Learning on The Move – Dubai
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf.
The first signs of human settlement in the area show that there were extensive trading links between the civilisations of the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia.
There were settlements in the area since the Iron Age. The area was known as source for metallic goods, notably copper and bronze.
Pre-Islamic ceramics have been found from the 3rd and 4th centuries and show that the people in this region worshiped Bajir. After the spread of Islam in the region this changed.
It is possible the earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095 in the Book of Geography by an Arab geographer Abu Abhullah al-Bakri. There are also records of a Venetian pearl merchant visited the area in 1580 and noted that the area was known for the quality of its pearls.
It has become a growing centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century. Today, Dubai is a known as an international city and business hub of the Middle East. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, now tourisms is very popular.
Our learner, who recently visited and reported back said that it was a great holiday destination. Whilst he found there were lots of entertainment and fun things to do there. While it was notable less activities that would fall in to our ‘Learning on the Move’ category, but he still did his best to investigate all that was there and here is what he thought you might like.
Culture:
There were a number of opportunities to go and visit the locals, see how they traditional live and work in such an extreme environment, learn why falconry is so important and to go out on camel rides. Look out for the walking Street Food tour and try some of the regional dishes.
Astronomy:
The best activity, our learner liked was the Night Safari – where you can get away from the light pollution and see the stars. While he was out there in the dessert, there was a night safari for the nocturnal animals.
Conservation:
There is a Desert Conservation Reserve which you can visit and see how they are working to keep the local environment and animals.
PE:
The water sports opportunity here are good in fact you could spend your whole holiday covering your Physical Education with stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding and parasailing.
History:
Dubai Museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort originally built in 1787 and offers a diverse collection of exhibits and artefacts. Visit the Arabian Old Souk, the Spice and Gold Souk and the A Fahidi Cultural neighbourhood.
Design and Technology:
Dubai is an amazing city for new, tall and impressive buildings and a night time walk when the buildings are all illuminated is a must according to our learner. The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago, created by land reclamation which extends into the Persian Gulf and worth a visit is possible.
