Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Dances at the Overnight Desert Camp


Fire Dancing- Fire dancing can be enjoyed as a hobby, a sport, a performer or even as a spectator at the desert safari in Dubai. It was originated from many cultures and different practices. ‘Poi’ used as juggling props in this dance, originated from New Zealand and Egypt as well. The act of eating fire originated in India. As one of the elements of nature, fire was also worshipped in the ancient times in many countries over the world. But in spite of the confusion, it cannot be denied that fire dancing is very alluring and mesmerizing to tourists on a Dubai tour with One World.

Belly dancing- Everyone hears a lot about this dance at overnight desert safaris. Unlike what has been suggested by its name, it involves the movement of all parts of the body and not just the belly. This dance form originated in UAE but became a favourite of the western countries as well. Belly dancing is known to celebrate expressionism, art and health.

Tanoura Dancing- Tanoura is usually performed by males. This dance is known for the colourful skirts worn and the extremely fast paced rotations made by them. The rotations are practiced to attain inner purity and to be one with God. The entire act is a story that talks about how man can connect with the Almighty as land connects with the sky. This mysterious dance emphasizes on rotations which according to traditional belief is the basis of human existence. Tanoura dancers have special light-bulbs in their costumes that are lit during the sequence that depicts ‘new life’.

Image credit: whileyphoto.net

Camels: Dubai’s Traditional Mode of Transport


Dubai is a highly developed city. The buildings and infrastructure out here are completely up-to-date. But the traditional modes of transport still exist in Dubai city for operational reasons or for tourism. The traditional ‘abras’ or the little boats are very useful when it comes to crossing water bodies to reach the other side of the city. Similarly camel rides in Dubai are a traditional mode of transport in the desert. They are not known as ‘ships of the desert’ for nothing…

On your Dubai desert tour with One World the first thing you will notice in the desert is not the sky or the sand dunes, but the camels. Deep in the deserts of Dubai you will witness other tourists and locals riding them either to explore the desert or to ferry themselves from one souk to another. Owners usually dress their camels with colourfully stripped cloth edged with tassels, beaded jewellery and silver bells around their neck, bangles around their ankles as well as nose rings. Watching a sight like this is not only entertaining but inspiring as well. Camels are friendly too! If you just tickle them behind their ears they behave like cute puppies wanting to be pampered even more.

When on a camel safari in Dubai you will enjoy riding on the thick coat of the camels back. The gait of the camel makes the ride a little challenging for us but fun for the kids, as you go up and down on their mounting and dismounting hump.

Image credit: www.jennifermosquera.com/

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Various Desert Activities Provided by One World


A tour to Dubai is incomplete without experiencing the deserts in the form of a desert safari in Dubai. But trying out just one or two of the activities wouldn’t give you a complete desert experience. Therefore One World Travels provides vivid desert safari’s and makes sure you don’t miss your share of fun on the sands before heading home.

4x4WD- The 4x4 desert safari in Dubai will be the ride of your life. Professional drivers will drive you over the high sand dunes but with care. Be on the look out for camels, foxes, desert birds, and as well as the sunset during this drive. You can stop to take photos whenever you like.

Dune buggy- Dune buggies in Dubai are recreational vehicles with wide tires and are designed for use on sand. This vehicle is somewhat similar to a go-kart but it is much sturdier and also meant for off-road driving.

Quad bike- All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are known as quad bikes in Dubai. As it is meant to be tried over all types of terrain, you can explore the desert with it till your heart is content.

Henna painting- ‘Henna’ used to paint the skin with beautiful designs, is obtained from the Henna plant itself. When applied to the skin it stains only the top most layer of it. Everyone at the camps love trying it as it remains just for a couple of days.

Sand skiing- Just like snow skiing in cold countries we have sand skiing in Dubai. Sand skiing is an extreme sport and the latest craze in the desert.

Image credit: www.allposters.com

Enter a trance through ‘Tanoura’ dancing

‘Tanoura’ means skirt in English. Tanoura dancing is an Egyptian dance form with a purpose. It was witnessed as well as applauded for the entertainment it provided at the DSF shopping malls this year. But if you have missed out on it, you now have no reason to fret… as this beautiful art form is now part of the overnight desert safari camps in Dubai by One World.

After an active day over the desert sand dunes you will always need some sort of relaxation on your Dubai desert safari. For this reason the evening desert camp is ideal. But if you are looking for full-fledged entertainment, you need to go in for the overnight desert camp.

The overnight desert safari is not only famous for ‘charcoal grilled’ cuisine, but it is also known for its dancing entertainment. Belly dancing is widely witnessed by many tourists who have come and gone on a Dubai tour but the tanoura dance isn’t displayed very often. This dance is unique because of the prop that is used (i.e. the colourful skirt). But people like to witness it in order to experience the trance brought about by the dervish whirls of the main dancer that usually lasts for 40 minutes. This feature sets it apart from the other dances.

Apart from the dancers a singer is also involved. Different traditional instruments like the folk fiddle, flute, drums, cymbals, etc. help create the divine beat of the Tanoura.

Image credit: living-in-egypt-manisha.blogspot.com , fiveprime.org