Features
Below you'll find insider tips on getting the best from Vancouver, from hints on finding a home to reviews of the hottest restaurants in town.
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From delicious smells to stirring music and daredevil pilots...there’s something in the air this month. Read more
Art Dubai is the annual press on the refresh button for the emirate’s cultural scene. here’s a rundown of The offerings. Read more
An action-packed March takes in plush boats, imperial horses and two-legged trickey at the inaugural football sevens. Read more
This is the big one. The Dubai World Cup is back and it is bigger than ever. Read more
With thousands of square kilometres of desert and a little sprinkling of luxury, the sands of the UAE make the perfect place for a short break from city life. Read more
Buying a property in the UAE seems, on the surface, like a minefield. But it’s one that’s easy to navigate if you know how, says Matt Warnock Read more
Iconic yet undiscovered, towering yet under the radar, Matt Warnock discovers Dubai’s biggest hidden secret... Read more
Spring is here, the evening temperatures have warmed up to just right, and smooth grooves are drifting through the air from Media City – it must be time for the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival once again Read more
It’s ‘advantage’ tennis fans as one of the UAE’s best-loved sporting events, the Dubai Tennis Championships, returns to centre court in February. Read more
Aside from the tennis, there are plenty of opportunities to watch or take part in a varied sports programme this month. Read more
Where to go when Cupid draws back his bow on 14 February. Read more
With the average odds of a happy-ever-after coming in at around 1:3 for most developed countries around the world, calling time on a marriage seems to have become the easy option. However, for Susan Turner*, going through a divorce in the UAE was an emotional and logistical nightmare. Read more
Jordan’s panoramic desert landscape and stunning archaeology have made the Kingdom a winning location for both cultural tourism and cinematographers, as Tom Jordan discovered. Read more
Buying a four wheel drive can be daunting, but a little education can go a long way in helping you make the right decision. Jake Marsico offers a few pointers to help you find something dirt-worthy. Read more
Burj Dubai has dominated Dubai's skyline for the past few years, but the final details about the world's tallest building have been shrouded in mystery. Today marks Burj Dubai's long-awaited opening when all will be revealed... Read more
Dubai, and the rest of the world, has watched in anticipation as the Burj has grown in height, but the tower's final height is not the only matter of secrecy for the developers who have been reluctant to reveal the contents of its 160 storeys. Finally, the inside of Burj Dubai is announced. Read more
Perfectly constructed villas with uniform designs, immaculately manicured green spaces, families and friends smiling happily as they stroll around with their Starbucks, and now all at affordable rents…Claire England asks, is Emirates Hills too good to be true? Read more
Ever wondered how much fun it would be on the snow at Ski Dubai, but afraid to try? Skiing debutant Pamela Afram left her fear in the locker room to brave the slippery slopes. Read more
Abu Dhabi is once again thrust into the international sports spotlight as the host of the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup. There’s plenty of action to catch both on and off the pitch. Read more
Back for its sixth year, Dubai Film Fest opens on 9 December for a week of international feature, documentary and short films from all corners of the globe from Singapore to Sengal and Turkey to Taiwan. Read more
Older than the UAE itself, the Dubai Rugby 7s celebrated 40 years of the gentleman’s game this weekend to a smaller but equally as excited crowd as the last 39 tournaments… Read more
Most expats move to the UAE for a better life: a bit more money, year-round sunshine and a wealth of new experiences. However, as Jane Roberts discovers, ignoring the law can lead to an abrupt end of the dream.
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Siobhan Campbell spends a long weekend in Mzaar, Lebanon and discovers the unexpected pleasures of snowboarding in the Middle East. Read more
Five years ago the UAE was a virtual goldmine for entrepreneurs, self-employed consultants and small business owners. Read more
Some of Dubai's most significant – and bizarre – culture is hidden away among the sand-covered warehouses, factories and labour camps of Al Quoz, writes Jake Marsico Read more
With as many as 70,000 compatriots living in the UAE, there’s a strong community for South African expats to tap into – from chilling around a braai to cheering on the bokke, it’s not hard to find a bunch of friendly faces from home. Read more
Tom Jordan gives an expat father’s perspective on the joys and stresses of having a first baby in the UAE. Read more
Siobhan Campbell goes in search of practical ways for UAE residents to live more environmentally friendly.
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From luxury spa breaks and dhow cruises to camping and kayaking, Musandam’s stunning scenery makes for a great weekend getaway. Read more
Jake Marsico could only dream of underwater life before braving his first Try Dive. Find out how he fared al Al Boom's new dive centre. Read more
Dubai residents embrace the spirit of Ramadan to help workers in Dubai’s labour camps, as Siobhan Campbell reports Read more
In September, thousands of kids across the country will head off to school, some for the very first time. Jane Roberts suggests a few tips for making the first day in 'big school' an easy one. Read more
Driving in Dubai can be a daunting prospect for both new and experienced drivers. Check out Explorer's top ten driving tips to stay safe and trouble-free behind the wheel. Read more
For the August full moon, Talise Spa transformed its usual full moon yoga into a one-off Bikram-style session. Explorer’s Siobhan braved the heat and went in search of her Zen. Read more
Looking for a more natural way to soothe your aches and pains? Explorer brings you the run-down of the top 10 alternative health treatments and where to find them in Dubai. Read more
Thinking of joining the leaving hordes? Before you pack your bags, check out Explorer’s guide to the top 10 places in the world to set up your new home. Read more
Dubai Aquarium now offers members of the public the chance to get even closer to the marine life by diving with the sharks in its giant tank. Explorer's Tom Jordan took the plunge. Read more
Get yourself connected to fellow Dubai dwellers, friends from home and the worldwide online community. From Twitter to expat gossip, here's our top 10 must-visit sites. Read more
From essential phone numbers to keeping contacts on ICE, here are Explorer's top 10 tips in an emergency.
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The kids from East High are back to deal with the joys and heartaches of a long summer vacation in this Popular Productions recreation of the hit Disney hit musical. Read more
Take advantage of summer rates at the region's hotels, boasting everything from city breaks to spa escapes.
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With abundant rainforests, a rare population of orangutan, and a maze of river estuaries banked by lush mangroves, the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, is an ecotourism hotspot, as Jane Roberts discovers Read more
Getting through a day in the UAE without completely emptying your wallet sometimes seems like an impossibility, but it can be done. Siobhan Campbell brings you the pick of the best free (or nearly free) things to do in the Emirates. Read more
Moving On highlights the pros and cons of popular expat cities around the world. In this issue, Helen Spearman looks at moving to Tokyo. Read more
Explorer visits the Ritz-Carlton spa for an indulgent massage complete with gold extract - what financial crisis? Read more
With rental prices plummeting across Dubai, perhaps it’s time to upgrade your home or save some cash? Explorer recommends the best bargains across the city. Read more
There’s much more to Dubai’s northern neighbour than traffic queues – it’s a hotbed of art and culture says Jake Marsico. Read more
What happened when one man took on a dubious Dubai landlord? Helen Spearman finds out that the rent committee can help but patience might be the most important weapon in the battle for justice. Read more
Jane Roberts examines the difficulties facing career women and full-time dads in the UAE. Read more
Looking for somewhere to blow those cobwebs away at the weekend? The F1 Style Single-Seater racing experience at Dubai Autodrome is just the ticket, as Tom Jordan found out. Read more
Sandwiched between spectacular rocky mountains and beautiful beaches, Muscat is one of the Middle East’s most striking cities and a must-visit for a weekend break writes Helen Spearman. Read more
Regarded by some as the heart of the city and the only ‘authentic’ part of the city, exploring Deira should be on every resident’s list says Jake Marsico. Read more
Qatar’s ongoing investment in authentic, sustainable culture has given it a distinct edge on its neighbours. Projects started years ago are finally opening and the world is taking notice, writes Jake Marsico. Read more
Learning to drive in the UAE can be a daunting prospect for the wheel-wary westerner, but a determined Pamela Afram took a deep breath, buckled up and took the plunge. Read more
Enjoy a relaxing end to the working day or kick off a night on the town at the weekends with our top picks for sultry sundowners. Read more
Holborn Assets is a team of financial advisors who can offer balanced advice on anything from risk protection and investments to insurance and the property market Read more
The global recession has swept through the UAE, when at first it seemed the country was immune from the world’s financial woes. Jane Roberts explores how to cope and what to do if you are made redundant here. Read more
In the self-proclaimed land of smiles, Claire England goes in search of an unhappy Keralite Read more
Iconic architecture with a community feel; a shopper’s paradise on your doorstep; bars, restaurants and nightspots for every occasion within walking distance. Siobhan Campbell runs the rule over the neighbourhood. Read more
Despite the recent rains, the temperature is soaring so enjoy the great outdoors while you can. From camping to clubbing, here are our top 10 suggestions for things to do before summer. Read more
Explore the neighbourhoods of Mirdif, Deira and Garhoud. Whether you're new to Dubai or it's your part of town, souks, bars and parks await so read on to learn more. Read more
Believe it or not, Dubai is home to plenty of bargains if you know where to look. From home help to haircuts, read on to discover the cheap delights of the city. Read more
Whether you're new in town or a seasoned Dubai dweller, there are some rules you should always keep in mind. From bouncing cheques to contraband codeine, read on to learn more about the law. Read more
Take a sneak peek at the Dubai International Boat Show with superyachts, technology and water, water everywhere. The event kicks off on Tuesday 3rd March and features everything from superyachts to fashion shows. Read more
The day before the Boombastic Beats concert at Festival City, organised by Live and Loud events, Siobhan Campbell caught up with Shaggy at The Palace Hotel. Charming and articulate, Mr Lover was relaxed as he explained the fascination that Dubai holds for him. Read more
The man behind six albums, five number ones, a Grammy award, and over a decade of music will appear with collaborator Rik Rok in the Boom Bastic Beats show which promises to be impressive. Read more
Over 130,000 spectators from the UAE and beyond flocked to Al Ain to witness some amazing displays at the annual airshow. Read more
Some of the top names in world football gathered at The Sevens stadium on Tuesday night, as a star-studded AC Milan lined up against Hamburg. Read more
Explorer Publishing takes an exclusive look at the new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. This mammoth addition to the city's transport system boasts modern architecture, cutting edge technology and everything from bars to spas. Read more
Top 10 tips on saving the environment in Dubai, a city famed for excess. Read more
New York has played a starring role in so many films and TV series that even if you’ve never been there, you’ll feel as though you have. From the iconic heights of the Empire State Building to the sunbathing crowds in Central Park, and from the poignant emptiness at what was once the site of the World Trade Center to the bustling beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge, New York is home to sights so familiar, yet still so breathtaking, that they never get old.
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Beijing for beginners – essential exploring in a city of sport, history, culture and entertainment. Read more
Lesley Croft is an English teacher and freelance writer living in Hong Kong. She contributed to the Hong Kong Explorer. Read more
Matt Mostyn is a freelance writer living in Australia. He contributed to the Sydney Explorer. Read more
Alicia Sheber is a hotel and restaurant interior designer. Originally from America (Colorado, Florida and Illinois), she has lived in Paris and now calls London home. Alicia contributed to the Paris Explorer. Read more
This glorious, cacophonous, rebellious city is one of the most enviable places to live on earth. Gaudi's creations and the Catalan spirit have inspired Hemingway, Orwell, Picasso and Dali. See the details that captured their imaginations in this photo feature. Read more
Despite the impression you may get from photos, film and TV, Hong Kong isn’t all towering skyscrapers and crowded streets. Here we discover that the territory has a more sedate side that is seldom seen by tourists. Read more
Sydney is a city that lends itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits. Sydneysiders enjoy surfing, sailing, kayaking and diving on the clear waters and gorgeous beaches of the harbour and coastline. But it’s not just about coastal activities. Travel an hour or two in any... Read more
For new arrivals coming to live in Dubai the city can at first be a difficult prospect. However, the shared experience of arrival in Dubai is one thing that brings people together, as Explorer's Pamela Afram discovered when she recently moved to the UAE from London. Read more
With the increased globalization of businesses, rapid growth of new economies, and ever decreasing air fares, more people than ever before are taking up roots and moving overseas in search of a new life. We look at some of the most popular expat destinations around the world and see how they compare… Read more
