Dubai has been pulling out rabbits out of its hatbox, one after the other, and said rabbits are growing bigger and taller and more spectacular. The seasoned traveler knows that a growing city simply doesn’t sit back on its laurels and that’s so very true of Dubai. Whether it’s the Green Planet, Ski Dubai, IMG World of Adventures, or the Dubai Canal, Dubai’s always springing the next surprise on the world. The Dubai Frame is one of the latest feathers in Dubai’s cap of accomplishments – and what an accomplishment! This eye-popping attraction is delighting locals and visitors alike since it was launched in early 2018. Here’s are the amazing

Dubai Frame facts

and everything you ever wanted to know.

What Does The Dubai Frame Look Like?

The Dubai Frame is located next to the stargate in Zabeel Park. The structure is a colossal rectangular picture frame, with two towers of 93 meters wide and 152 meters height straddling an enormous 100 square meter bridge that forms the top of the picture frame.

The picture frame beautifully frames the city. If you stand on the observatory bridge and look towards the South, you’ll see the whole of the modern city of Dubai, with all the major landmarks clearly. If you turn back and gaze out at the North, you can enjoy fabulous views of Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama, Umm Hurair and Dubai Creek.

The Philosophy behind the Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is meant to encapsulate the two views of Old Dubai in the North and New Dubai in the South. On one side is the old Dubai which is a testament to the pearl diving and fishing and trading industries of Dubai. In other words, the way Dubai used to make its livelihood before oil was discovered. The Southern view represents everything that Dubai has become, the glitz, the glamour, the wealth and the prosperity. The Dubai Frame is there to remind people to look back and forward and reckon with the present and future within the compass of the past.

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The Dubai Frame Facts and Figures

Here are some interesting Dubai Frame facts that the facts collector in you need to know about Dubai Frame!

• The entire Dubai Frame project cost the city over AED 160 million.
• The two towers of the Dubai Frame are connected by a bridge which is all of 100-square-metres, with a 25-square-meter glass panel inset right in the middle of it. This glass walkway offers a fabulous 360-degree view of the whole of Dubai.
• The Dubai Frame was designed by architect Fernando Donis, who is also credited with the design of the Dubai Renaissance Tower and Dubai’s Porsche Design Towers.
• The Dubai Frame stands tall at 152 meters and is 93 meters wide.
• The exterior of the Dubai Frame’s design was inspired by the logo of Expo 2020.
• The height of the Dubai Frame in regular terms is the height of a 50-storeyed building.
• The Dubai Frame is also known as Berwaz Dubai in Arabic.
• The Dubai Frame consists of a Dubai Past Gallery, Dubai Future Gallery, Sky Deck, Social Media Wall and Souvenir Shop where you can buy tiny replicas of the Dubai Frame along with other clever souvenirs to take home to your loved ones.
• The Dubai Frame can take only 200 visitors per hour. Only groups of 20 will be sent to each of the augmented-reality stops – the Mezzanine level, the Sky Deck level and the Vortex Level. Tickets must be purchased in advance according to the time slots based on batches.

Inside the Dubai Frame

• The Museum at the Mezzanine Level

Your journey into the Dubai frame begins at the mezzanine level where a fabulous museum and gallery await you. Enjoy a spectacular experience of immersive exhibits that detail Dubai’s journey from being a nomadic Bedouin fishing and pearl diving village to what the Emirate is today – the world’s biggest commercial and travel hub. Various special effects have been used to create a very visually-compelling experience that will remain with you for long. Apart from visual effects, there are sound effects and certain smells that have been reproduced such as the mist that comes off of sea waves.

• The Sky Deck Level

From the mezzanine museum level, you proceed onwards to the Sky Deck level, from where you can see Dubai in all her spellbinding glory through augmented-reality screens. The Sky Deck level allows you to experience some fabulous, jaw-dropping views, of modern Dubai right from the walls. Enjoy the incredibly refreshing 3D views of Dubai’s incredible landmarks and listen to the commentary that tells you interesting facts about each of the landmarks.

Suggested Read: 10 Interesting Facts of The Palm Dubai

• The Vortex Tunnel

From the Sky deck level, you’ll be proceeding to the Vortex tunnel which has been enhanced with a special light and sound effects. When you’re in the Vortex Tunnel, you’ll feel as though you’re in a time machine, being taken back into the past or the future, to a Dubai 50 years from now. The Vortex Tunnel offers an amazingly-immersive experience, again with the aid of augmented reality. You’ll be literally transferred to the future, 50 years from now, with flying taxis and moving buildings and everything you could think of from a sci-fi movie.

#Repost with @Repostlyapp The Dubai Frame officially opened earlier this month. Believed to be the world’s largest picture frame, its glass-bottomed “sky deck” provides a 360-degree view of both old and new Dubai. @cnn

A post shared by Dubai Frame (@dubaiframe) on Jan 17, 2018 at 2:50am PST

• The Glass Walkway

On your way upwards, you’ll leave the Vortex Tunnel to reach the topmost floor of the Dubai frame. The glass walkway is exactly what – it’s a walkway that connects the two columns of the Dubai Frame at the very top. You can stand on the glass walkway and experience breath-taking views of the entire city – North, South, East, and West. There’s a café on the Glass Walkway from which you can get hold of a cup of hot coffee and some delicious pastries. Sip, eat and look out at the most marvelous views in the world. There’s glass under your feet too!

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Facts & Things to Know about Emirates Towers

• A True Architectural Splendor

Emirates Tower is a marvelous, multifaceted structure that is perhaps one of its kind in the whole world. Designed by the architect Hazel Wong, this unique edifice is actually a twin tower consisting of two equilateral triangular buildings, such as a 355-meter high office tower and a 309-meter high hotel tower, which in turn are linked by a central podium, namely, The Boulevard. While its Office Building with 54 floors is the Middle East’s tallest building, the Hotel Tower comprising 56 floors is the third-largest hotel building in the world. Despite its purpose that is mainly intended to serve the corporate environment, this building complex’s design and architecture largely reflect the beautiful Islamic themes.

• Accommodation

Whether you’re here on a holiday or for business purposes, Emirates Towers puts at your disposal 400 tastefully decorated, European style room categorized into Deluxe Room, Club Premier Room, Club Suite, Presidential Suite, and Royal Suite. Depending on the type of accommodation, the room amenities cover high-speed internet access, breakfast and snacks, coffee/tea making facilities, minibar and limousine transfers to and from Dubai International Airport.

• Dining Choices

Laced throughout the complex is a spectrum of award-winning dining choices, and few to name are The RIB Room that serves delicious streak dishes along with signature rib specialties, Vu’s Restaurant where you can sample sumptuous European cuisines in a chic setting, Nafoorah whose specialty is authentic Lebanese dishes, ET Sushi – a place to sample a range of freshly cooked Sushi delicacies, Mosaico – a favorite among Italian food lovers, and The Noodle House with its mouthwatering Asian menu.

• Facilities

Sprawling over an area more than 40 acres, this upscale complex offers the best in class facilities to meet or exceed your expectations. From lush gardens, enchanting lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and public seating areas to health clubs, pampering spa facilities, night clubs, lounge, swimming pools, golf and parking lot to accommodate more than 1,500 cars, the list of facilities and services here are almost endless. One of the set-apart aspects of this tower is the Deluxe Chopard Floor that is completely set to cater to the comfort and privacy of women visitors. Apart from these, it provides superb options to hold weddings, corporate and social events, boasting of such stylish venues as Godolphin Ballroom, Congress Rooms, Level 8 Private Tower, and The Biz Pod – all of them replete with most modern event management features. Equally astounding is its outdoor venues that can cater to events of varying scales and complexities.

• The Boulevard

Often dubbed as a haven for luxury lovers, the Boulevard is a high-end retail space, which also connects the two towers. Spread over two levels and occupying an area of more than 13,000 square meters, its key highlight is expansive pathways and sky-lit quads housing a wide spectrum of elegant boutiques and fashion outlets representing some of the most luxurious brands such as Armani and Gucci, in addition to a number of bistros, coffee shops, and restaurants serving international cuisines.

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Dubai History Facts

1. Early Life: From the 3rd century AD, Dubai was believed to be a part of a pre-Islamic community led by the Sassanian Empire. Later in the 7th century AD, the Umayyad Caliph Group occupied the region and introduced the religion, Islam here. But the archeological excavations revealed from the Al-Qusais depict the existence of a human settlement in the region as early as 8000 BC. Further, the area has been found mentioned in the ancient book ‘Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al Belaad Wal Mawadhe’ tracing back to 1095 AD. The first European to settle here was Portuguese, who were later followed by French, Dutch and eventually British in the 18th century.

2. Pearl Trading Centre: Dubai’s modern history is largely attributed to Al-Falasi clan – a part of the Ban Yas tribe led by the Maktoum family, who settled down here at the Creek’s mouth in the early part of the 19th century. This, in turn, marked Dubai’s prominence as a major fishing and pearling center in the 19th as well as 20th centuries. As a result of the thriving pearl industry, the Bedouins upped their lifestyle and shifted their base from desert to coast. But the peal industry in Dubai collapsed due to several factors such as the Great Depression, First World War and the invention of a cultured pearl.

3. Local Disputes: During the 1940s, some tensions and wars occurred between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which even led the British to create a barrier zone between these two emirates.

4. Major Trading and Export hub: The turn of the 20th century saw Dubai as a significant port, with the souk on the Deira region flourishing with hundreds of shops. However, in the 1950s, a split began to develop in the creek probably due to a large number of ships here. HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then ruler of Dubai, resolved this issue through an ambitious, visionary project that eventually strengthened Dubai’s position as a major port city. Apart from these, he was also instrumental in the development and implementation of several projects such as Al Shindagha Tunnel, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Drydocks.

5. Discovery of Oil: An important milestone in Dubai’s history was the discovery of oil in 1966 at Dubai’s Fateh Oil Field. Upon the first export of oil in 1969, the economy of the emirate began to flourish. From the creation of currency and the establishment of the largest harbor to the development of a strong infrastructure network, the city underwent several major transformations with the revenue raked in from the oil and gas.

6. Formation of UAE: When the British left the Arabian Gulf in 1971, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with five other emirates, united to form the United Arab Emirates. As a result of several negotiations and certain conditions, it was decided that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will have major control over the country while having veto power to decide upon matters of national significance.

7. The first president of UAE: Soon after the formation of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the president of the UAE, and he held the position till he died in 2004. Under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the UAE emerged into one of the world’s richest countries.

8. Persian Gulf War: The 1990’s Persian Gulf War took a toll on Dubai’s economic climate, as the investors withdrew their huge sum of money from banks in the emirate speculating dubious situations. But in the mid-1990s, the trade communities from Kuwait and Bahrain shifted their base to Dubai. Moreover, the tremendous increase in oil prices posts the Persian Gulf War helped Dubai to overcome the unstable economic conditions.

9. Dubai in the 1990s: In the 1990s, Dubai devised and implemented strategic plans to augment its popularity as an internationally recognized tourist destination. Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel, was opened in 1999.

10. Today’s Dubai: Dubai now proudly stands as a premier business and tourist destination offering highly sophisticated infrastructure, best in class shopping, dining and leisure facilities, awe-inspiring skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building, and most of all, crime-free and expat-friendly environment.

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You will be glad to find that most of the attractions in Dubai have world records to their names, and almost all of them are quite unique in nature. Considered as one of the icons of the city’s development, Burj Khalifa is a structure that needs no introduction. Standing proud and pampered like a celebrity by the world, the

Burj Khalifa facts

are as interesting as the building itself. Read on to know all the detailed facts, history and records about Burj Khalifa that makes it the mightiest man-made building in the whole wide world.

All About Burj Khalifa

• The Seed

Burj Khalifa was the brainchild of the respected leader, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In a bid to make Dubai a benchmark tourism destination for the world, Dubai wanted to create something so extraordinary that it surpasses anything created by man so far.

But for a project as mighty as Burj Khalifa Dubai needed an exceptional vision and unbeatable minds who would use science and engineering to its best use. Mere planning of the project included some of the most unfathomable figures, facts, and statistics.

• The Design

After a stiff competition amongst some of the world’s most prestigious and renowned design houses, the honor of making this landmark on earth went to the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) with Adrian Smith FAIA, RIBA, consulting design partner. The design even when on paper, went through extensive rounds of reviews to ensure its sustainability, safety, and security. Inspired by the designs of the patterning systems of the Islamic structure, the Y shaped design was used to allow maximum natural sunlight inside the building.

• The Construction

After several stages of planning and designing, the construction of the mighty structure began in January 2004. The pillar construction went on for almost 3 years. In May 2007, the exterior cladding of the building was started with the help of over 380 highly skilled on-site technicians and engineers.

Initially, the tower was known as Burj Dubai initially until its official opening in the year 2010. Just before its opening, it was changed to Burj Khalifa in honor of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Here are some, interesting, jaw-dropping, unmissable and fun facts about Burj Khalifa you must know.

• Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at a height of 2716.5 feet. It is not only the tallest building in the world but also holds the record of the tallest free-standing structure (previously held by CN Tower in Toronto) and the tallest structure (previously held by KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota).
• This tallest building in the world is roughly three times the height of the Eiffel tower and 15 times the height of Niagara Falls. The Burj Khalifa is almost twice as big as the Empire State building.
• Burj Khalifa also holds the world record of pumping concrete to the highest point of 605 meters.
• Burj Khalifa not only is the tallest building in the world, but it also boasts of the highest number of stories in the world and it also owns the highest occupied floor on the planet.
• The amount of rebar (31400 metric tons) used to construct this building if laid from end to end, is enough to cover more than a quarter part of the world.
• Burj Khalifa consumes 250,000 gallons of water on a daily basis and the electricity consumed in a day is equivalent to 360,000,100 watt bulbs being lit at once.
• The building was first conceived as a 90 storey tower. Then was further redesigned to make it huge and create a mark on the world.
• The Burj Khalifa is one of those rare buildings in the world from where you can see the sunset twice. Once from a low floor and again from it’s At the top floor.
• At the top level of Burj Khalifa on the 148th floor is the highest observation deck in the world at a height of 555 meters.
• Burj Khalifa has the world’s tallest elevator shaft that spans to a height of 140 levels. The building has a total of 57 elevators and 8 escalators.
• The doors of the mighty Burj Khalifa is inbuilt with a wind tracking device, that determines whether it is safe to open them.
• At the Top-level of Burj Khalifa observation deck’s elevator distance traveled by the end of 2014 is equal to circumnavigating the globe eight times.
• At.mosphere the world’s highest lounge bar is located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa boasting of stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
• Burj Khalifa has its electrical substation at its 155th floor. It is the highest in the world.
• Burj Khalifa was built with the hard work of 12000 workers who spent 22 million work hours to make it stand.
• The Burj Khalifa has 17000 doors in total and the building has a uniquely designed elevator emergency evacuation system at the time of fire or security threats.
• Burj Khalifa boasts of 304 hotels, 900 plush apartments and 2957 parking spaces in total. The total number of glass panels used to finish its exterior façade is approximately 27400.
• It boasts of the world’s highest habitable floor at the height of its 160th storey. Also, its first 100 storeys were built in a record time of only 1093 days. That’s equals to constructing one floor in a span of just 3 days.
• At any given point, the top floors of Burj Khalifa are 6 degrees cooler than the ground floor and it can occupy a maximum of 35000 people (size of a small town).
• The tip of the Burj Khalifa building can be seen from a distance of 95kms away, making it wondrous for the ones flying to Dubai.
• The landscaped gardens of Burj Khalifa is specially designed with slow-growing species plants who can bear the hot climate of the city.
• Burj Khalifa holds the world record of the highest outdoor observation deck, and the highest aluminum and glass façade.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa is the triumph of Dubai’s vision to create the impossible and make a forever mark on the heart of the world. Declaring the capabilities of this Emirate to the entire world, Burj Khalifa also stands tall as the beacon of the symbolic prosperity of the city and an emblem to the exciting, dynamic and prosperous Middle East. So, book your ticket to Burj Khalifa and explore many best places to visit in Dubai under one roof.

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Georgia is transforming into a vibrant tourist hub but there are many who still don’t know about Georgia’s tourism potential. Georgia teems with charm, beauty, history, and hospitality. Located cozily in the midst of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, the country falls between Europe and Asia. It’s a small country, but it packs a lot of interest. There are ancient cities, snowy mountains, lush landscapes, delicious wines, and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you haven’t visited Georgia yet, here are some truly

interesting facts about Georgia.

We hope you feel inspired to visit this gorgeous country soon.

1. Georgia Has The World’s Deepest Cave!

If you’re a caver, head out to Georgia immediately. This country has the world’s deepest cave – the Krubera Cave, which is hidden amongst the mountains. The almost vertical Krubera Cave is 7,200 ft. deep and it takes about 27 days for a caver to reach the cave’s bottom. Krubera Cave is located in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus’s Gagra Range, in the Gagra district of Abkhazia. The largest pit in the cave is named the Big Cascade; it plunges to a depth of 152 meters (499 feet). The Krubera Cave is one of the best Georgia country facts that we know!

2. The Very First Europeans Actually Originated From Georgia

The Caucasus Mountains yielded the oldest human skulls during an archeological expedition in Dmanisi. Research on the 1.8 million-year-old skulls indicates that the early man traveled from Africa to Europe through Georgia. So apparently, Georgia is the cradle of the European civilization.

3. Wine Making Began In Georgia

Georgian wines have been in production since at least 8,000 years; that makes Georgia the birthplace of wines. Apparently, the production of the wine was purely accidental at first. Apparently, 8000 years ago, grape juice was poured by accident into a shallow pit and rock was placed on top to prevent people from falling into the pit. The grape juice in the pit turned into wine slowly and the Georgians have been making wine since. The traditional Georgian winemaking method in a clay jar called a Qvevri is listed by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. This is one of the most interesting facts about Georgia, the country.

4. Only The Georgians Speak Georgian – No One Else

Georgian is among 14 unique global languages that have their own alphabet. Georgian script was drawn from three different languages– Nuskhuri, Asomtaruli, and Mkhedruli. The present-day script is that of Mkhedruli, with 33 letters. The Georgian script is influenced by Greek and Iranian languages. You can notice the Greek influence in the way the letters are ordered, and the Iranian influence in the cursive shapes.

5. The Country’s Actual Name Is Not Georgia At All!

We call it Georgia, but the residents of the country call it Sakartvelo. The country does not have an English name by default, but we now knew it as Georgia. There’s a theory as to Georgia’s name, though. St. George is Georgia’s patron saint and it’s believed that the Christian reformers in the Middle Ages might have coined the name Georgia.

6. Georgia Has Mindblowing Ecological Diversity

Georgia is an ecologist’s dream come true, with 12 different climate zones (ranging all the way from subtropical semi-desert to alpine), and literally 49 types of soil. The country’s dense forests house fabulous creatures like lynxes, bears, and leopards in huge numbers. From every respect, Georgia is very ecologically diverse and offers many exciting changes to the watchful eye.

Suggested Read:
Best Time to Visit in Georgia
Best Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

7. A Georgian Folk Song Is Actually Floating Around In Space

A Georgian folk named ‘Chakrulo’ that is sung during festivals was actually recorded and sent into space on the spacecraft Voyager as part of the Golden Record. The Golden Record is similar to a message in a bottle, just in case there are aliens out there and they want to know who we are.

8. Two Ancient Cities Exist Within Georgia

Europe has 16 old cities that go back to 2,000 to 5,000 years. Of these are the two former Georgian capitals, Mtskheta and Kutaisi. Kutaisi was the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, a region in the southern Caucasus which was inhabited during the second millennium BC. Mtskheta was founded about 3,000 years ago.

9. Georgia Has One Of The Oldest Traditional Jewish Communities

The Georgian Jews have lived in Georgia for more than 2600 years, while the Ashkenazi Jews only arrived in Georgia in the 19th century. The Georgian Jews are the oldest Jewish community in the world. This community is a tradition and still practices the oldest form of Judaism.

10. Georgia’s Newly-discovered Heli-Ski Destination!

Georgia’s ski resort Gudauri is a fabulous destination for lovers of freeriding and heli-skiers. Consider this – abundant crisp snowy powder, wide-open slopes and magnificent views – why wouldn’t you sign up for heli-skiing over here? You can ski and snowboard here as well if you’re not into heli-skiing. No wonder Georgia is quickly developing into Europe’s hottest winter destinations.

11. The Word Tbilisi Comes From The Georgian Word For Warmth

The Georgian word ‘tbili’ in Georgian represents warm or warmth. The word ‘Tbilisi’ translates to ‘warm location.’ This is how the name was derived – during the 5th century AD, King Vakhtang went on a hunt with his team in the general area of the present-day Tbilisi. The king’s team discovered the wonderful natural hot springs in the area during the hunt, and they were so delighted that they named the entire city a warm location!

12. Georgia’s Folk Music Is UNESCO Listed!

Georgia’s choral folk music is uniquely polyphonic and has been listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008 by UNESCO. The music involves three kinds of polyphony:
• A musical dialogue in the complex Svaneti dialect

• An East Georgian polyphonic dialogue sung over the background of a bass beat

• Three sung parts that are partially improvised as the music goes on.

This unique polyphony is strangely harmonious and pleasant to listen to.

Conclusion

Georgia has it all for travelers – great food, culture, history, music and dance, and wine. For adventurers, there’s climbing, trekking, caving, horse riding, heli-skiing, winter sports and much more. There is any number of reasons to visit Georgia. Consider this – Georgia has some of the cheapest ski resorts in all of Europe! If you’re a culture vulture, you’ll love to explore Georgia’s medieval architecture and its wonderful music and dances.

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The London Eye may not be the largest Ferris wheel in the world since that honor went to the Dubai Eye. However, more than 4 million people have enjoyed the mesmerizing views from the top so far. Celebrities love it. Chocolatiers, wine merchants and restaurants set up themed rotations on it. The Eye is lit up for every major event in jazz colors. London Eye has become a global icon for fun, romance, and nationalism. Want to know more

fun and interesting facts about the London Eye

? Read on…

1. Anything Can Happen On The London Eye!

One of the many fun facts about London Eye is that it’s a truly happening place. During the London Restaurant Festival, it turns into a dining hotspot, where celebrity chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Gordon Ramsay serve 5-Star meals to Richie-rich patrons, at $30,000 ahead. David Blaine, the magician, stood on a capsule for a full rotation in 2003. A man costumed as Spider-Man took his cause upon a capsule for 18 hours one time. The Eye turned into a rotating nightclub in 2013, courtesy of the Red Bull Academy. 30 capsules saluted the English club culture with performances by Lily Allen, Mark Ronson, and Richie Hawtin.

2. A Rose Is A Rose?

When the London Eye was first opened, it was called the Millennium Wheel. Makes sense, right? Ownership shifted hands, and it was called the British Airways London Eye for a while. Then it became the Tussauds London Eye, and then Merlin Entertainments London Eye and then EDF Energy and Merlin Entertainment Eye. Phew! If that weren’t enough, in January 2015 the name changed to Coca Cola London Eye. We are thankful the giant Ferris wheel is called just the London Eye now unless you can come up with a new name for it?

3. It’s A Superstitious Wheel!

Did you know that even though there are only 32 capsules in total, they’re numbered 1 to 33? Wonder why’s that? Well, since number 13 is said to be unlucky, the owners decided to omit to number the 13th capsule as 13. Instead, it’s marked 14, and so it’s supposed to be lucky after all, but you and us, we know better, right?

4. There Was A London Eye Before The London Eye

A long time ago, there was a Great Wheel constructed for the Empire of India Exhibition in the late Victorian era. It was 308 feet tall and 270 feet wide. The Victorians were amazed, of course. The Great Wheel treated over 2.5 million passengers to great views of the city.

5. The London Eye Was A Young Couple’s Idea

Wonder who came up with the idea of the London Eye? A young couple named David Marks and Julia Barfield. In 1993, the city of London opened a contest for suggestions on a new landmark to celebrate the new millennium. The best suggestion was that of a huge Ferris wheel, bigger than anything this world had ever seen.

6. Proposals At The Peak Point

Planning to propose to your honey? Book an entire capsule and get down on bent knee while at the top. A single capsule can carry 28 people, and costs the group £500 for a ride. All you have to do is pay the same amount for you and your sweetheart. Did you know that approximately 5,000 couples have gotten engaged on the London Eye since the new millennium was born?

7. Themed Rotations!

Hotel Chocolat organizes chocolate-tasting trips, at £44.75 an hour. A champagne-tasting trip can cost £970 for 20 people. If you just want to enjoy a glass of champagne in a shared capsule, your ticket will set you back by £35.04. Enjoy mulled wine tasting, Pimms tasting and even a three-course gourmet dinner lasting three whole rotations, which costs £5,000 per group.

8. Custom Lights to Grace Every Occasion!

London Eye is the cynosure of all eyes on major events. On New Year’s Eve, the giant wheel is lit up with a million lights to correspond with the New Year’s firework show. On Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, the London Eye was lit up in the colors of the British flag.

9. Celebrities Love It!

Model Kate Moss won the ‘Who has ridden the most on the London Eye?’ completion; she’s been on it 25 times. Actress Jessica Alba has ridden the London Eye a whopping 31 times. Isn’t that one of the cutest London Eye facts you’ve heard?

Conclusion

The London Eye opened in 2000 and immediately inspired other great cities to replicate the effort. Today there are grand observation wheels in Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlanta, Dubai, Singapore – you name it. Still, London is proud of its Eye, it’s an icon of fashion, food, and fun.

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Main Attractions at Gardens by the Bay:

The Flower Dome

A cool dry conservatory, the Flower Dome replicates the Mediterranean climate including the parts of Africa, some parts of Italy and Spain. Offering a spectacular skyline of the Marina Reservoir. Boasting of plants and flowers from all over the globe, it is full of baobab and bottle trees. Walking through the flower Dome is a real sensory delight for the visitors.

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Supertree Groove

The Supertree at the Gardens by the Bay is supertall trees with 25 to 50 meters in height. These super trees provide the much-needed shade during the day and offer a mesmerizing illuminated display of lights at night. Serving as a beautiful venue for many events, the Supertree Groove canopies are a major attraction for the tourists.

Cloud Forest

Replicating the cool climate from high up in the mountains, Cloud Forest is a knowledge powerhouse for a better understanding of the rare flora gems, different vegetation, and the disappearing rare plants.

The Children’s Garden

One of the most loved attractions of the Gardens by the Bay, the Children’s Garden consists of trampolines, hanging bridges, balancing beams and a lot more kid-friendly attractions. Suitable for all ages from 1 to 12 years of age, The Children’s Garden is an ideal family attraction located near the adventure trail and treehouse.

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The OCBC Skyway

It’s hard to match the view and the experience to walk on the 22-meter-tall and unbelievably beautiful Super tree skywalks. At this height, visitors are not only surrounded by exceptionally beautiful Garden but also the vistas of the Marina Bay.

Photo by: Raynatravelogue

Here are some of the most interesting facts about Gardens by the Bay that are sure to encourage you to visit it on your next trip.

• The Gardens by the Bay is a collection of 3 public gardens initially started under National Parks Board (NParks) but soon grew out to be an independently managed organization.

• One of the most interesting Gardens by the Bay facts is that it is home to 2000 exotic species of over 7,00,000 natural plants on display for the visitors.

• In order to reduce energy, cost inside the domes, the underground chilled water pipes are used. These water pipes are cooled by the energy generated from burning the detirus of the plants. The process reduces energy consumption by the domes up to 30%.

• During the construction of the garden, a research facility costing a whopping $7 million dollar was set up to study the most efficient methods of blooming the non-native flowers.

• The research facility comprised of 6 glass houses to help stimulate the climatic conditions to fit to grow natural plants and flowers.

• In its opening year 2012, the Gardens by the Bay was awarded at World Architecture Festival with the World Building of the Year award. The Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome too received the award for the Best display building in the same year.

• Bay South garden is the largest of the 3 gardens at the Gardens by the Bay.it occupies an area of 5,40,000 sq.m. All of the Garden’s 18 super trees are located in the South Bay.

• A food court known as Satay Club was also opened in the year 2013 to offer the guests a choice of 28 different stalls to select their meals from. The food court is spread in an area of 20,000 sq. meters and has a seating capacity of 1000 people.

• The Gardens by the Bay was conceptualized in the year 2003, designed by Grant Associates and Gustafson Porter in September 2006, had the ground breaking ceremony in November 2007 and was officially opened in June 2012.

• Before accepting the design made by Grant Associates and Gustafson Porter, there were 70 entries by 170 firms from 24 countries. An 11-member jury of international recognition considered the designs and selected the one.

• The tallest standing Supertree measures at 50 meters (almost as tall as a 16 storey building) and the shortest measures 25meters. Each of the Supertrees is filled with around 163,000 plants of more than 200 species and varieties, including bromeliads, orchids, and tropical flowering climbers.

• All the 11 Supertrees are embedded with environmentally sustainable functions. Some even have photovoltaic cells to illuminate the trees at night. The other Super trees are integrated with the Cooled Conservatories and thus, serve as air exhaust receptacles.

• More than 162,900 plants comprising more than 200 species are planted on the 18 Super trees. These varieties include bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and tropical flowering climbers have been planted on the 18 Super trees.

• Each Super tree consists of a trunk core made of reinforced concrete wrapped with a steel frame. Planting panels are installed on the trunks for the planting of the living skin. Each canopy is embedded with environmentally sustainable functions, then assembled and hoisted via a hydraulic jack system.

• Singapore’s vision of creating a city in a garden has come true to a great extent with the Gardens by the Bay. A charmingly beautiful garden and an exceptional tourist destination to visit, Gardens by the Bay is your answer if someone asks you, have you ever been to the world’s most revered manmade tropical garden.

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Palm Island is perhaps the most ambitious and unique of all mega real estate developments in Dubai, brimming with world-class hotels and resorts, stunning beachfront villas, best-in-class dining establishments, marinas, water parks, and shopping facilities. The brainchild of Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum and erected by Al Nakheel Properties off Dubai’s coast, the Palm represents an artificial group of islands that are categorized into three:

Palm Jumeirah

, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. Occupying an area of about seven million square meters, the Palm holds the distinction of being the world’s largest man-made islands. Apart from these, there are some of the best places to visit in Dubai that make this artificial archipelago a one-of-its-kind global vacation spot.

The Palm Dubai Facts

1. 1. The Palm Island, as it is seen today, is the outcome of immense planning, and more than one hundred feasibility studies were carried out to review several major aspects of the project, such as marina design, transportation, civil engineering, and technology. Moreover, several veteran divers were roped to examine the rock formations beneath the water and ensure its stability.
   2. The View at Palm Jumeirah Dubai, upon completion, stands as one of the world’s incomparable attractions, with its remarkable design and engineering marvel.
   3. What makes this island an iconic attraction of the UAE is its unique design that takes after a date palm with the crescent on its top. A specialty of crescent that bounds the island is that it serves as a breakwater and is made using a blend of sand, rocks and geotextile fiber. With more than 300 openings on every side, the breakwater has the capability to resist harsh weather conditions, especially high waves in the event of storm or typhoon.
   4. This world-renowned attraction is one of the few attractions that can be seen from the space. Thanks to its impeccable geometry that lend unique shape and massive scale to the project.
   5. It is estimated that about 100 million cubic meters of sand, in addition to seven million tons of rocks per island, has been used for the construction of this archipelago. Besides a monorail, a sub-sea tunnel is built to help people to move to and fro the mainland. In order to ensure that the sand will firmly hold its position after having dropped, a process, namely, Rainbowing, which employs dredger ships to spray the sand to the proper place, was used.
   6. Stretching about seven kilometers into the Arabian Gulf, the Palm’s construction has led to the adding of about 180 kilometers of Dubai shoreline, thereby increasing it by incredible 166%.
   7. Despite its resemblance to palm trees, these islands do not have any real palm trees. Hence, more than 12,000 palm trees are expected to be grown on the island’s nursery.
   8. Speaking of the islands, the Palm Deira is the largest of all three islands. Slated to be developed as the commercial and residential capital of the archipelago – it will feature a variety of residential townhouses, in addition to marinas, sports facilities, and shopping malls. The smallest of the three islands, the Jumeirah is considered a haven for unlimited leisure and recreation. About 50% bigger than the Jumeirah is the Palm Jebel Ali that will be an entertainment spot for both adults and children.
   9. Its latest addition Palm Fountain Dubai is a record-breaking dancing fountain.
   10. Often referred to as the world’s eighth wonder, the Palm Jumeirah boasts of UAE’s some of the best attractions, such as Atlantis Hotel that literally grace the Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, Trump International – a luxurious 300-room hotel at the trunk of the island, Oceana – a beachfront residential and resort development, Kingdom of Sheba – a unique project managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Exotica Resort & Spa. From enjoying the world’s largest waterpark to dining at Michelin, there are things to do in Atlantis The Palm.
   11. With its waters filled with exuberant marine life on the Arabian Gulf, the Palm provides excellent facilities to enable tourists and visitors to indulge in such activities as scuba diving and snorkeling.

FAQs

Q1. What is Palm Dubai?

Palm Dubai, also known as Palm Jumeirah, is a man-made island in off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is shaped in the form of a palm tree and is one of three Palm Islands in Dubai.

Q2. What makes the Palm Dubai an iconic attraction?

This island’s distinctive design, which is modeled after a date palm having a crescent on top, makes it an iconic tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates.

Q3. What is located on Palm Dubai?

Palm Dubai is home to numerous luxury hotels, residential villas and apartments, restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment venues. The island also features a number of beaches and parks.

Q4. How is Palm Dubai connected to the mainland?

Palm Dubai is connected to the mainland by a bridge that spans the water between the island and the Dubai shoreline.

Q5. How was Palm Dubai built?

Palm Dubai was built using dredging and land reclamation techniques. Sand and rock were brought in to create the shape of the palm tree, and a breakwater was built around the island to protect it from waves and erosion.

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