The netball tour to Dubai was a memorable trip not just because of the activities provided but also because of the netball played. It has enhanced our Netball and provided experiences for every member to play in a way they hadn’t before, and against teams with different styles of play. It showed us the level and difference of netball in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and how much we can gain from the experience as a team. The tour provided many opportunities outside of the matches for some team building and experiences that will always be remembered.
Day 1-2
Starting the tour after a long flight, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the culture of Abu Dhabi by visiting the largest mosque in the UAE. It was a great experience and beautiful place to see, and we were all able to view another culture many of us hadn’t experienced before. We finished the day with a team meal. Our first day was a very culturally exciting and relaxing day for all of us, and was a great start to the tour ahead of our first match the following day.
Day 3
On day three, we woke up early ready for the first match of the tour, against Capital Netball Club. Playing outside in the heat and under the sun was definitely new conditions for the girls but a great experience. Capital Netball Club was a strong side but we kept determination and kept the score close. Although both teams lost the game, there was good netball played and a comfortable start to the matches ahead. After finishing the matches, the girls transferred to Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park and home to the fastest rollercoaster in the world. We enjoyed fast-paced rides, mind-bending stimulations, and exploring the amazing arena. A jam-packed day!
Day 4
On day four, we travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, entering the city around midday. We stopped at the Dubai Emirates Mall for a meal before returning to our hotel to prepare for our second match. As a team, we arrived at the Dubai Sevens Stadium to play our match against Dubai Hurricanes. The girls played exceptionally, gaining two strong wins with some great examples of play and getting a sense of the competition and level of netball in Dubai. Finishing off the day with a meal in the Sevens Stadium clubhouse.
Day 5
On day five, we had time to relax and a lie-in before heading to the famous Kite Beach, where we enjoyed sunbathing, cooling off in the ocean, and grabbing some snacks at the restaurants. Afterwards, we were picked up by jeep from our hotel for a Desert Safari, where we experienced heart-racing dune bashing which had us holding on to our seats. We then got to experience desert activities such as camel-riding and henna designs, before admiring the sunset and the expansive view of the dunes. The day was finished off with a BBQ and performances such as cultural dancing and fire breathing.
Day 6
Day six brought a trip to the Dubai Souks, a maze of markets that we accessed via local boats over the river. There, we got to experience the selling of many spices and herbs as well as a whole market dedicated to gold jewellery. It was a great experience of culture and a great opportunity to do some souvenir buying and practice our haggling skills. We then transferred back to the hotel to prepare for our third match against Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) where the teams got to play outside under a canopy and experience life inside a Dubai school. DESC were a very strong side with multiple players playing netball for the UAE. We played extremely well, already improving our play and working together better as teams.
Day 7
On our 7th day in Dubai we headed to Atlantis Aquaventure where we had a blast exploring the numerous thrilling rides and attractions that the waterpark has to offer. From heart-pounding, almost vertical water slides to six-person rides with the teachers to relaxing lazy rivers, there was something for everyone.
Day 8
On day 8 we played against Dubai College, our final fixture of the netball tour. The match was highly anticipated, and both teams gave it their all. Despite losing, we were glad to have had the chance to play against such a talented team containing multiple UAE national players. After the match, we headed to JBR Beach where we were able to relax and take part in Aqua fun, the world’s largest inflatable waterpark. The day ended with a beautiful sunset on the beach.
Day 9
We spent our final day in Dubai on the 125th floor of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and then explored the grandeur of Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the world, containing hundreds of shops as well as an aquarium, ice rink and plenty of other activities. The day ended with a big team meal at Carluccio’s where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we watched the Dubai fountains show. It was a great day to end the tour with all of us being together ahead of the long flight home.
Day 10
On day 10 we were up before sunrise for our flight home. After seven hours on the plane and only a few stops in the airport, we all made it back to Scotland.
The tour was not only a way in which we were able to play challenging teams and expand our netball abilities, but also gave us time together as teams. The games we played against clubs and schools were great experiences to add to our netball at Strathallan and outside of school. All clubs and schools were most accommodating and welcoming and provided excellent play and matches. Outwith the netball, we were able to spend time together as teams which will no doubt further enhance our gameplay. From the games to the camel riding we experienced and tried new things we never had before, and the tour in all was an experience I and the others will never forget.
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