Latest news with #DubaiBalloon
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Richard Wilkins cowers and covers his face as he conquers his greatest fear during Today show broadcast in Dubai
A very brave Richard Wilkins stepped up and conquered his greatest fear this week. The veteran Nine entertainment guru, 70, was on the scene in Dubai on Thursday, where the Today show is broadcasting this week. After discovering Richard's apparent fear of heights, Today host Karl Stefanovic said there was only one thing for it - to send Richard 300 meters into the air. A segment, titled 'Where in Dubai is Dickie, featured Richard reporting from the Dubai Balloon - a tethered balloon located at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. The eye-catching tourist attraction which rises vertically to 300 metres, offers panoramic views of the stunning Dubai skyline. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Dickie was a little bit upset with Sarah [Abo, Today co-host] for questioning his ability or inability to go to any height, so we thought we'd send him into a hot air balloon today,' Karl said. The segment then cut to Richard, standing nervously on the viewing platform in the balloon. Clearly out of his comfort zone, Richard clung tightly to a railing as he sheepishly began speaking. 'Good evening, it might almost be time to say "Dubai"' Richard said. 'As you know, I'm not great with heights, so this really is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me. 'But yes, this is the Dubai Balloon, which is moored to the ground, I'm happy to report!' Ever the consummate professional, Richard soldiered on in spite of his pulse-raising fear, as the camera panned around to show a remarkable Dubai skyline. 'It goes up 300 metres in the air which is the height of a 100 storey building, no less,' he added. 'Even for someone like me, Karl and Sarah, who is not a fan of getting up in the air like this, it really is something pretty special.' The camera then cut back to Richard who could be seen cowering on his knees as he continued to deliver his report. 'You can see how brave I'm being, up there getting a view of all the sights and sounds of Dubai,' he said, covering his eyes in fear. Richard's display tickled Karl, who could not help but giggle at his colleague's predicament. Co-host Sarah, meanwhile, praised Richard for his bravery. 'I'm so proud of you, Dickie. you're doing so well,' she said as Karl continued to guffaw. 'You're a funny man,' Karl said to Richard between chuckles. Fans were also quick to praise Richard on social media for facing his fears. 'Nice one, Dickie,' one fan commented. 'I can't stand on a step ladder even.' Another suggested that it was cruel to put the Nine star in such a precarious position. 'I'd be just the same Dickie. They shouldn't be taking the mickey out of you,' they wrote. Richard's brave display comes after he shared a very surprising photo with notorious fan of heights Tom Cruise. The Channel Nine entertainment reporter, 70, shared an image of himself posing alongside the Hollywood superstar in London as they discussed his latest film Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning. What caught the eye of many is the size disparity between the two men, with Wilkins appearing to tower over the 62-year-old Cruise. The perspective of the photo, with Wilkins more in the foreground, does exaggerate the height difference between the two, although the Today star is quite a bit taller. Richard cuts an imposing figure at 1.88m (or 6'1") while Tom stands at a reported 1.7m (5'6"). 'Tom looks like he's come out of a Kinder Surprise egg,' one follower joked. Alluding to the strange perspective of the image, another offered: 'That photo doesn't look right - I know Tom Cruise is short but the photo looks distorted somehow?'
What's On
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Take a trip to the skies with this painting workshop in Dubai
Taking creativity to new heights (literally)… If you love to get creative, you most likely have been to a paint and grape here in Dubai. Well, this new (and hopefully, reoccurring) painting workshop will take your experience to a whole new level – and a sky-high one, at that. has teamed up with The Dubai Balloon for a really cool collab inviting those who sign up for an evening of creativity paired with breathtaking skyline views from one of Dubai's soaring attractions. Its very first session took place in April and is back due to popular demand. So if you missed out on that session, make sure you book the next one in. It takes place on Saturday, May 24, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The session begins with a trip on the Dubai Balloon taking passengers up to 300 metres high, offering impressive views across the city. Its prime location in Palm Jumeirah means that you'll be able to see as far out as Burj Khalifa on a clear day. Its doughnut-shaped platform means you can walk around to get the best views of the city and the sea. The flight duration isn't too long, so make the most of your trip. Once it's done, the tethered rope will gently pull the balloon back down to ground level. The best news? Since you rise at sundown, expect to see the Dubai sky painted with gorgeous yellow, orange, and golden hues. After you're back on solid ground, you will then head to the balloon's scenic terrace café for a guided Art & Sip session with the lovely team from Fosc Art. Don't know where to start with the brush? Don't worry, whether you're a pro and know your colour combinations or if you haven't held a brush since middle school, you'll be guided by the helpful team. And they really know their stuff. All you have to do is come with a fun and brave can-do attitude. Go with your partner for a fun and different date experience, with your friends, or even your whole family for a lovely bonding experience. But, if this is what you're thinking, this colourful experience is going to put a huge dent in your wallet; it really won't. The whole experience will cost you just Dhs300 per adult, and Dhs160 per child. The price includes the Dubai Balloon flight, art supplies, the actual workshop, and a beverage of choice. Bookings can be made here. x The Dubai Balloon, Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, May 24, from 5.30pm, Dhs300 per adult, Dhs160 per child. Tel: (0)50 877 0426. @ @thedubaiballoon Images: Supplied and Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Top ways to get creative this Easter in Dubai
Want to do something a little different over the Easter weekend in Dubai? For you creative, colourful bunch, here are creative ways to enjoying this joyful season. Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Take a trip to the skies this Easter weekend with The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis the Palm. There are two exciting events taking place, and art lovers just can't miss the deal on April 19. In celebration of World Art Day which falls over Easter weekend, you will enjoy views from Dubai's only 360-degree helium balloon as it soars to the sky, after which you will enjoy a guided painting experience out on the terrace with FoscArt with some sips. Just an FYI – for families, from April 18 to 20, a Great Easter Egg Hunt is taking place, perfect for the little ones. Book your spot on Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown Spend the morning with the family with an Easter egg painting workshop with breakfast at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. Hosted with The Masterclass, you and the little ones will get your hands colourful painting eggs you can take home with you and show off to friends. The workshop comes with all the tools you need, from eggs, paint, and aprons. As for your breakfast, there are pastries, French toast, eggs, sausages, and hash browns to reward you for a job well done. It's Dhs200 per adult and Dhs100 per child ages 11 and under. Book your spot on 058 614 9048 | @hotelindigodubai *A new arts festival is gracing Bluewaters Island this April* Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Step into an enchanting Easter Wonderland at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray this weekend. Plenty of activities are taking place starting from Saturday, April 19 such as an Easter parade, an egg hunt, brunches and themed activities at the Kids Club. For the creative soul, on April 20 there is a chocolate egg painting workshop for the whole family followed by an indulgent dinner at Imperium for that's not all. At the Creative Studio, from Thursday April 17 to 19, there are plenty of Easter-inspired crafts to stuck in. For reservations, call 04 453 0000 or email jzsreservations@ Times Square Center Springtime has come to Time Square Centre. And with it, plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy over Easter. From Friday, April 18 to 20, expect a show from Magic Phil, interactive storytelling, and songs performed by Alice and her Wonderland friends on stage. On the creative front, there's egg decorating and painting, paper cup bunny crafting, bunny ear making, face painting, and more. The best news? It's all free to join. For more information, visit Images: Unsplash and supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
This painting workshop includes a trip to the sky with Dubai Balloon
Taking creativity to new heights (literally)… If you love to get creative, you most likely have been to a paint and grape here in Dubai. Well, this new painting session will take things to a whole new level, a sky-high one. has teamed up with The Dubai Balloon for a really cool collab packing those who sign up for an evening of creativity followed by breathtaking skyline views from one of Dubai's soaring attractions. The session begins at 4pm where you will enjoy a relaxing drink and a painting session led by Fosc Art. The masterpiece you will be creating? A stunning, colourful Dubai skyline scene. Don't know where to start? Don't worry, whether you're a pro with the paintbrushes and know your colour combinations or if you haven't held a brush since middle school, you're invited to attend and will be guided by the helpful team. And they really know their stuff. All you have to do is come with a fun and brave can-do attitude. Post your painting session, you will be able to hop on board the Dubai Balloon which will lift your spirits further by taking you on a ride to the sky. Need a refresher on the Dubai Balloon? The Dubai Balloon is an attraction that launched back in 2023, and takes passengers up to 300 metres high, offering impressive views across the city. Its prime location in Palm Jumeirah means that you'll be able to see as far out as Burj Khalifa and beyond on a clear day. The best news? You will take to the sky at sundown, so expect to see the Dubai sky painted with gorgeous yellow, orange, and golden hues. Its doughnut-shaped platform means you can walk around to get the best views of the city and the sea. The flight duration isn't too long, so make the most of your trip. Once it's done, the tethered rope will gently pull the balloon back down to ground level. At the moment, this is a one-time-only event taking place on Saturday, April 19 from 4pm. So you don't want to miss out. Go with your partner for a fun and different date experience, with your friends, or even your whole family for a lovely bonding experience. But, if this is what you're thinking, this colourful experience is going to put a huge dent in your wallet; it really won't. The whole experience will cost you just Dhs300 per adult, and Dhs160 per child. In addition to your Art and Fly experience, you will also get to enjoy a cool beverage. Bookings can be made here. See you there! x The Dubai Balloon, Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, April 19, 4pm, Dhs300 per adult, Dhs160 per child. Tel: (0)50 877 0426. @ @thedubaiballoon Images: Supplied and Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
