Over the Easter break, our team embarked on an incredible adventure to Dubai for a week packed with exciting activities, cultural exploration, and netball tournaments. This fantastic recap captures the highlights of our journey, showcasing the experiences that made this trip truly unforgettable. We hope you enjoy reading about their adventures shared by Emily, Adekunbi and Ciara (UVI / Year 13).
We began our Dubai adventure with an early morning flight from Gatwick, brimming with excitement for the week ahead. After the long journey, we arrived in Dubai late at night, immediately feeling the city’s warmth and vibrancy as we made our way to the hotel. Exhausted but eager for the days ahead, we quickly settled into our rooms and got some much-needed rest.
We started the day with a mobility session to prepare our muscles for an active schedule. Then, we set off for Abu Dhabi to visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Upon arrival, we faced some challenges with clothing requirements but soon adapted by purchasing traditional abayas. We were awestruck by the mosque’s intricate designs and serene atmosphere. After soaking in the sights and learning about the culture, we headed to an afternoon tournament. The soaring temperatures made the games particularly challenging, but everyone pushed through and gave their best effort. By the end, we were thrilled to come away with medals—a perfect conclusion to our first full day.
Our next stop was Sharjah School, where we joined a friendly competition, playing in mixed teams. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and share our love for the game. Teamwork shone through as we won all our matches and bonded with the students there. In the afternoon, we visited Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping destinations. The mall offered endless options, and we had a great time exploring and picking up souvenirs to take home.
The day was pure fun at Wild Wadi Waterpark, where we enjoyed thrilling water rides. It was the perfect break from the more structured activities, and everyone loved the chance to relax and laugh together. Later, we dressed up and headed to Atlantis on the Palm for dinner. Dining at such an iconic location was a memorable experience, with delicious food and an amazing atmosphere that made the evening feel extra special.
We returned to Dubai Mall to ascend the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Standing at the top, we were amazed by the breathtaking views of the city. Afterward, we had lunch at the mall and squeezed in a bit more shopping. Later that day, we embarked on a desert safari adventure, complete with dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin camp experience. As the sun set over the dunes, we enjoyed cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance—a perfect immersion into the local culture.
On our final day, we spent the morning at the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming, and savouring the stunning coastal views. Afterwards, we headed to the Sevens Stadium, where we enjoyed the pool and played our last netball matches of the trip. Spirits were high as we secured more wins, ending the trip on a victorious note. That evening, we made our way to the airport for a very late flight back to Gatwick. With the plane nearly empty, everyone had their own row, allowing us to rest comfortably on the way home.
