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The Lost Chambers Aquarium is no ordinary marine life attraction in the desert city. As one of the largest and singular aquariums in the world, the venue is a one-of-a-kind edutainment highlight that tourists of all ages must visit during a trip to Dubai. From exploring its confines to taking part in its most coveted interactive exhibits, here's your guide to discovering The Lost Chambers Aquarium like a pro.

While Lost Chambers Aquarium is a fantastic tourist highlight to visit throughout the year, those who are heading to Dubai in October will find that it is the best time to tour the venue. This is due to the annual Haunted Chamber Parties that take place at the aquarium when the entire enclave turns into a marine creature-infested haunted house where nightly shows, trick-or-treat games and frights courtesy of the aquarium's most colourful inhabitants are all part of the experience. This is also the only time of the year when visitors don costumes to visit the aquarium in order to enjoy this one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily although the timings of various shows may differ. Tourists can enter the premises with a basic entrance ticket, which also allows one access to the aqua theatre show or buy an Ultimate Snorkel experience ticket. Travellers can also buy a combined entrance ticket to the Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is perhaps more economical if you intend to visit both sites on the same day.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium boasts more than 65,000 marine creatures. Divided into 20 exhibition galleries, the labyrinthine and tunnelled interiors of the aquarium will truly transport you to a different realm where hobnobbing with turtles, sharks, eels and lobsters is all part of an ordinary day.

One of the best things to do during a visit to The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai is to go on a snorkelling tour beneath the Ambassador Lagoon. No swimming skills are required for adults or kids to take part in this activity where masks, snorkels and lifejackets are all provided. Others may want to choose the Aquatrek experience, which allows one to take a walk underwater and explore the Ambassador Lagoon wearing a special helmet. In addition to the thrilling snorkelling and Aquatrek experiences, visitors to The Lost Chambers Aquarium can also enjoy interactive educational programmes. These programmes offer insights into the marine life inhabiting the Ambassador Lagoon and provide an opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect these incredible creatures.

Those with curiosity regarding various marine species and their natural habitats, daily habits and feeding rituals must sign up for this informative tour option. The Fish Tales Tour, as its name indicates, is for fish fanatics who are interested in learning more about the 65,000 animals that call the aquarium home. Visits to the in-house nursery and fish hospital are all part of this tour, which also includes a behind-the-scenes look at how a marine life expert goes about his daily work at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Those based at the Avani Palm View Dubai or any of the other hotels near Palm Jumeirah Dubai can also enjoy a scuba diving excursion at the aquarium. Tourists can learn the basics of diving and get face time with harmless marine creatures living underwater. The Predator Dive, however, is for seasoned diving pros as encounters with 14 shark species are a part of this intense diving experience. Single tank dives for certified divers are also accessible at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

The entire UAE region is known for its sunny climate and desert environment. In Dubai, you find no big difference because the conditions are the same. Many travelers find it hard to bear this extensive heat and humidity and for them, the winter season is the best time to travel to Dubai. How is the winter in Dubai? What should you know when packing for your Dubai tour in winter? Let's find out!

Have you ever been to Sothern California? The weather in Dubai during winter is as pleasant and soothing as the weather in Southern California, and you will surely fall in love with its mild temperatures. You can't often expect to enjoy snowfall when in Dubai during winter, but that doesn't say that snow falling is impossible there. It happens, but very rarely. However, Dubai sometimes experiences dust storms during winter, so you will have to be prepared for this. Since it's dust, this may cause breathing difficulties, and sometimes eye irritations too.

Whatever outerwear you choose to use in Dubai during winter, make sure they are lightly layered. You may have a jacket or a sweater, but keep in mind not to use those that are thick and rough. Also, don't forget that Dubai is a Muslim region regardless of the season you go. So, make sure the dresses you wear suit the Islamic culture and beliefs. Cover your knees and shoulders wherever you go in Dubai, and for this long-sleeved shirts and sarongs will help you a lot.

Will you need sunglasses in Dubai during winter- when it's not too sunny? Well, the answer is yes, and the reason has been explained above as well. Sunglasses are essential especially if you come across a dust storm to protect your eyes. You may also take a scarf with you for added protection.

A shawl will always help you stay extra protected during winter, and this is needed when you want to cover your shoulders when going out in Dubai. As mentioned earlier, choose to take a light sweater and this will ensure you are comfortable throughout the journey.

Can you wear swimsuits in Dubai? Well, yes- but with certain restrictions. Avani Palm View Dubai and many other hotels near Palm Jumeirah allow their guests to wear swimsuits in their pools. Wearing a swimsuit will only be a problem when you go to a public beach, because that may not be allowed considering the Islamic culture. For the safer side, it's recommended to pack a swimsuit coverup also for your trip in Dubai, especially because you are traveling during winter.

When you are packing, make sure whatever you include, be it the shirts, frocks, pants or the skirts, are long enough to cover your shoulders and legs. If you plan to visit a mosque in Dubai, this is an absolute must.

If you are thinking of taking your boots, yes- that's a great idea. But make sure it's not velvet boots. You may take your leather boots without any issue. Sometimes the cold in Dubai during winter tends to get way too unbearable at nights, so it's advisable to take stockings and leggings with you. Choose to have some fancy and cute ones for they will look cuter on pictures.

No matter what the season is, your Dubai tour requires a big hat! so, in winter too, you will need one. Take an umbrella also with you because you can't be too sure that it won't rain, no matter how strong the weather predictions are. Take a pair of gloves as well with you for the safe side, because you may perhaps need the when it's too cold at nights.

Home to some of the most sought-after desert landscapes in the world, Dubai is poised to escort you on a thrilling adventure out across the shores of the Gulf to the rocky regions of the Hajar Mountains. In short, going on a desert safari when in Dubai comes off as one of the better activities to spend your time on. Penned down below is how you can go about scheduling one.

Image via pixahive

Staying well clear of searing temperatures will be hard to come by, particularly given the environment and weather patterns that impact Dubai and the UAE at large. However, the cooler months from November through February would be one’s best bet with one having to contend with daily desert temperatures of between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. Although, since this is the tourist season, holidaymakers like yourself will have to deal with more crowds and steeper costs. Alternatively, the off-season which stretches out from March to May can be factored in which is a time of year synonymous with lower fares and intense temperatures in the morning that give way to cooler evenings that in turn, would make for far easier adventuring over and around the dunes.

Well aside from the plethora of activities that can be partaken of which appeal to both laidback and adventure-travellers, these regions are perfect for uncovering and learning of the ancient mannerisms of the Bedouins. Added to this, what’s not to like about tucking into traditional Arabic cuisine, oozing in zest and flavour as you unwind with family, friends or by yourself near a glowing campfire and under a starlit sky?

For instance, consider the thought of booking into hotels near Palm Jumeirah such as Avani Palm View Dubai from where you can schedule and fine-tune your itinerary while having access to knowledgeable tour operators to consult and work alongside. Staying at such establishments will offer you a chance to query the locals on what would work and what wouldn’t. What’s more? Vacationers will also have ample space to visit some of the most talked about and cherished tourist hotspots that have made Dubai into what it is today.

First up, is the need to find a suitable tour operator in the likes of Headout who offer a wide spectrum of packages that are reputed for complementing all whims and fancies. Be it a luxurious ride to a more riveting, action-packed one that will have you gripping the seat of the 4x4, Dubai’s desert safari culture is all this but so much more. Made up of premium transfers and authentic encounters in a charming desert oasis, look no further than the Ultra Luxury Desert Safari where you will have the best seat in the house to go on a 1-hour nature safari. Wear the traditional Emirati headscarf and look forward to delighting in vistas of native birds, lakes and a falconry performance. Also, make time for a camel ride before retiring to the comfort of your private cabana from where a sumptuous 6-course meal will be served. For a cost beginning at AED 1,750, you will certainly be getting your money’s worth in every sense of the phrase. If you desire to ride along in a vintage Mercedes with the desert unravelling before your very own eyes, then do reserve the Al Marmoon Oasis Bedouin Camp Heritage Safari. As you are driven in a G Class Mercedes of the 1980s, begin scouring regions near and far that encompass the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve. Traverse through sparkling dunes en route to the Bedouin village that will warmly welcome you and in turn, serve you appetising gahwa and a host of traditional sweets to snack on. Herein, you will be presented a chance to sit through an Arabic coffee-making session before being treated to the intricacies of preparing traditional Emirati bread as was customary during the times of old. On the flip side, you can pocket out AED 400 for one mesmeric escape to the Al Awir Desert where dune buggy rides and unlimited campsite refreshments are the norms. For the laidback at heart, perhaps, a camel ride in close proximity to the camp would be the perfect tonic so to speak. Although, the daring traveller will be compelled to ride a 4x4 as part of a dune bashing experience or hop onto the next available quad bike to discover the very best of what these dunes have in store.

Dubai’s glamour beckons visitors to enjoy the finer things in life, but how do you get around once you are there? The metropolis is pretty hot and strolling from place to place is not an option. The 100 km/hr speed limit makes driving somewhat dangerous and biking almost impossible. However, the city offers ample transport options. Let’s take a look.

Dubai’s tram system connects the residential and commercial hubs of Dubai Marina, Media City and Palm Jumeirah. Hence, if you stay at a Palm Jumeirah Hotel you can have easy access to the metro system. Some hotels like the Avani Palm View Dubai are connected to the metro system. The tram offers a flat rate regardless of the length of travel. This is a convenient and inexpensive mode of transport to explore the hubs of Dubai. When you wish to spend some time at Palm Jumeirah Island, you can use the Palm Monorail. This rail system connects Dubai’s mainland with the Palm Jumeirah Island station. You can use the Palm Monorail to get around Atlantis the Palm and theme parks like the Aquaventure Water Park.

Unlike most metropolises, Dubai only operates two metro lines, but with 45 stops this service serves main tourist attractions. The metro fare depends on the distance and zone that you are travelling. As a large number of destinations in the city are set around Sheikh Zayed – you can easily use the metro to get to these places. The metro line connects the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Dubai mall. All you have to do is get yourself a Nol card. You’ll come across trains every 10 minutes.

The city is full of taxis and hailing one of these is the easiest way to get around Dubai. While the government operates most taxis, there are a few private players around. These metered service taxis charge their fees by distance travelled. You should remember to ask the taxi driver to turn on the metre if it isn’t set to automatic mode. You can identify licensed taxis by the tan and red colours or pink roofs. Women taxi drivers drive the pink-roofed taxis – intended for women and families only. If you are a man or a group of men travelling together, you cannot use the pink-roofed taxis. You can hail taxis from the Dubai mall, Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa or the Mall of the Emirates. While these are easily accessible, you would have to prepare for longer waiting periods during rush hours (3 30 pm to 5.30 pm).

Careem is Dubai’s version of Uber. It is actually a regional app. The Careem app is easy to use and stops you from having to go look for a taxi. However, Careem is slightly more expensive than normal taxis. But you do get nicer cars and the convenience of ordering transport via a click of your phone. If you take a Careem ride from the airport to Downtown Dubai expect to spend about 25 USD.

Water taxis are not the most popular way of getting around in Dubai, but it is undoubtedly unique. You can cruise across Dubai Creek, and gaze at the cityscape from a different perspective. You can capture a beautiful picture of this decidedly modern yet ancient city with its stories on your phone and memory. This cruising experience however doesn’t come cheap. A water taxi ride from the Dubai Marina to Deira Old Souks cost about 85 USD, and it will take about an hour and half for you to get to your destination.