Silent Sunday: Flying low over The World

You might recall that for DH’s big birthday, the piece de resistance of the celebrations was a surprise seaplane ride. I didn’t bottle out and, not only that, I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

I took this photo while swooping over The World islands, the epitomy of Dubai’s boom-time ambition. Intended to be developed with tailor-made hotel complexes and luxury villas, and sold to millionaires (didn’t Angelina Jolie buy Ethiopia?), work ground to a halt during Dubai’s financial crisis. But you’ll notice that one resort, on the isle of Lebanon, is open, offering beachfront cabanas that can be rented out for the day, brunch and an exclusive membership plan for yacht owners.

On a desert island three kilometres out to sea, in an uninhabited archipelago, with no easily available source of water or electricity: that’s no mean feat! I really want to go, even if I get there by water taxi rather than by yacht. There’s even a Friday nightclub called “Stranded”, priced around AED250 for entrance and transport.

More birds-eye photos of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks coming up – I took enough photos to fill a month of Sundays!