Dubai's Museum of the Future opened this week and went straight to the top of Sophie Prideaux's UAE bucket list. EPA
Dubai's Museum of the Future opened this week and went straight to the top of Sophie Prideaux's UAE bucket list. EPA
Dubai's Museum of the Future opened this week and went straight to the top of Sophie Prideaux's UAE bucket list. EPA
Dubai's Museum of the Future opened this week and went straight to the top of Sophie Prideaux's UAE bucket list. EPA

Weekend

Will I ever complete my never-ending UAE bucket list?

With exciting new openings happening across the UAE every week, it's almost impossible to keep up - but what a great problem to have

Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux

February 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Right when I think I have got my UAE bucket list under control, up crop another 10 things. Next thing I know, I am rearranging plans, messaging friends and wondering how on Earth I am going to fit it all in.

It’s been three and a half years since I first stepped foot on UAE soil and my list keeps growing.

It started off how most do — a visit to the desert, a dhow ride across Dubai creek, a lift to the top of Burj Khalifa, a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I made steady progress, confident — cocky, even — that I was making the most of everything the UAE has to offer.

Sophie Prideaux visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Sophie Prideaux

But that’s the thing about the UAE: its offerings only ever grow.

In the past week alone, my bucket list has gained three things.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the region’s longest toboggan ride — the Jais Sledder — has opened, winding through the Hajar Mountains, offering riders scenic views as they go.

Then there’s Sharjah Safari Park, which has been seven years in the making. Home to more than 1,000 animals, including the rare black rhino, the park has 12 different environments and covers a space of eight square kilometres.

Sharjah Safari covers an area of eight square kilometres. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Sharjah Safari covers an area of eight square kilometres. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The official opening of the Sharjah Safari Park took place on Thursday, February 17.
The official opening of the Sharjah Safari Park took place on Thursday, February 17.
Sharjah Safari Park is said to be the largest safari in the world outside Africa.
Sharjah Safari Park is said to be the largest safari in the world outside Africa.
It is located in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
It is located in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which is the black rhinoceros.
Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which is the black rhinoceros.
Visitors can meet Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi's parents arrived in Sharjah from South Africa in May 2017.
Visitors can meet Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi's parents arrived in Sharjah from South Africa in May 2017.
Visitors experience the safari through 12 themed 'environments', each representing a region in Africa.
Visitors experience the safari through 12 themed 'environments', each representing a region in Africa.
More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, have been planted across the site.
More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, have been planted across the site.
Another highlight is Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino born in Sharjah Safari in August 2021.
Another highlight is Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino born in Sharjah Safari in August 2021.
Tickets start from Dh15 for children aged 3 to 12, and Dh40 for over 12s.
Tickets start from Dh15 for children aged 3 to 12, and Dh40 for over 12s.
Sharjah Safari will be open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm.
Sharjah Safari will be open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm.
Sharjah Safari is located within Al Bridi Nature Reserve, created by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
Sharjah Safari is located within Al Bridi Nature Reserve, created by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
Al Bridi reserve is located in the oasis town of Al Dhaid, about 49 kilometres from the city of Sharjah.
Al Bridi reserve is located in the oasis town of Al Dhaid, about 49 kilometres from the city of Sharjah.
Visitors show up on opening day.
Visitors show up on opening day.
Sharjah Safari is a new major tourist attraction in the emirate.
Sharjah Safari is a new major tourist attraction in the emirate.
Last entry is 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and 4pm for those with Bronze tickets.
Last entry is 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and 4pm for those with Bronze tickets.
Indigenous creatures make their home in Sharjah Safari.
Indigenous creatures make their home in Sharjah Safari.
Giraffes also reside here.
Giraffes also reside here.
On opening day, visitors to Sharjah Safari were able to see more than 1,000 animals and birds, including 70 species that are native to Africa.
On opening day, visitors to Sharjah Safari were able to see more than 1,000 animals and birds, including 70 species that are native to Africa.
Initially scheduled to open in late 2021, the launch of the UAE's latest attraction was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Initially scheduled to open in late 2021, the launch of the UAE's latest attraction was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Animals settle into their new habitats.
Animals settle into their new habitats.
Sharjah Safari's logo is a celebration of the animal kingdom. Photo: Sharjah Safari
Sharjah Safari's logo is a celebration of the animal kingdom. Photo: Sharjah Safari

And of course, there’s Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Officially named as one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, it promises to take visitors on a journey like no other, with seven floors dedicated to exploring endless future possibilities.

And let’s not even get started on making my way through Expo 2020 Dubai or all the restaurants I want to visit — another part of my bucket list that was given a healthy boost recently thanks the Mena 50 Best list, which named 19 restaurants across the UAE as some of the best in the Middle East and North Africa.

Making friends in the desert. Photo: Sophie Prideaux
Making friends in the desert. Photo: Sophie Prideaux

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice problem to have — a great one, actually. Especially considering that in the rural English town where I grew up, there is one decent restaurant, one cinema screen and one dusty museum of which the highlight is a life-size plastic model of an elephant. The nearest city is more than an hour away by train and so the luxury of choice is somewhat limited.

And now I find myself in a country in which choices feel infinite, where every day, I am lucky enough to read or write about something that piques my sense of adventure or sparks a new level of excitement, a place where I can have a new experience every weekend or try a new restaurant or cuisine every time I eat out.

I am aware of what a privilege that is.

Sure, it brings with it the admin of trying to keep my UAE bucket list up to date, but perhaps I need to accept that I may never fully complete it — or better still, make sure I stay here until I do.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

Sly%20Cooper%20and%20the%20Thievius%20Raccoonus
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Profile

Company name: Fine Diner

Started: March, 2020

Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and food delivery

Initial investment: Dh75,000

Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp

Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000

Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday

Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)

Valencia v Levante (midnight)

Saturday

Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)

Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)

Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)

Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)

Sunday

Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)

Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)

Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)

MATCH INFO

Qalandars 112-4 (10 ovs)

Banton 53 no

Northern Warriors 46 all out (9 ovs)

Kumara 3-10, Garton 3-10, Jordan 2-2, Prasanna 2-7

Qalandars win by six wickets

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%22%20Super%20Retina%20XDR%20OLED%2C%202796%20x%201290%2C%20460ppi%2C%20120Hz%2C%202000%20nits%20max%2C%20HDR%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%2C%20always-on%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20A16%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%205-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iOS%2016%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Triple%2048MP%20main%20(f%2F1.78)%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20telephoto%20(f%2F2.8)%2C%206x%20optical%2C%2015x%20digital%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20%40%2030fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20TrueDepth%20(f%2F1.9)%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3B%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A04K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204323mAh%2C%20up%20to%2029h%20video%2C%2025h%20streaming%20video%2C%2095h%20audio%3B%20fast%20charge%20to%2050%25%20in%2030min%3B%20MagSafe%2C%20Qi%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lightning%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP68%2C%20dust%2Fsplash%2Fwater%20resistant%20up%20to%206m%20up%20to%2030min%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20eSIM%20%2F%20eSIM%20%2B%20eSIM%20(US%20models%20use%20eSIMs%20only)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Deep%20purple%2C%20gold%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPhone%2014%20Pro%20Max%2C%20USB-C-to-Lightning%20cable%2C%20one%20Apple%20sticker%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh4%2C699%20%2F%20Dh5%2C099%20%2F%20Dh5%2C949%20%2F%20Dh6%2C799%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

THE BIO

Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist

Age: 78

Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”

Hobbies: his work  - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”

Other hobbies: football

Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club

 

The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

Updated: February 25, 2022, 6:02 PM`
WeekendDubaiAbu DhabiUAE