Dubai Delights

ONE of the fastest growing cities in the world, Dubai has also been a delight for tourists for its modern amenities. Two among them are the Dhow Dinner Cruise and the Wonder Bus that runs both on land and water.

The dhow is the traditional boat made out of wood. In the olden days Arabs, who were mostly fishermen and pearl divers, used to build strong wooden boats for their business.The tourism industry in Dubai has now made a tourist attraction out of the dhows and offers a regular tour every evening called the Dhow Dinner Cruise. The traditional boat is beautifully decorated and takes you through the Dubai creek. You have the option of being picked up at your hotel or house or showing up at the site of the cruise. Most dhow cruises start from the Deira side of Dubai although there are some that start their journey from the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai creek. We were picked up from our hotel by our travel agent. There were many Indian families on the cruise that day — some newly married on their honeymoon, some with children and one old couple from South India. As the cruise sails along the Dubai creek you can see the major Dubai landmarks. During the cruise you can enjoy the spectacular modern architecture and the fascinating old city. You will see the past and present architecture of the area which is brought to its full beauty during this time, including the National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed’s Al Maktoum House, which is now a national monument and the Heritage Village. We were spellbound by the beauty of Dubai as the dhow sailed silently across the Dubai creek under the moonlit sky. This unforgettable romantic evening cruise includes a buffet dinner with a variety of dishes, either continental or oriental cuisine and vegetarian and nonvegetarian, along with mineral water, juices, soft drinks and traditional coffee. Alcohol is also available against extra payment. Luckily we had our seats at the deck but even if you don’t have your seats there, you may come and enjoy the fresh air and see Dubai’s lights and sights as the cruise sails along the Dubai creek. With an elegant and unique setting, best food and exceptional service, with through glittering lights and colours reflected on the water, it sure will be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. This memorable and romantic trip lasts nearly three hours. Be it newly married couples or couples who have been married for years, this trip has the perfect setting to fall in love again. The ride creates such a romantic atmosphere that you would wish it goes on and on, so that you can spend more time with your loved one.

We were also lucky to have the experience of the extraordinary Wonder Bus. With unparalleled excitement, you are transported from land to sea, while sitting on the same seat. Wonder Bus is fully air-conditioned, having bathroom, sound system, TV and DVD player, etc. Having a seating capacity of 44 people, it’s the first in the Middle
East and second in Asia after Japan (Osaka). This amazing amphibious bus has been manufactured by CAMI of USA and costs 3.5 million dirhams (around Rs 4.20 crore). Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International (CAMI) was founded in 1999 by John and Julie Giliam who live in South Carolina.They started in the amphibious business
with an operation on Hilton Head Island. They owned Cool Stuff Tours for years. The Giljam’s ran with an old LARC V built in 1963 for the Vietnam War. After running with that cantankerous vehicle, John decided a new vehicle was needed. So he designed and built the Hydra-Terra, which is fully patented. They are being sold for both tourism and search/rescue capacity. The vehicles are being used not only throughout the United States of America, but in other countries as well. They have revolutionized the automobile industry with this invention. This bus is impossible to sink in water and is capable of operating in high winds, rains and flood. It can drive into an area of heavy flooding and sail through it. Thus it optimizes the option available to search and rescue operation. The driver’s cockpit that places the driver in the centre of the vehicle provides more and proper visibility and outward appearance. The bus is designed in bow shape so that it can cut through the water. The bus requires servicing every 3-4 days because of the water but it’s mainly mechanical maintenance. The yellow-blue colour bus where we took the tour was made for Wonder Bus Tours of Dubai by the company. They organize two trips a day of two hours each; which cover both land and
water. But there are three trips on official holidays and other exceptions on school and chartered trips. You should book your seats in advance as there is huge demand for the tour. Also you must arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The bus departs
from the Burjuman Mall and pass by Sheikh Khalifa Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Zabeel Park, Wafi City Centre, Grand Hyatt, Wonderland, Al Boom Village, Garhoud Bridge, Creek Side Park, Deira Gold and Spice Souk and a tour within the creek. Your journey back will include a trip along the Dubai Courts, Al Maktoum Bridge, Sheikh Maryam Palace and back to Burjuman Centre via the Seef Road beside British Embassy and
Sheikh Khalifa Road. The Wonder Bus cruises Dubai creek in the most beautiful trip you ever dreamed of. In this trip you'll see the beautiful architectures and the historic buildings on the both shores of the creek. And as you travel on the road, the modern skyscrapers lined along the horizon will bewilder you. Each passenger on the bus has access to their personal life jacket and they will also find fire extinguishers in it. One can avail the much-needed help in case of an emergency that is provided by the crew members and the tourist guides. Our tour guide who could speak Arabic, English and French gave special attention to every details of the event, explaining and showing the
important landmarks of Dubai as we travelled, holding quiz and giving prizes,
thus assuring satisfaction and a fun time on board the Wonder Bus.

(This article was published in the Horizon section of the newspaper Assam Tribune)