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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Dubai's famous Atlantis The Palm with it's own aquarium, fine dining and world's largest waterpark
DRIVING into the five-star Atlantis, The Palm, set on the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, was breathtaking. The sprawling resort captures the mythical lost city of Atlantis theme, blended with beautiful Arabian elements. I really felt like I was entering another world. 9 Atlantis, The Palm has something for all the family Credit: COLLECT 9 Atlantis Aquaventure is the world's largest waterpark Credit: 9 The Dubai Balloon boasts the best views of the resort Credit: COLLECT 9 Atlantis has 34 world-renowned restaurants Credit: COLLECT When I walked into the exquisite lobby, I couldn't take my eyes off the grandeur and beauty of this magnificent resort. We were delighted to get an early VIP check in at 10am. The staff were very welcoming and spent time explaining all the facilities we could avail of on our stay. The magnificent aquarium, thrilling aquatic theme park, four swimming pools, beaches, a beach club, water sports, spa, the Dubai Balloon, Atlas Village, the AquaTrek Xtreme experience and 38 restaurants, lounges and bars - we were so excited for it all. As we walked into our Palm View Queen room we instantly felt a sense of excitement and adventure. I was drawn to the large windows overlooking the iconic Palm Jumeirah and the tranquil ocean beyond. The spacious room was elegantly decorated with touches of the undersea theme from gorgeous coral artwork to the shell-style mirror. And the elegant bath and walk-in shower were a major plus. Every time we arrived back to our room, there were little surprises from chocolate desserts to cute charger accessories added onto our phone cables. AQUAVENTURE WORLD The first thing we did was hit Aquaventure World, the world's largest aquatic theme park in the world as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Spanning over 22.5 hectares, this aquatic wonderland has over 105 slides, rides, and attractions. The River Rapids was the perfect way to take in the sights of the extensive aqua park. The Leap of Faith got my heart pounding as I plunged vertically down the slide - it was the size of a nine-story building. The world's tallest waterslide of its kind, The Odyssey of Terror, swept us up in all ways we could imagine. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, with over 65,000 marine animals, makes Atlantis a very special resort. We gazed at the vibrant colors and exotic species every chance we got. The mesmerising aquarium was the perfect place to unwind after all the excitement of the waterpark. AQUATREK One of the most unique experiences I have ever had was the AquaTrek Xtreme Experience. I wore a high-tech helmet that receives a continuous supply of air, allowing me to walk around the bottom of the aquarium breathing normally. As I wandered around the bottom of The Ambassador Lagoon, colourful fish, stingrays and even baby sharks swam by me. Aquarium onlookers waved in as I cautiously explored the undersea world. It was a surreal experience, swimming in the lost world of Atlantis. I was even given a trident for the ultimate underwater pic. The guided underwater tour surprisingly made me less nervous around strange fish and ginormous rays. Another first I tried during our stay was surfing. I did a lesson at the Surf's Up Waverider. My instructor guided me from lying on the body board to eventually standing up. As the waves kept crashing down, he gave me funny poses to master while riding the waves. I was very thankful to be learning how to ride the waves in the hot Dubai sun as it's certainly not as easy as it looks. A great way to take in the beauty of the resort is by kayak or paddle board. I jumped in a kayak and began my own little adventure. I ventured up and down the beaches, found myself people watching and even switched off. A FOODIES HAVEN After all our aqua adventures, we hit the Wavehouse for a much needed lunch. This vibrant spot was decked out with a funky interior, arcade games and swinging chairs. Another fun restaurant for a bite to eat was the electrifying Mexican restaurant En Fuego. The singers and dancers were just as spicy as the food. Dining at Ayamna Lebanese Restaurant was a feast for the senses. Indulging in endless dishes outside on the lantern-lit terrace was pure bliss. The dishes kept coming as we filled our bellies with some tasty Lebanese favourites including kebbeh mabroumeh (minced lamb) and baked spinach fatayer. And the Lebanese wine, Massaya Beqaa Valley, was divine. We were spoiled for choice when it came to breakfast. The buffets at Saffron and Kaleidoscope were on another level. They had all types of breakfast foods from all over the world. The chocolate fountain was a great option to set me up for a fun filled day. A major plus during our stay was that we had access to the exclusive Imperial Club Lounge. We could pop in for breakfast, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea and happy hour. On top of that, we had access to the private Imperial Club Beach. ATLANTIS, THE PALM HIGHLIGHTS As the first resort to open its doors on Dubai's revolutionary man-made island, in September 2008, Atlantis, The Palm is described as the gateway to Dubai. The resort spans 46 hectares and is home to 1,544 rooms and suites across 22 storeys. Guests can relax on the largest privately-owned beachfront in Dubai at over 2km. Atlantis, The Palm has 34 restaurants, lounges and bars, featuring seven by celebrity chefs including Nobu, FZN by Björn Frantzén, Studio Frantzén, Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen and Street Pizza and two Michelin Star restaurants: Hakkasan, and underwater restaurant, Ossiano. Guests can enjoy fun and adventure at every turn, including the world's deepest Aquatrek experience, world-class marine educational experiences, and diving at night with 65,000 marine animals Adults and children alike can enjoy entertainment at every turn including bowling and gaming at Wavehouse, live music across all restaurants every night of the week and world-class concerts and events at the world-class beach club, WHITE Beach. RELAXATION My favourite place to unwind and catch some rays was WHITE Beach. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, and the chic boho look made it the perfect place for some holiday snaps. The staff always seemed to appear just at the right time for a refreshing cocktail or poolside snack. Dining at the beachfront White Restaurant was a treat. Lobster linguine, octopus, wagyu tenderloin, lamb chops, mushroom and truffle pasta... The food choices were endless. Another spot to catch some R&R is the AWAKEN Spa offered numerous massage therapies and treatments. For those who like to shop, the luxuriously colourful souk called The Avenues is the perfect place for some retail therapy. THE DUBAI BALLOON Taking a ride on The Dubai Balloon on Aquaventure Beach took our stay to new heights. We were given our 'flight' boarding pass and within a few minutes, we were suddenly floating high into the sky. The experience was perfectly timed and organised so smoothly, I'd no time to worry about my fear of heights. Ascending 300 meters above the ground, the breathtaking panoramic views of the Palm Jumeirah and the intriguing city of Dubai was amazing. Floating above the Dubai skyline really felt like a special moment for us. We stayed on that high all throughout our stay. The hospitality was impeccable, and every moment was carefully curated to ensure our visit was extraordinary. Thrilling water rides, captivating sea creatures, exquisite dining - Atlantis really does capture the perfect blend of luxury, thrills, relaxation, fine dining and magic moments. I'm dreaming of our next adventure in the majestic Atlantis, The Palm. GETTING THERE Plan your stay: GET THERE: Emirates. STAY THERE: Atlantis, The Palm Sept rates from €263 (1,130 AED). DO THERE: Aquaventure World, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, AquaTrek Xtreme, Dubai Balloon. EAT/DRINK THERE: Ayamna Lebanese Restaurant, WHITE Restaurant, En Fuego, Wavehouse. 9 There's a selection of watersports to choose from Credit: COLLECT 9 The waterparks sits on 22.5 hectares Credit: COLLECT 9 The resort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea Credit: COLLECT 9 Aquaventure has over 105 record-breaking slides Credit:
Engadget
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
GOG is giving away a selection of adult games to protest censorship
In partnership with developers, game marketplace GOG (Good Old Games) has launched a new website called that'll let you download select "adult" games for free. GOG believes the website takes a stand "against the quiet erasure of creative works from digital shelves," a response of sorts to recent decisions from Steam and Itch to delist certain violent and sexuality-explicit games from their respective platforms. GOG is currently offering 13 games for free for the next 48 hours, some with well-known scandals and others that seem to fall into the "NSFW visual novel" bucket that makes up the majority of sexually-explicit games on digital storefronts. The titles available to download are: Leap of Love Being a DIK — Season 1 Leap of Faith POSTAL 2 House Party HuniePop Lust Theory Agony + Agony Unrated Treasure of Nadia Summer's Gone — Season 1 Fetish Locator Week One Helping the Hotties Sapphire Safari POSTAL 2, a graphically violent open-world game, is a notable inclusion because it was banned in New Zealand in 2004 and delisted from the German version of Steam in 2016. HuniePop, one of several "adult-only" games Twitch streamers are explicitly forbidden to stream, makes sense on the list, too. GOG has made a concerted effort to preserve games of all types, including maintaining them so that they run on current hardware. The point of making these games available to download is as much about preservation as it is about highlighting how apparently easy it is to pressure digital storefronts to remove content, though. Valve's decision to delist titles from Steam was chalked up to a new rule that requires games to abide by the standards set by the payment processors that work with Steam. Itch offered a similar explanation for the delistings on its storefront, pointing to pressure payment processors were receiving from a nonprofit called Collective Shout. In the process, indie games like VILE: Exhumed have been delisted, primarily for depicting things that might make a certain group of people uncomfortable. Itch, for its part, seems to be trying to bring back as many games to its storefront as it can. The platform is restoring free NSFW games, and says it's still in talks with its payment partners about restoring paid games to its storefront.
India.com
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Chill, Splash, And Repeat: The Ultimate List Of UAE Water Parks To Visit For A Refreshing Weekend Getaway
photoDetails english 2925940 Updated:Jul 03, 2025, 01:34 PM IST 1 / 9 With temperatures soaring across the UAE, water parks offer the perfect escape for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking to cool down. From record-breaking slides to relaxing lazy rivers and kid-friendly splash zones, the UAE is home to some of the world's most impressive water attractions. Here's a roundup of the top water parks you must visit this summer weekend. Aquaventure Waterpark – Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 2 / 9 One of the largest and most iconic water parks in the world, Aquaventure Waterpark offers adrenaline-pumping rides and luxurious beach experiences. Highlights include the Leap of Faith, a near-vertical slide that drops you through a shark-filled lagoon, and Trident Tower, home to some of the park's newest and most extreme rides. Families can enjoy the Splashers Island for younger kids, while adults relax on the private beach or float through the Lazy River. With water coasters, wave pools, and animal encounters, Aquaventure is a full-day adventure. Yas Waterworld – Abu Dhabi 3 / 9 Located on Yas Island, Yas Waterworld is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike. The park features more than 40 rides and attractions inspired by Emirati culture, including the world's first hydromagnetic tornado waterslide, Dawwama. Other attractions like Liwa Loop, a looping free-fall ride, and Bandit Bomber, a water rollercoaster, offer heart-pounding excitement. For families, Amwaj Wave Pool and Yadi Yas River provide relaxing alternatives. The park's unique theme and wide variety of activities make it one of the UAE's top water parks. Wild Wadi Waterpark – Jumeirah, Dubai 4 / 9 Situated in front of the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark offers amazing views and exciting rides. Known for its high-speed water slides and surfing rides, the park's most famous attraction is Jumeirah Sceirah, a 32-meter free-fall slide that reaches speeds of 80 km/h. For families and younger kids, Juha's Dhow and Lagoon offers over 100 water activities including slides, water guns, and a dumping bucket. The park also features wave pools and lazy rivers for those looking to unwind in a scenic setting. Dreamland Aqua Park – Umm Al Quwain 5 / 9 A more laid-back and budget-friendly option, Dreamland Aqua Park is located in Umm Al Quwain and offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. It features over 30 rides and attractions including family rafting, a lazy river, and kamikaze slides. The park also has shaded cabanas, BBQ areas, and even overnight camping facilities, making it ideal for weekend getaways. It's one of the oldest water parks in the UAE but continues to be a favorite due to its affordability and variety of attractions. Laguna Waterpark – La Mer, Dubai 6 / 9 Located in the trendy La Mer beachfront area, Laguna Waterpark is ideal for beach lovers who want a mix of ocean vibes and water park fun. The park features a 360° loop slide, WaveOz surfing experience, and a lazy river that winds through palm-shaded paths. With dedicated kids' zones, infinity pools, and direct beach access, Laguna offers something for every age group. Its location also makes it easy to combine a water adventure with shopping and dining. Ice Land Water Park – Ras Al Khaimah 7 / 9 Ice Land Water Park brings a cool twist to the desert with an arctic theme and penguin mascots. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, this park boasts the largest man-made waterfall in the UAE and more than 30 slides and attractions. It's a great family destination with activities for all ages, including a massive wave pool, snow-themed play areas, and shaded picnic spots. For those venturing outside the major cities, this northern gem is a refreshing option. Pearls Kingdom – Sharjah 8 / 9 Located at Al Montazah Parks, Pearls Kingdom is Sharjah's premier water park featuring medieval-themed rides and attractions. With exciting slides like the Sea Pearl and Kingdom Falls, as well as a kids' zone and wave pool, it's a perfect choice for families looking to stay closer to home. The park also offers beautiful views of the Khalid Lagoon and is conveniently connected to other leisure attractions in the area. 9 / 9 Whether you're looking for thrilling rides, family fun, or just a relaxing float under the sun, the UAE has a water park for everyone. These top destinations offer the perfect blend of excitement, comfort, and entertainment to help you beat the summer heat. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure—it's time to make a splash!
Tourism Breaking News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tourism Breaking News
Atlantis the Palm unveils its new transformative brand campaign inspired by extraordinary experiences
Post Views: 50 Atlantis, The Palm unveils 'A World Away' brand campaign created to reshape perceptions, spark imagination, and reignite global awareness, the campaign positions Atlantis, The Palm as far more than a holiday destination. It is a world rich with energy, wonder, and emotion—where guests are invited to leave the ordinary behind and step into the extraordinary. Whether it's a guest overcoming their fears on the iconic waterslide Leap of Faith, or a quiet moment spent face-to-face with marine life, every experience becomes a fulfilled dream. For the first time in Atlantis history, a campaign of this scale is conceived, produced, and executed entirely by the in-house brand and marketing teams—ensuring the final product is creatively ambitious, deeply authentic, and true to the spirit of the resort. To bring the story to life, the Atlantis team collaborates with Bruce Macdonald, winner of the New York Film Festival and International Film Talent Awards, whose cinematic direction anchors the emotional depth of the campaign. He is joined by Simon Duggan, the acclaimed Director of Photography behind The Great Gatsby and Hacksaw Ridge, and a two-time AACTA Award winner for Best Cinematography. The visual narrative is further enhanced by London-based photographer Jonathan Stokes, known for his work with National Geographic Traveler; FPV drone expert André Larsen, one of the world's top talents in aerial filming; and underwater cinematographer Mike Rall, founder of Base Films and a recognised leader in his field. Filming takes place across several of Atlantis, The Palm's most iconic locations, including the grand main lobby, the awe-inspiring Underwater Suite, the renowned Lost Chambers Aquarium, world-class culinary venues under the most Michelin-awarded destination in the region, and the record-breaking Aquaventure World. Visually, 'A World Away' is defined by a distinctive 80/20 composition principle—80% of each frame showcases the vast, dreamlike environment of Atlantis, while 20% highlights authentic human connection. This deliberate balance amplifies both the scale of the resort and the emotional impact of the experience that guests are invited to partake in. The campaign runs across digital, social, in-resort, and out-of-home platforms—not just in the UAE, but across key global markets including Saudi Arabia, the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
87-year old takes 'leap of faith' for Skipton church carbon-neutral appeal
THE heart of Skipton came alive as residents, visitors, thrill-seekers - and Batman - gathered for the exhilarating 'Leap of Faith' fundraising event in support of Holy Trinity Church. The event, held on the same day as Skipton Car Show, featured daring sponsored abseils from the 90-feet high church tower; stalls from community partners such as Martin House and St George's Crypt homeless shelter in Leeds and pop-up refreshments from Bean Loved. It was all done in a spirited effort to raise funds for carbon neutral heating and improved access in the grade one listed parish church. The event drew participants and spectators from Craven and beyond, who watched fundraisers descend the tower to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd. Some 35 people took the leap including members of the congregation, townspeople and visitors, all united by a shared commitment to preserving the church's legacy. Oldest to take the plunge was 87-year old Robert Hall, while three generations of the Lowans family, ranging in ages from 14 to 81 years old, also took the 'leap of faith', and Kevin Burnett donned a Batman suit to make his descent. Rev Doug Rice-Bowen, Curate of Holy Trinity, who also took part, said: 'This church has stood at the centre of Skipton for centuries, and on the day of the event it stood at the centre of a joyful celebration of community spirit. We're so thankful to everyone who took part and supported this event—whether they jumped, donated, or simply came to cheer. Every penny raised will help secure the future heritage of this remarkable place for all the people of Skipton and Yorkshire.' The Leap of Faith is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness and funds for restoration work at Holy Trinity, including a new heating system and access improvements designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the church's history and heritage. The church remains an active place of worship and a venue for music, culture, and community outreach. Holy Trinity is aiming to raise £500,000 for its new carbon neutral system. The church made the decision in 2021 to go carbon neutral by 2030. It was granted planning permission last year by North Yorkshire Council to carry out the work which includes the installation of air source heat pumps, an electric boiler and the fitting of new internal pipes and radiators. Donations can still be made via
