Educational Trip To UAE For International Schools

The graceful structure of the Burj al Arab – Tower of the Arabs – is instantly recognisable, its shape mimicking the sail of a ship. At 321, it is the fourth-tallest hotel in the world, and is set on an artificial island out from Jumeirah beach. It offers ‘seven star’ luxury, with a fleet of white Rolls-Royces on the forecourt and dancing fountains in the foyer.

It may be hot outside, but that doesn’t rule out skiing in Dubai. This large indoor ski resort at the Mall of the Emirates uses 6,000 tons of snow and features five runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient. The longest run being 400m with a fall of over 60m. Snowboarders can practice their stunts in the Freestyle Zone.

This beautiful mosque is a much-photographed landmark, especially when lit up against an evening sky It’s the only Dubai mosque to open its doors to non-Muslims, and visitors here can sweep aside the veil of Islam to witness the real face of the country’s religion.

Tip: Most unusually, photography inside the mosque is allowed, so it’s worth packing a camera.

This 4.5 hectare lush tropical setting is modelled carefully on dolphins’ natural habitat. There are three vast lagoons where students can meet the dolphins through a choice of interactions. From holding hands to playing ball, or just observing them at play.

Tip: Dolphin Bay passes include same day access to Aquaventure Waterpark and the hotel’s private beach.

A visit here will excite gaming fans, or those seeking an adrenaline buzz. A large, indoor theme park at The Dubai Mall, it features nine thrilling rides and more than more than 250 games, including cutting-edge motion simulators and virtual experiences. Students can rock out at the Guitar Hero arcade or try the terrifying House of the Dead 4.

Marvel at Dubai’s greatest construction project – manmade archipelagos, created using rock blasted from nearby mountains and sand dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf. They will increase Dubai’s shoreline by several hundred miles, and provide space for luxury apartments. Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a giant palm tree and can be seen from space.

Take your group on a fascinating visit to the pioneering high-tech eco-project, Masdar City. Set 17km outside the city of Adu Dhabi, the planned city will be car free, relying entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zero-waste ecology.

Tip: Find out more at the interactive kiosks in the Masdar Institute Campus.

The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa stands at 828m – seven times the height of Big Ben. Take the high-speed lift to the Observation Deck ‘At the Top’ on the 124th floor, where you can easily spot The World, the three Palm developments and other Dubai landmarks.

Tip: Up to 13,000 workers built Burj Khalifa, at times putting up a new floor in just three days.

The Third Line represents contemporary Middle Eastern artists including Lamya Gargash, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, and Huda Lufti. It hosts non-profit programs to increase interest and dialogue in the region. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the area by examining the works here. The Third Line also publishes books by Middle Eastern artists.

Established in 2003, XVA is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specialises in contemporary art from the Arab world and Iran. Its exhibition programme includes works by emerging, mid-career and established artists who are responding to their local environments in thoughtful and provocative ways. It is set in Dubai’s DIFC Gate Village. Photo © Bettyx1138.