan by Kokoro are finished.
• Completion – The project will have a phased opening, commencing at the end of 2010.

The City of Arabia is a mixed-use development at Dubailand. Key components are:

• Mall of Arabia – Expected to be the world’s largest shopping mall once complete.
• Restless Planet – Theme park, earth science museum, and planetarium.
• Wadi Walk – Waterway lined with apartments, cafes, and shops.
• Elite Towers – 34 commercial and residential towers.

When the developers, the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group announced the project in 2005, they claimed the Mall of Arabia and other components would be finished by 2008.

City of Arabia Dubai

Wadi Walk at the City of Arabia, Dubailand

Dolphin Bay is a facility at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah that offers guests and visitors the chance to swim and interact with dolphins.

A 4.5 hectare network of saltwater lagoons is home to over 20 bottlenose dolphins.

Several programmes are offered:

Shallow Water Interaction – Guests enjoy an intimate encounter with one of the dolphins, including playing and feeding. The interaction lasts approximately 90 minutes, including the induction talk, and is limited to 10 guests per dolphin. Prices are currently AED 625 for Atlantis guests and AED 790 for day visitors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Deep Water Interaction – Journey to the depths of the lagoon with one of the dolphins. Prices for the Dolphin Bay Deep Water Interaction are currently AED 810 for guests of Atlantis and AED 975 for visitors. Participants must be 12 years old and 1.35 metres tall.

Observer Pass – Observers can watch family and friends participating in one of interaction programmes. The price is currently AED 100 for hotel guests and AED 300 for visitors.

All prices include wetsuits, towels, soft drinks, and complimentary admission to the Aquaventure water park.

Here’s a video:

This video shows the Robo Coaster, a ride at the Magic Planet indoor amusement arcade at the Mall of the Emirates.

High definition video of the Dubai Ice Rink, located at the Dubai Mall.

This video shows some of the features at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

These include the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel, a 270 degree glass walkthrough tunnel, and 33,000 aquatic animals including 400 sharks and rays.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is at the Dubai Mall, Downtown Burj Dubai.

This video shows the Shark Dive Experience offered at the Dubai Aquarium.

The experience is open to both certified and non-certified divers and is run by Al Boom Diving. Three dives are offered every day. Prices are currently AED 625 for certified divers and AED 825 for non-certified divers.

The Dubai Aquarium is located at Emaar’s Dubai Mall, in Downtown Burj Dubai.

For more information about the Shark Diving Experience call +971 4 342 2993.