Tag Archives: Family Fun

Al-Qasba – Sharjah’s Hidden Gem

Food, , , , ,

From a distance far away, I could see the giant Eye of the Emirates wheel turning. Behind the Eye of the Emirates wheel, I could see the Al Qasba buildings glittering in the dark. There was a water canal splitting the Al Qasba buildings in two parts. As I approached the Al Qasba area on my bicycle, I passed through floodlight lit small soccer field where young kids where enthusiastically playing soccer. This soccer field was one of several attractions all nestled around the Al Qasba area of Sharjah.

IMG_1980Al Qasba is a short drive from Dubai and is located between Al Khan lagoon and Buhaira Corniche area of Sharjah. Al Qasba is a great place to have some family fun and hangout with friends. Obviously, the star attraction of Al Qasba is the Eye of the Emirates wheel, but there are lot of other rides where not just kids but also adults can have a blast. Do you want to see the water dance? Then come to Al Qasba musical fountains and enjoy these spectacular shows. Besides, one can simply come to Al Qasba to enjoy wonderful atmosphere and great architecture.

IMG_1983There are couple of options as far as boat rides are concerned. One option is to hop on board on the traditional “abra” boat for tour around Al Khan lagoon and Al Qasba. The other option is to rent water karts. Yes these are indeed eco friendly water karts which are not only silent when operating but also produce zero emissions. Did I mention, they also glow in the dark!

IMG_1977Al Qasba is full of nice restaurants and coffee shops where everyone can have good quality time with the family and friends. These restaurants serve mouth watering food along the Al Qasba walk overlooking the water canal and Eye of the Emirates wheel. For seafood lovers’ there is Fish Corner that serve fresh seafood dishes daily in a nice casual atmosphere. If you feel like eating italian then there is Stefano’s where they serve classic home style italian dishes. Nando’s is another crowd favorite that serves up Portuguese flame roasted chicken.  Other restaurants include Shababeek, a Lebanese eatery as well as Grand Abu Shakra, that serve authentic Egyptian cuisine just to name a few.

IMG_1974Al Qasba offers something for everyone. The Qasba water canal connects Al Khan lagoon to Buhaira Corniche. One can experience some breathtaking views of Buhaira Corniche and greater Sharjah by simply walking along the Qasba water canal to the other side. So next time, head on out to Al Qasba with both family and friends to have a fantastic time.

IMG_1975

Dubai Beaches Are Full Of Pleasant Surprises!

Beaches, , , , , , ,

One, two, three, four, five, the count went on till 15 and one set of crunches was complete. The young man got up and now it was his friends turn to do the crunches.  There were no professional exercise machines lined up here nor there was any music playing to keep them entertained or videos of champion body builders playing on the wall.

IMG_1763This was Al-Mamzar beach where Dubai municipality had done a marvelous job to put these outdoors workout equipment for the public to get in shape and yes get those “six pack abs” just in time for summer.

IMG_1767The cool part about these exercise equipment is that there are even instructions both in English and Arabic that shows different exercise positions and postures for all the novices to learn and do.

IMG_1760But wait a minute, there is more to it to these calm and pristine beaches than just workout benches. There are separate jogging and bicycle tracks that run along the beaches for several kilometers and as far as the eye can see. So now everyone has run out of excuses of being a “couch potato” and being glued to their favorite TV show or updating their status on FaceBook. It is time get off that couch and hit the great Outdoors!

IMG_1786Swimming is the best exercise to get in shape and get an awesome workout for entire body therefore all the Dubai beaches and especially Al-Mamzar beach is exactly where you can do that. The calm waters of these beaches make it great place to enjoy swimming and beat the summer heat at the same time.

IMG_1775After one is done with swimming, there are shower facilities conveniently located as well as clean restrooms with full time cleaning staff. Wow, Dubai has taken hygiene and cleanliness to a whole new level!

IMG_1752While riding my bike, I stumbled upon a sign that read, “Beach Access for Disabled”. This is  very cool as to how Dubai Municipality had taken measures  to ensure that everyone has access to it’s beautiful beaches. Hats off to the authorities of getting this done.

IMG_1772 So if your tired of sitting as well as hanging around your apartment or even visiting the shopping malls for the matter, you would love coming to Dubai beaches and especially Al-Mamzar Beach, Dubai. The access to these beaches is absolutely free and the amenities provided there are without a doubt world class. The time spent at these beaches would be fun, adventurous and exciting for the entire family.

IMG_1793Oh yeah did we mention, don’t forget to take ride in the boat while you are there!