From left to right: Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, XLine Dubai, The Green Planet. EPA; Nicole Hill / The National; XLine Dubai Marina Dubai; Chris Whiteoak / The National
From left to right: Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, XLine Dubai, The Green Planet. EPA; Nicole Hill / The National; XLine Dubai Marina Dubai; Chris Whiteoak / The National
From left to right: Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, XLine Dubai, The Green Planet. EPA; Nicole Hill / The National; XLine Dubai Marina Dubai; Chris Whiteoak / The National
From left to right: Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, XLine Dubai, The Green Planet. EPA; Nicole Hill / The National; XLine Dubai Marina Dubai; Chris Whiteoak / The National

From museums to the Frame: 11 Dubai attractions that have reopened to the public


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Beaches, parks, cinemas, restaurants and shopping malls have all begun to reopen in Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While, in many places, children under the age of 12 and those over 60 are not permitted, here's a list of the more family-friendly entertainment facilities that are also now open to the public.

The Green Planet

As of Monday, June 1, Dubai's famous indoor rainforest has opened to nature and animal lovers between the ages of 12 and 60. With that, it has also introduced a couple of new "wildlife" experiences, including Zookeepers for the Day and VIP tours, which latter of which costs an extra Dh160 on top of general admission (Dh120 at the gate or Dh110 online).

The former, which costs Dh390, allows people to explore what it's like to be a Green Planet biologist for a day. You can do it in groups of up to six people, and it includes a three-hour guided tour of the facility, animal feeding and behind-the-scenes experiences of caring for the critters.

The biodome is home to more than 3,000 exotic plants and animals, including sloths, piranhas and even a few creepy crawlies in The Australian Walkabout section.

Take a look through the pictures below at some of the birds you might spot there:

There are a number of measures in place to keep visitors safe, including self-scanning tickets, social-distancing enforcement, an hourly disinfection programme that covers all touchpoints, as well as a daily deep cleaning.

All guests must wear face masks and have their temperature checked and feet cleaned before entering. Communal areas will operate at a lower capacity than usual.

www.thegreenplanet.com

XLine Dubai Marina

The world's longest urban zip line reopened on Wednesday, June 3. It will operate four days per week, from Wednesday to Saturday, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm each day and there's a special summer offer of Dh399 per person (almost half the regular price, which is Dh650) or Dh699 per tandem (normally Dh1,200).

Strict health and safety measures have been put in place. Firstly, you'll need to wear a mask and gloves throughout the entire experience. It will also be running at a limited capacity, with a maximum of four customers in each time slot, and you will only be able to pay via credit card (in person or online).

Both staff and customers will also be subject to a mandatory temperature check prior to the experience, and there will be a focus on deep cleaning and sanitisation.

Children under the age of 12 and those over 60 are not allowed.

xline.xdubai.com

Ski Dubai

The indoor ski slopes at Mall of the Emirates reopened on Wednesday, May 27.

Prices start from Dh210 for two hours on the slopes, or you can avail the summer pass, which costs Dh250 for unlimited access to the snow park, rides, chair lift and Mountain Thriller, plus one of the following: Snow Bullet ride, penguin encounter, ski or snowboard lesson, or slope session.

Majid Al Futtaim operates Ski Dubai and a number of entertainment venues across the city that are now open, including Dreamscape, Vox Cinemas and Magic Planet. The company is using fogging machines at all of its venues to ensure the disinfection of large areas, while all surfaces within the venues are sanitised after every guest interaction, with particular attention paid to countertops and payment terminals.

All guests are encouraged to pre-book tickets to limit the need for any queues, and contactless payment is encouraged where possible. Both staff and guests are required to wear masks as per the government’s guidelines, and temperature checks are carried out upon arrival.

www.skidxb.com

Al Shindagha Museum, Etihad Museum and the Coins Museum

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority announced Dubai museums will reopen in a phased manner from Monday, June 1.

These three museums were part of the initial reopening phase. Al Shindagha Museum and Etihad Museum are now both operating between the hours of 10am and 5pm daily, while the Coins Museum in Al Fahidi Historical District is open from 8am to 2pm, Sunday to Thursday.

This is the Perfume House at Al Shindagha:

There are a number of protocols in place to ensure the safety of visitors. The sites have a visitor capacity of 50 per cent and anyone under the age of 12 and over 60 are not permitted.

Groups of no more than five people are allowed, while events and celebrations of any type are prohibited on-site.

Routine sterilisation is taking place and all guests are asked to maintain a distance of two metres from other people. Everyone has their temperature checked before entering, and staff members and visitors are required to wear face masks at all times while on the museums’ premises. Designated isolation areas have been earmarked for anyone who is suspected of having Covid-19.

While ticket offices are operational, Dubai Culture urges visitors to use their Nol cards or credit cards to buy entry, to avoid any handling of cash or paper tickets. Tickets can be bought online via the At The Top, Burj Khalifa ticketing portal.

www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Dubai Frame

On Friday, May 29, as beaches and parks reopened, so too did one of the city's most famous attractions: the Dubai Frame.

Its current operating hours are 12.30pm to 7.30pm, although children under the age of 12 and people over 60 are not allowed to visit.

The Dubai Frame was named the largest building in a shape of a picture frame on May 9, 2019
The Dubai Frame was named the largest building in a shape of a picture frame on May 9, 2019

Safety measures in place include temperature checks for guests on arrival, hand sanitisers and biological waste bins situated at various points around the attraction, limited visitor capacity and social distancing of two metres between people. Staff and guests are also required to wear masks at all times.

www.dubaiframe.ae

Burj Khalifa's At the Top

The observation deck in the world's tallest tower reopened to the public on Wednesday, May 27.

To monitor the number of visitors, there is only one ticket type available, the Dh99 admission option, which allows guests access to the 124th and 125th floors.

Visitors can book tickets online and at counters, which are also open, at The Dubai Mall. Guests are expected to wear face masks and follow Dubai municipality's social distancing regulations.

www.burjkhalifa.ae

XDubai Skatepark

Dubai's popular skatepark reopened to the public ahead of the Eid break.

The park, located close to Kite Beach, features a range of ledges, rails, ramps, banks and blocks, as well as the XBowl, where skaters can practise tricks.

It is offering three months of unlimited access for Dh399 or regular tickets cost Dh45 per session for one user and one spectator.

There are three "sessions", with the park open from 8am to 11.30am, from 3pm to 6.30pm and 7pm to 9pm.

The park is adhering to strict social-distancing measures to ensure all users are safe and protected. Entry is limited to 100 people at any one time and face masks must be worn at all times. There will also be temperature checks upon arrival.

The attraction, which welcomes guests of all abilities, offers the rental of skateboards and scooters, although for the moment it will only be accepting card payments, no cash.

www.xdubai.com

Quranic Park

The world's first Quran-inspired park reopened to the public in time to mark Eid Al Fitr. Now guests are able to once again visit more than 60 hectares of green space dedicated to the teachings of the holy book.

The park in pictures:

Visitors must adhere to social distancing protocols. This means groups of people should not exceed more than five, and everyone should wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Mall attraction, one of the world's largest aquariums, opened on Wednesday, May 27, with a number of safety measures in place.

This includes temperature checks on arrival, regular disinfections, enforced social distancing and hand sanitiser stations dotted throughout the underwater zoo.

It's currently open from noon until 10pm. The tunnel experience costs Dh35 and full aquarium and zoo experience costs Dh75. Reel Cinemas ticketholders will receive 50 per cent off tickets.

Visitors should book online in advance. Children under 12 and people over the age of 60 are not allowed in.

www.thedubaiaquarium.com

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Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.

Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this  book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.

Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

Based: Jordan

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Initial investment: Close to $100,000

Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors

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Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

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Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

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Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales

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Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez

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ZIMBABWE V UAE, ODI SERIES

All matches at the Harare Sports Club:

1st ODI, Wednesday - Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets

2nd ODI, Friday, April 12

3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14

4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16

UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed

MAIN CARD

Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari

Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam

Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni

Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka

Married Malala

Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.

The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.

Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.

On the menu

First course

▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water  

▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle

Second course

▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo

▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa

Third course

▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro

▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis

Dessert

▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate

▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
 

AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Tim Paine (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Results:

6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

7.40pm: Handicap (T) $145,000 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes

8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) $200,000 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) $200,000 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (T) $175,000 1,400m​​​ | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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England v South Africa schedule:

  • First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
  • Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
  • Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
  • Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
Draw:

Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

FIGHT CARD

Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)

Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)

Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)

Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)

Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)

Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)

Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)

Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)

Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)

Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)

Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets