DUBAI // It is a city with numerous attractions to entertain visitors, but some tourists are seeking a view of Dubai unlike any other. Tourist operators traditionally take visitors to a city's finest locations. Dubai is no different, but many of its most startling sites, are populated by construction workers manning excavators, nail guns and concrete mixers.
Soaring above the sky at 1,500ft in a light aeroplane, a seaplane tour gives tourists a rare bird's-eye view of Dubai's rapidly changing construction landscapes taking in some of the most iconic buildings and some of the emirate's most eagerly awaited projects. On a 40-minute aerial journey over the city, visitors see thousands of crane and dozens of large industrial sites, that when completed, will be the face of future Dubai.
Among the fledgling landmarks are Burj Dubai, Dubai Sports City and Nakheel's ambitious offshore projects, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and The World. Passengers aboard the Cessna 208 Caravan Amphibian seaplane are able to see for themselves the progress of some of Dubai's key residential, commercial and tourist developments. The operator of one flight company, Jason Silvy, Seawings' commercial manager, said property companies often booked the flight to show clients and prospective buyers how their off-plan real estate developments were taking shape.
"We also get companies taking the trip to carry out aerial surveys," said Mr Silvy. "It offers that bird's-eye view you just can't get any other way. What better way to see in detail what's going on with Dubai's famous master developments and buildings. Click on the attached links to view some of the developments. @Email:arichardson@thenational.ae
