50 things to do with flydubai in 2012!

50 exciting new experiences

[PUBLICITY.GE] 5 April,2012 - Make 2012 the year for exploring new cities, experiencing new cultures and giving yourself a whole new perspective on intriguing destinations - all without blowing the budget. flydubai, Dubai's pioneering low-cost airline, has a range of diverse destinations offering everything from skiing to snorkelling so set yourself the goal of discovery this year and follow our must see and do guide to make this year your most adventurous yet.

Abha, Saudi Arabia
1. The breathtaking mountainous and green scenery of Asir National Park, which stretches from the Red Sea to the desert, is one of Abha's hidden gems and the perfect escape to busy city life.
2. Looking for something more adventurous? Then take a cable car down the Black Mountain, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia. Located near Abha on the mountains of Aseer, it is 10,000ft high and not for the faint hearted!

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1. Without doubt somewhere different - Located at the base of the Entoto Mountains, this city is an eclectic mix of new and old sites. One of the particularly old attractions lies in the National Museum, home to the famous skeleton of Lucy, a fossilised human ancestor whose remains are more than 3 million years old.
2. Spend a couple of days in the nearby town of Debre Zeit where you can visit stunning volcanic crater lakes and even do a spot of bird-watching.

Alexandria, Egypt
1. Once a thriving, ancient world hub of culture and intellect, Alexandria's enthralling past has been moulded by the likes of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Napoleon. But modern day travellers should head east and soak up the sun swimming and bathing at the stunning Mamoura Beach.
2. Closer to town, the Montazah Palace and Gardens is a particularly attractive former royal palace boasting landscaped gardens, lush with foliage and palm trees. Enjoy the lovely Alexandria weather as you stroll through the beautiful surroundings.

Amman, Jordan
1. Lose yourself as you float on the hyper-saline surface of the Dead Sea. Its shores are the lowest dry point on Earth and it's only a one-hour drive from Amman - it's the perfect antidote to the bustling city.
2. For a stadium with a difference, explore the Roman forum and the Roman theatre. Thought to have been built into the side of a mountain between 138 and 161 AD by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, it is the largest theatre in Jordan, with room for 6,000 spectators, and is still used today for sports displays and cultural events.

Beirut, Lebanon
1. If partying is your thing, Beirut is the place for you. Known as the "party capital of the Arab world", head to Rue Monnot which has an international reputation among seasoned clubbers, while the districts of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael have emerged as hotspots for those looking for a great night out.
2. Once you've recovered, make time to visit Byblos, the oldest continually inhabited town in the world. It still looks exactly like the ancient Phoenician port it was a few hundred years ago, with the Crusaders' castle, built during the 12th and 13th centuries, among the must-see sights.

Chittagong, Bangladesh
1. If a long walk on the beach is your idea of fun, head to Cox's Bazaar for some down-time on the sandy shores of the longest natural beach in the world.
2. Step back in time and catch a glimpse of tribal life in the jungle with a trip to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, just 60km from the city.

Colombo, Sri Lanka
1. Picnic in Colombo's answer to Central Park - located on the sea face and stretching one and a half kilometres, Galle Face Green, is a promenade which is a relic of the British era. Laid out in 1859, it was used for horse racing and today remains the largest open space in Colombo.
2. One for the animal lover in all of us - Dehiwala Zoo has a comprehensive collection of animals, reptiles and fish from across the globe. But this zoo also attracts special attention for harbouring native island fauna of Sri Lanka. It has a huge aquarium which showcases more than 500 aquatic species as well as a butterfly park.

Erbil, Iraq
1. For an eerie sightseeing adventure, stroll around the deserted city inside the hilltop castle in the centre of Erbil. Here, lies hundreds of houses that appear to have been abandoned in a hurry. The location also offers spectacular views of the city below.
2. Pass through Minaret Park with the 36m high Mudhafaria Minaret, which dates back to the late 12th century AD. It has an octagonal base decorated with two tiers of niches separated from the main shaft by a small balcony, which is also decorated with intricate motifs.

Kathmandu, Nepal
1Enjoy the hustle and bustle around the palaces, temples and courtyards of the Durbar Squares, the social hubs of the city and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
2.Do some ethical shopping for fair trade paper, clothing and jewellery, handmade by local craftspeople at Mahaguthi before going to relax among the fountains and pavilions in the Garden of Dreams, an Edwardian-inspired park in the heart of the city.

Khartoum, Sudan
1.Sudan's sprawling capital city is made up of three districts: Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman. After you've finished exploring Khartoum, head to the coast and go scuba diving in the Red Sea, or travel south-east to Dinder National Park to see giraffes, leopards and pelicans.
2.Walk along Nile Street, past the Presidential Palace, to reach one of nature's most famous waterways; the confluence of the Blue and White Nile. It is said that one can actually see the two different colours from the different branches come together and flow separately for a distance downriver before mixing together.

Port Sudan, Sudan
1. Uncover the magic of the ocean - scuba dive with sea turtles, manta rays, sharks and more around the Wingate Reef, one of the world's unspoilt coral reefs.
2. For a true taste of history, take a 30-minute bus ride to see the ruined coral houses and mosques in the abandoned town of Suakin. Once Sudan's main trading port, Suakin was replaced by Port Sudan, when its harbour became too clogged with coral.

**To view the schedules and price details of flights to all of the above destinations please go to flydubai's website (flydubai.com), or call the call centre to DUBAI.GE T 240 0808; 240 0909