We always have this urge to have a sense of belongingness (and togetherness) especially when you live far from your home country. Every year we make it a point that we have this small gathering. Actually, we would like to hold it yearly so at least there's something to look forward. Distance is no hindrance for someone who ought to have fun on the beach/pool/water themepark. Some of our colleagues are from Dubai but everytime we call on them (not work-related), they will be in the location in a heartbeat.
Being in the land of camels and deserts (and dates), I thought (ignorant as I am) that the beaches in UAE are all man-made. Thus refrain me from actually swimming in a beach (even if I'm beach-lover) coz big body of water (sea) + man-made don't sit well with me. But I was proven wrong. The Middle East has compensated these with various water theme parks- and not just ordinary theme-parks and a place of haven in some of their nice beaches as well. They are something worth going to...
FIRST STOP
WILD WADI (Dubai,UAE)
Location: Along Jumeirah Beach Road, just next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab hotel
Fee: AED160 for adults and AED 125 for children (should be under 1.1 meters tall to get the child rate). A group discount can also be availed with at least 10 members.
Timings: 11:00 am to between 6:00 and 9:00 PM (depending on the season esp during Ramadan which normally falls between September and October)
Contacts: Tel: +971-4-348 4444 Email: info@wildwadi.com
Everybody is excited to take a look at Wild Wadi. Upon reaching Wild Wadi, we cannot help but notice the statuesque Burj Al Arab hotel. So all we did was snap pics and more pics of the 7-star hotel. Aladdin characters welcomed all of us and an excited bunch was in for a surprise.
Wild Wadi covers 12 acres of promised fun-filled land that comprises of approximately 30 different rides and slides. This water park has been designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis) and the rides and attractions are interconnected.
Once you enter the park, you will be strapped with a bracelet pass. You can access all the water rides. You can also use rubber rings, lifejackets and body boards (free of charge).
Wild Wadi caters to all ages and is safe. There are almost a 100 lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe. 
MUST HAVEs:
- Swimsuit (Do not wear cotton shirts/shorts as they will not allow you to go on the 33m high slide)
- Sunblock (Apply if you do not want to be fried by the unfriendly sun in UAE)
- Money (for snacks and drinks. They do not allow food to be brought inside. You have to buy from Wild Wadi shops)
- Wild Wadi Map
- DigiCamera (never leave home without it)
MUST TRY RIDES:
1. 33 metre high Jumeirah Sceirah
This is not for the faint of heart, I tell you. While on my way up, I have to psyche myself that I can do it. If you have the guts and (a few tequila shots)... GO GO GO!!!
2. Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine
Good for a group ride (of 5). This is a fun experience too. From various slopes, up and downhills, this ride is thrilling too with dark tunnels and a big splash at the end of the ride.
3. Juha's Journey
If you want to relax after the fun-thrilling rides, go for this lazy river ride
4. Breakers Bay
The largest wave pool in the Middle East. FUN FUN FUN!!!
This is not for the faint of heart, I tell you. While on my way up, I have to psyche myself that I can do it. If you have the guts and (a few tequila shots)... GO GO GO!!!
2. Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine
Good for a group ride (of 5). This is a fun experience too. From various slopes, up and downhills, this ride is thrilling too with dark tunnels and a big splash at the end of the ride.
3. Juha's Journey
If you want to relax after the fun-thrilling rides, go for this lazy river ride
4. Breakers Bay
The largest wave pool in the Middle East. FUN FUN FUN!!!
Other attractions are the Flowriders (surfin') , Wadi Wash, one thing you shouldn't miss and Flood River.
SECOND STOP
Lulu Island
The most desired location in Abu Dhabi especially during summertime. It won't cost you an arm and a leg!
HOW TO GET THERE:
1. Tell your cab driver to go to the highest flagpole in UAE (near Marina Mall)
2. Walk to the entrance of the boatride going to Lulu.
3. Queue for boatride. Expect a long line (especially if you come in late, say 10AM)
4. After the 10-minute boatride, pay AED15 for your coaster ticket. The coaster will lead you to a private place near the breakwater.
5. Search for a nice place
UPs
1. The coast is just perfect for grilling
2. The water is right (but I think it's too salty for my standards)... not that i drink sea water, I just cannot open my eyes under the sea.
3. Gazebos
DOWNs
1. No working shower rooms (if there is, it's quite far... so I suggest go for a Gazebo near the showers/shower rooms)
2. Showers are very scarce (that's why we just dry up under the heat of the sun and just take a shower afterwards, once we reach the city)
3. Trip to Jerusalem (yup, first come first serve basis especially with the chairs)
NOVEMBER 2007
OCTOBER 2008
REMEMBER
No fishin'
Pick up your litter and throw it to the trashbins which are found in the beach
No alcohols (please, if you do not want to get caught)
No PDA (not public display of annoyance...be sure that you still behave bec there are coastguards roaming around)
Lulu Island is good place to just relax and be one with nature again (which I really really miss). It's not everyday you get to find an area for solitude or somewhere you can relax by the beach.
THIRD STOP
Lost Paradise of Dilmun (Bahrain)
Located at Al Areen, near the Bahrain International Circuit, Kingdom of Bahrain • Tel: +973 17845100
Entry Fee: Over 1.2m BD12 / Under 1.2m BD8
Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Drawing its theme from the ancient Dilmun civilisation - a time of abundant water, springs and shallow wells - the park is divided into six zones and features 14 slides, pools and fountains, in addition to themed food and drink outlets."
The time that we went there, there were only a handful of visitors, which gave us the freedom to ride as many times as we want without standing in long queues. The place was ours! Woohoo!
Though it's really far from the city, around an hour drive, the place was all worth it to go to. A memorable and a sure-fun experience!
Well, not bad for a country who have thrived in the desert for years. Their theme-parks are the world's best and it only goes to show that NOTHING IS POSSIBLE if there is passion and desire to achieve the impossible.
And there are lot more to watch out for.
We will soon head to Atlantis, another theme-park in Dubai. And they said that it is far better than any of these... We'll see.... wait for my next post...
