Diving into the Red Sea in Abu Dhabi

The city of Abu Dhabi conjures up images of wealth, tall sky scrapers, an exciting Formula One track and mysticism of the Middle East. It is not a city that one would normally associate with water sports or scuba diving. However contrary to popular belief Abu Dhabi and the sea off its coastline is home to a wide variety of marine life. Recreational diving has grown in popularity since it was first introduced here in the mid 70’s and it is an experience that every traveler should subscribe for.

There is archeological evidence that points to the existence of a city far back as 3rd century BC in the region of Abu Dhabi but it was much later with the development of the Pearl Diving industry that the foundation for today’s modern city was laid. This began in the late 18th century and it is apparent here that diving off the shores of Abu Dhabi was instrumental in its growth. Though today’s divers may sport different equipment and there intention may be more leisure oriented than commerce, the beauty of the sea off the coast is still remarkable.

Being a region of sea farers and also being a hub of the historic Silk Road, the waters Abu Dhabi which is known as the Red Sea has many shipwrecks. These shipwrecks have over the course of decades become havens for marine life and serve as an artificial coral reef. Some natural coral reefs are also found closer to the coastline and is teeming with marine life that forms a myriad of colors.

Anyone who is interested in diving ca sign up for a diving excursion that are sometimes operated from a Abu Dhabi Resort. Beginners will of course have to take a few lessons before they are allowed to venture off into the ocean, while the more advanced individuals will find that the wide variety of diving spots offer loads of entertainment. For guests staying in Abu Dhabi Beach hotels such as Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara will have the best access to the exciting water sports on the Red Sea.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Beach Volleyball In Hikkaduwa – Just One of the Many Things to do in Hikka

Serendib, Taprobane, Ceylon, the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka may have gone by many names over time but it has always remained a place of extreme beauty. Located off the southern tip of India, the small island only spans an area of around 65,000 square kilometres yet boasts a highly varied landscape. From the mist shrouded forests of Horton Plains to the dry, shrub jungles of Yala, there is a lot of terrain to be explored. For tourists just looking for a way to relax and unwind the best places to visit are the island’s amazing beaches.
As an island Sri Lanka has extensive coastlines but not all beaches are created equal. Travellers who want to enjoy the best beaches the country has to offer can head over to the beach town of Hikkaduwa. Situated in the Southern Province, just under eighteen kilometres from the historic city of Galle, Hikkaduwa is the island’s beach capital. Affectionately referred to as ‘Hikka’ by locals and tourists alike, this coastal town is renowned not just for its beaches but its active night scene and the good selection of bars and seafood restaurants.
Visitors to this town have their choice of activities. From snorkelling and scuba diving to beach volleyball or jogging by the ocean, there are a number of fun things to do here. Tourists visiting Hikkaduwa should definitely not miss the opportunity to visit the famed Coral Gardens. Featuring an amazing variety of coral and colourful fish, it is sure to be one of the highlights of a trip here. It is also a great surfing spot with excellent waves throughout the year. However, the best time to surf in Hikka is between November and March, which is the dry season (the sea can get quite rough during the monsoon season).
Tourists looking for a good Hikkaduwa hotel can try the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. The hotel is situated right by the ocean and is one of the best beach hotels in Sri Lanka. Featuring tastefully decorated rooms and an ambiance that reflects the vibrancy and energy of Hikkaduwa it is a terrific place to stay.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

Qatar Bowling Centre – Taking Life the Easy Way!

After a long hard day’s work or an even longer week of tiresome worries, what is better than spending time with friends and family?  If you are in Doha, Qatar and looking for a fun time for people of all ages, the Qatar Bowling Centre can certainly be the place you are looking for.

The Bowling Centre comes equipped with 32 synthetic bowling lanes and automatic setters to entertain all levels of fans of 10 pin bowling. The younger fans (less than 8 years of age) can try their hand at the sport in the spacious 4 bumper lanes especially set aside for them. If this activity is not to your taste then try billiards, foosball, table tennis or the many video games in the arcade.

There is sure to be some activity for everyone in the family. The centre is also popular with corporate and professional bowling teams and hosts many bowling competitions. The relaxed atmosphere and competitive games are great for promoting fellowship within corporate teams. If you do not have a team of your own, join one of the leagues to practice your skill and put it to the test. For those looking for a more rigorous workout than hurling a bowling ball down a lane, the fitness centre is open till late evenings.  

All this fun is sure to work up an appetite and to appease your hunger and taste buds alike, step into the restaurant which features a variety of reasonably priced food. The restaurant is also an interesting place to celebrate birthdays or other events, where good food and friendly sports can combine to make great entertainment. Along with these features, seminar and meeting facilities are also available in the Bowling Centre. It has gained a reputation among locals as an excellent spot for spending weekend evenings with loved ones.

When in the city and looking for the best Doha hotel experience, choose one that combines elegant luxury with Arabian hospitality like Millennium Hotel Doha. This hotel in Doha offers contemporary accommodation options and is an ideal base for business and leisure travellers alike, offering a truly memorable stay in this wonderful city which is rich in culture and history.

Singapore Marathon – Run Singapore Run!

Singapore is reputed as a fast paced country filled with people running about their daily lives. Presenting a healthier and more enjoyable method of motion is the Singapore Marathon, held on the first Sunday of December each year. It winds through the heart of the small nation and attracts the attention of enthusiasts all over the world.
Since its humble inauguration in 1982, the Singapore Marathon has attained global significance in size and reputation. In 2011 over 65,000 participants took to the city streets that are usually crowded with vehicles and rushing workers. The event, organized by the Singapore Sports Council, includes four main categories that make this event open for various ages and fitness levels. The 41.195 km full marathon is best for competitive runners, and the 41.195 km Ekiden has teams of 6 who run the full marathon course as a relay event. The half marathon stretches a distance of 21.1 km and is considered a great way for beginners to work up to a full marathon level. Catered more to the recreational runner is the 10km run, which still needs extensive preparation and gives plenty of satisfaction when completed. It is also opened to participants using sports wheelchairs. To promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Kids 750m Dash. This is a non-competitive event and children under 6 should be accompanied by a guardian. Prizes are categorized as ‘Open’, ‘Singaporean’ and ‘Veterans/ Masters’- which usually includes older runners.
All participants share the same finish line though starting points differ according to the event. Their routes wind between skyscrapers, through the cityscape, past many of the country’s highlights. Locations like Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Esplanade and Marina Bay are perfect for supporters to cheer on the runners while enjoying the sights of the city. The colourful Sentosa Bridge will wave off contestants of the Half Marathon, while Full Marathon runners will take off under the lights of Orchard Road.
The Singapore Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, which puts it with the likes of the London and Boston marathons. Competitive and recreational participants usually consider a Singapore hotel close to their starting point. At the heart of the city is the Raffles Hotel Singapore, an easy distance from each starting point, all three routes, and the finish line at Marina Bay where you can congratulate the proud finishers. Whether you are a contestant looking for a relaxing stay after an arduous run, or an enthusiastic fan consider a stay at this elegant luxury hotel Singapore. The whole city gets into motion with this marathon and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.