#it's a whole biodome of its own but its a good place

[winchester-reload]

hello, friend

so I legit just made a tumblr account today because tbh I had no idea how the app worked and new things scare me, but we push through. anyway I was looking at destiel stuff (currently watching the show for the first time, am currently in season ten) and found your blog. your art is amazing!!!

I don’t have any irl friends who watch the show to geek out with so I was excited to share some songs that give me destiel vibes with someone who actually knows the ship.

my absolute favorite song that I associate with them is The Beach by The Neighbourhood (the vibes are immaculate imo) but I also really like Atlantis by Seafret.

!!!!!!!!!!! WELCOME TO TUMBLR AND THE FANDOM!

First watch, huh?

Oh, to be a baby Supernatural fan again *dreams* I think you'll like it here. I highly recommend checking out some of the amazing meta from the seasons by people like @mittensmorgul (and who else?? mittens, help me out here. I think I'm going senile in my old age), and there's a plethora of art (I've got a ton of it in my archive at this point (from lots of different past and current artists), but there's always more) and fanfic (check out @destielfanfic!) to be consumed.

I also love how closely associated Dean and Cas are to our favorite wholesome and heartbreaking songs. We just want everything for them, don't we? I'll have to check your suggestions out! Thanks for sharing them :)

And I'd love to geek out about the boys with you. I might be a bit slow to reply though lol

[irrfahrer]

The word 'genius' out of Rhys mouth made a little smile spread over the young womans pale muzzle - the smile was not only because she was flattered, but because she herd the excitement on the others voice and the botanist who was proud of her work and was trained to teach, loved to find excitment in people who were wiling to learn about topics that were often seen as boring by most of her clients.

“ ‘Did not knew you could crossbreed plants like this’ ? Oh Kriff, wait till you hear about the true sluts of the universe that are citrus and oaks. People are making fun of others who want to kriff with aliens , but I guarantee you that citrus and oaks are right there with those Kriffers, kriffing passionately and aggressively trying to cross-pollinate with any new and interesting conquests. Its not about cross-breeding plants, its about crossbreeding them with the right plants, because, believe me, plants kriffing fuck, always, constantly, ceaselessly, aggressively and without a single kriffing care in the world for the crying botanist that is me who had spend eight months trying to breed a new grain only for it to be a little kriffing whore and  kriff the flesheating plant-guard-dog I have on my bedstand and sabotage my whole kriffing project. The whole biodome around us is a kriffing whorehouse and I am the underpayed, unkriffed pimp.” Overly joking the Tynnan placed a small paw on her chest, sighing dramatically. Then she gently tapped a button at the side of one of the glassboxes, causing a wisp of water rain down on the small violet flower inside that started to dance happily. Ziv wondered if she should tell Rhys that even if the plamet was restored that biodomes were nolonger needed, it was always saer to keep biodomes as a mainsource of foodproducts: after all the weather and climate in the domes was always controlled, while outside the weather and clmate was going after seasons and enviormental changes. Trusting the weather and enviormental changes was like beeing a medieval famer praying for a good harvst- easier to believe and easier ont he feeling of responsability but also trusting the own life to very cruel coincidence.And Ziv as someone who was called to help by catastrophe destroyed planets and communities, had been too often in by starvation destroyed communities to ever trust coincidence.

"Restored for people to live in, than. Mhmmm....Most Poaceaes are pretty sturdy. Rye for example, or rice- although rice needs a lot of kriffing water to flourish. It depends what gives the most variations and possibilities for usage, you know. You can make bread, sweets and alcohol from rice but also eat it without it beeing in any kind prepared despite kriffing cooked. But the same goes for rye. Wheat is a fickle little Kriffer-princess, but also easy to use for most meals as long as you watch out for kriffing fungus like mothercorn. It really depends on what the people want and adjusted to culinary and culturally, like-" she curiously tilted her head to the side, flickign her colourless, fluffy ears up and down:"- What is your favorite meal?"

[ @strongfuck ]

"The first step to that ticket, yeh." Ziv patted one of the ranks as if it was a little puppy, than shooed it away with a wave of her small paw: "Its the fastes way to enrichen soil,"fast as in years. Botanic reconstruction was not a mission that could be finished inmonths and Ziv usually had more than one job between she was rotating in on different planets:"- but the probelms will start when we want to get rid of them again to plant other stuff. That will be kriffing fun. And with fun I mean, that if I am eaten, at least I am eaten kriffing fast." The Tynnans ears twitched after Rhys movement and, watching him, Ziv felt a strange pang of distaste for tha man for categorizing the crops she had studied since decades in mere seconds and save them for later use on his carnial drive. She caught herself in her line of thoughts, tail moving swiftly as if she was an irritated animal- was she envious? Was she envious how easily he could work through her knowledge? Was she envious when her work as a Botanist and especially a botanist specialized on healingherbs and community reconstruction, was to teach people so they could work and live on their ownwithout her help? Recognizing the contradiction with pure irritation the young woman wiped it out of her awareness in a dark corner in her mind like an annoying fly. She shouldn´t be annoyed by someones will to learn and curiosity, in fact, she should celebrate and support it. After all, she was payed for that.

"'more crop growth' ehhhh,", the young woman waddled a small paw, grimacing as if she had bitten on a sour fruit: "- its more like 'different crop growth'. Crops that could actually be used to sustain communities in a healthy way over a long time like Poaceaes, fruitbreaingtrees or Solanums. With luck maybe even Magnoliopsidas." As a hypercarnivore who needed daily fresh blood, bonemarrow and raw flesh (or the proteinslime that tasted like plastic and made her gums bleed on longer useage, which was replacing raw meat for spacetravels and long missions ) Ziv had long stopped to think about her own biology and needs when she was building up biodomes and what was suppose to be grown there. Humans were omnivores, so while they did needed meat to stay healthy eventually, they could stay on a vegeterian diet for a longer time than Ziv, which meant that she did not needed to focus on crop that could be needed to sustain a cattlepopulation and also keep that cattlepopulations health in focus along with the crops, but she could keep that to a minimum and use most of the dome to actually have crops that could be directly consumed by a community. Fluffys ears flicking up she wondered for a short moment what the others favorite meal was and if she could help growing the ingredients in the dome, because she sure missed her favorite meal on a daily basis with every portion of proteinslime she was throttling down three times a day.

The others question made the Tynnan tilt her head to the side and then wave a paw at the man to follow her: “Some. Come along, I will show you.” taking big steps Ziv climbed over the ranks crawling over the floor and lead the other through beds covered with lichen and mosses, past hydroponic beds wherein in the pools beneath the soilbeds colourful fish hushed throught he water like little wisps. There was a permanent scent of petrichor in the air, like the smell of an old, deep forest after rain. “Those guys problem is not the bacteria or nutrients in the soil- like not completly at least- its the kriffing atmosphere. You know, the greenhouseeffect and all thats kriffery- even before people had settled down here and had their pretty little machinerys to blast stuff into the atmosphere, the atmosphere was already changing naturally and the samples given to me are pretty kriffing old. So while, yeh, they are native, they are native to a version of the planet that neither you nor me had seen or could actually breath in. I mean, I am pretty sure I woud make it longer in that atmosphere than you.Actually  thirtyfive minutes longer because I can hold my breath for thirtyfive minutes. Aquatic mammal and born to hunt underwater rules-" she highfived herself, simply because Ziv was used beeing alone most of her time and to such a statement belonged a highfive naturally: "-but what-kriffing-ever.” At the other end of a dome stood a simple metalcontainer usually used to transport big merchandises from one planet to another and Ziv opned the mechanic gate, already hushing the ranks also covering the floor around the container away, so they would not enter the container. Inside light flicked on with a tremble and showed different closed off glassboxes in which on a layer of thin, black soil were growing differnet little sapling, barely noticeable against the black earth and looking sick and especially small in the bright, artifical light. Ziv closed the door behind them, making sure the ranks would not enter inside, before she pointed to the different boxes. It looked white and disinfected inside the container, the harsh bright light hurted in the eyes like needles stitching inside and even the occaisional greens inside the glassboxes looked more strange in the artificiality void of any colours or warmth laying like a shroud over the inside of the cntainer used as a laboratory. “So its like- I could take that old samples, rise them in a glasschamber under a controlled atmosphere and than crossbreed them with younger samples of the same flora that had only died out recently and had already mutated accoringly to the changed enviorment before completly dying out and with that combination make the new daughter-generation adjusted for the atmosphere we are building up in the biodomes, but than it would not be the original that had lived before here but a new engineered version of it. It really depends on--do you want the planet to be naturally restored or do you want the planet to be naturally restored and liveable for people? There is a kriffing difference in that.” the boxes looked like ancient humanoid spacetravel tools used on old starstations, with holes in them that included gloves so even when one grasped inside the box, the gloves made sure that the artifical atmosphere inside the boxes was not disturbed by the opening of any valvars. Ziv moved a paw inside one of those gloves and reached for a blueish shimmering flower that was growing in one of the boxes. "Hello baby-cub.", she purred, almost as if she was talking to a toddler and the flower almost seemed as if it was leaning against her webbed fingers.

[ @strongfuck ]

[architectnews]

Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront

Seaside Gardens Gufunes Design, Reykjavik waterfront, Iceland Building Development Images

Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront design

7 July 2021

Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront, Iceland

Design: jvantspijker & partners / Felixx Landscape Architects / Andersen & Sigurdsson Architects

Location: Gufunes, Reykjavik, Iceland

Unanimous victory for Dutch-Danish team in Iceland

Rotterdam-Copenhagen-Reykjavik, 7th of July 2021 – Team G+, a collaboration of Rotterdam based offices jvantspijker & partners, Felixx Landscape Architects and Andersen & Sigurdsson Architects from Copenhagen, has won the urban planning & architecture competition organized by SPILDA development for the northern waterfront of Gufunes, Reykjavik in Iceland. Their proposal, Seaside Gardens, was unanimous winner in this two-stage competition. The plan provides 45.000m2 of mixed program on an area of 4ha and is to be developed in the coming 5-10 years.

‘Seaside Gardens’ strongly emphasizes the local identity of this waterfront area, tapping into both the unpolished atmosphere of the existing industrial area and the rugged natural setting of the coastline to create a resilient, mixed use neighborhood. The new settlement has the potential to become a diverse and bustling community with great connections to both the city life as well as to the shoreline, the sea, and breathtaking views on the mountains across the bay.

“The winning proposal is realistic and extremely well presented. It fulfills the emphases and goals of the jury well with a simple and clear overall vision. The division into key areas is purposeful with good connections between them and in accordance with the basic goals of the plan for Gufunes as a whole.”  — jury report

The competition area was divided into three parts, each with its own distinctive characteristics, bonded together by a distinctly urban fabric of streets, squares, paths and gardens. The Garden Campus is a lush residential area with urban villas in the green, positioned to maximize sea views and create sheltered, sunny gardens. This green residential area by the sea is simple and stylish, which works well and creates a good connection between the beach area and the courtyards.

The City Street runs parallel to the seashore and is designed to create an intimate, sheltered atmosphere. A divers series of buildings with neighborhood functions are playfully positioned along this urban spine that joins the green residential area to the slender towers at the cliff’s end.

The third key area, Beach Towers connects the City Street with the magnificent Gufunes cliffs and Cinema Square in front of the RVK film studio’s, creating a highly urban spot that refers to the geothermal water & the sea-beach, activating the plinths around the square with spa, sauna, health center and cafés & restaurants. Cinema Square, at the white beach, will be a kind of “head” of the project at the end of City Boulevard, a lively square with all the potential to become an attraction in itself and connect the Gufuness area as a whole.

“The clear narrative brings coherence to the design’s wide variety of public spaces, on both large and small scales. Good collection of different buildings, houses well located and many places available for the residents of the neighborhood. Connection to cinema square and public spaces is very well solved, forming sheltered squares and convincing places to stay. “ — jury report

Gufunes Masterplan The development of this adventurous area is both a next step and a first piece of the puzzle that ivantspijker & Felixx already laid out in 2016 with their winning masterplan for the whole Gufunes area.

About the competition

The competition was organized by Spilda developing company and endorsed by Arkitektafélag Íslands, the Icelandic Architects Association as well as FILA, the Icelandic Landscape architects Association.

The jury consisted of:

Anna Sigríður Arnardóttir, managing director of Spilda (chairman)

Björn Ingi Edvardsson, landscape architect, FÍLA

Gísli Reynisson, CEO of Spilda

Karl Kvaran, architect, FAÍ

Kristín Brynja Gunnarsdóttir, architect from the tenderer

Contact on behalf of the competition organization was Helga Guðjónsdóttir, of the Association of Icelandic Architects.

The five teams selected for participation

TMMN: Tendra Architecture, MAD, MUD and NoMad Team G +: jvantspijker & partners, Andersen & Sigurdsson Architects and Felixx Landscape, Architects & Planners KAMBAR: A2F Architects, Landmótun, Ferli verkfræðistofa and Myrra hönnunarstofa Arkþing ‐ Nordic and Landhönnun S.ap Architects and Lendager

Team G+

jvantspijker & partners: Architecture and urban planning

Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners: Landscape and public space

Andersen & Sigurdsson Architecten: Architecture

Consultants

Steengoed: Wellness & Hospitality concept & development

Peter Andreas Sattrup: Sustainability

Images © jvantspijiker+Felixx+Andersen&Sigurdsson

Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront images / information received 070721

Location: Gufunes, Reykjavik, Iceland, north western Europe

WilkinsonEyre Architects

Architecture in Iceland

Contemporary Architecture in Iceland

Iceland Architecture Designs – chronological list

Iceland Architecture News

Reykjavik Architecture Walking Tours by e-architect guides

Aldin Biodomes, Reykjavik Design: WilkinsonEyre image Courtesy architecture office Aldin Biodomes in Reykjavik

The Icelandic bank, Landsbankinn, Reykjavik Design: C.F. Møller Architects and Arkthing image Courtesy architecture office The Icelandic bank, Landsbankinn in Reykjavik

Airport Terminal Extension in Keflavik, Reykjavik Design: Andersen & Sigurdsson Arkitekter; Teikn Architects photo © Christopher Lund Airport Terminal Extension in Keflavik

Reykjavik University building Design: Henning Larsen Architects Reykjavik University building

Iceland Buildings

Icelandic Opera Building

Iceland Urban Plan

Comments / photos for the Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront design by jvantspijker & partners with Felixx Landscape Architects and Andersen & Sigurdsson Architects page welcome

The post Seaside Gardens Gufunes, Reykjavik waterfront appeared first on e-architect.

[zrtranscripts]

Season 6, Mission 19: Catch Us If You Can

Working against better nature

JANINE DE LUCA: Put your helmet on now, Runner Five. [helmet beeps] And now open the airlock. [door hisses open]

SAM YAO: [laughs] Wow. Looks beautiful in there. Look at that, Janine! Lush foliage. Dense jungle. Brightly colored birds flitting between the trees. Enormous spiders on the jungle floor. But I mean, beautiful enormous spiders with jeweled eyes and blue carapaces.

JANINE DE LUCA: It's beautiful but deadly, Mr. Yao. Runner Five, make no mistake: you must not take off your European Rescue Force suit. That biosphere can kill you in a dozen different ways before you take a single step.

SAM YAO: Yeah, and you've got to take a few more than that.

JANINE DE LUCA: I'm sorry we can't come with you, but we cannot draw more attention than necessary to your mission. Bounty hunters are already on Miss Stein's trail, and a large contingent entering the Paradise Project biodome would certainly be noticed. It's all up to you. 

Selma, the heroic woman who allowed herself to be taken in by the Minister's breeding program is hiding in the center of that dome, several kilometers in from where you are. She must know the dangers. She must have taken an ERF suit herself, and be hiding in there because no one else will dare to follow.

SAM YAO: Now, I get that there are probably deadly spiders, and snakes, and scorpions, and stuff, but... is it so deadly that not even paid bounty hunters would follow?

JANINE DE LUCA: This place was an experiment that went wrong, Mr. Yao. There are... creatures in this dome. Bio-engineered larvae. Minute, but deadly. If there is a single crack in your suit, Five, they will crawl in, burrow into your skin, lay their eggs, and emerge as six-inch-long maggots.

SAM YAO: Uh, what the... what?

JANINE DE LUCA: So you have to keep moving. Head towards the center of the dome. Now, Five. Run!

JANINE DE LUCA: You're doing well, Runner Five. It must be stifling hot inside that suit, but you're making good progress. And think of poor Miss Stein. By my reckoning, she's been in that biodome for five days. Her suit will be drawing water from the air for her, but she'll have no way to get food or relief from the heat.

SAM YAO: How do they get it that hot in England, anyway?

JANINE DE LUCA: The sphere has its own microclimate powered by a geothermal well beneath its foundations.

SAM YAO: Ah, right. Another one of those. Gotcha. Should have worked it out myself, really. [communication device beeps] What was that?

JANINE DE LUCA: Ah, one of my operatives, Pit Viper Seventeen, has taken out one of the bounty hunters chasing Miss Stein. She confronted them five miles from the Paradise Project, armed only with a birthday cake candle holder, apparently. That's my operative.

SAM YAO: Oh. Wow. Yeah. Ooh, that photo's intense. So, uh, one less person to follow Five into the biodome. [laughs] I have to say - I mean, apart from the deadly larvae and stuff - it does look like paradise. I mean, look at that beautiful blue butterfly circling Five's head, flapping its wings gracefully. [laughs] Look, there's a cloud of them off to the left.

JANINE DE LUCA: Runner Five, those butterflies are the adult stage of the flesh-burrowing larvae. They will attempt to penetrate your suit using their enhanced proboscises. If they can, they will then liquefy your flesh and strip the skin from your carcass.

SAM YAO: Oh. Right, okay.

JANINE DE LUCA: You must not allow them to land on you, Five. Run!

SAM YAO: Okay, okay. The dangerous butterflies are gone now. There's some uh, spiny red caterpillars on that tree, Janine.

JANINE DE LUCA: Don't touch them. Deadly.

SAM YAO: Yep. That would have been my guess. And those gorgeous orange plants with the huge yellow and green striped flowers?

JANINE DE LUCA: Lethally toxic.

SAM YAO: Of course. And the vines? I presume, if Runner Five touches them, they'll come to life and take that suit in a death grip, hoisting it high above the jungle floor.

JANINE DE LUCA: What? No. Watch out for them, though, Five. They might trip you.

SAM YAO: [laughs] It's good to have you back, Janine. I've missed this. You and me in the comms booth. Or like, a makeshift comms booth in a van three miles from the Paradise Project.

JANINE DE LUCA: I've missed it, too, Mr. Yao. I may have been running a team of ruthlessly efficient assassins, but I've grown used to your homespun, amateurish charm.

SAM YAO: Janine, that is probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me.

JANINE DE LUCA: I'm impressed with the way you've all managed in my absence. I must confess, I was rather expecting to find more... damage to Abel Township.

SAM YAO: Yeah, well, a couple of drawers in the farmhouse might be sort of temporarily sealed shut with marmite, but otherwise, you left us good instructions. We did miss you, though. 

Listen, I wanted to ask. I mean, maybe I just didn't get it, you know? But you couldn't have known that we'd need to find Selma, and ANNIE would be the only way. Unless you did know?

JANINE DE LUCA: I did not.

SAM YAO: Yeah. Right. So like, here's the question: what was worth leaving us for so long, Janine? I mean, I get that you've found out stuff about Sigrid's operations, and there's the whole team of assassins situation, but... [sighs] well, what did you go undercover for?

JANINE DE LUCA: Wheels within wheels, Mr. Yao. Beneath every structure, another structure. Or to put it another way, Sigrid rules the country, but who rules the rulers?

SAM YAO: Uh, what?

JANINE DE LUCA: An army marches on its stomach, Mr. Yao. A nation, even more so. It's need-to-know. I can tell you this: Sara Smith always told me to watch out for Xia-Hifa. But the game they were playing was longer than anyone realized. Just believe me that I had my reasons.

SAM YAO: Oh, yeah, I do! I always do. Did you see that, Janine? Shadow on the monitor. I can't quite make it come into view.

JANINE DE LUCA: Hmm. Yes. It's near the perimeter, Five. I'll send one of my women to take a look through the outside of the dome.

SAM YAO: Wait. Couldn't be Project Glass, could it? Could it be that quick?

JANINE DE LUCA: We'll find out. Keep going, Five. We know there are several groups after Miss Stein. You must reach her before anyone else does.

[monkeys howl]

SAM YAO: What was that?

JANINE DE LUCA: Howler monkeys. I believe they've been genetically engineered to have congenital rabies. Watch out for them, Five.

SAM YAO: Yeah, because otherwise, Five was just not really paying attention.

[communication device beeps]

JANINE DE LUCA: Damn it.

SAM YAO: What is it? Is Five in trouble? Janine, what's going on?

JANINE DE LUCA: No. Message from one of my Pit Viper assassins. She's been wounded in intercepting one of the Minister's bounty hunters. She dealt with him, of course. Threw him under the train tracks 10 miles away. But she's out of commission now, and one of the other bounty hunters might have slipped past her. 

Runner Five, Miss Stein has no way to communicate with the outside world and no knowledge of how many people are looking for her. If you don't get to her, one of the others will.

[arrow thuds into tree]

SAM YAO: What was that? Someone's shooting arrows at Five! Did you see that, Janine?

[arrow splatters against Runner Five's suit]

JANINE DE LUCA: Five, you're hit! The arrow isn't sharp. It's covered in a sticky substance. There's more dripping down from an arrow lodged in the tree above you, Five. Get out of the way!

SAM YAO: It just looks like honey.

[butterflies buzz]

JANINE DE LUCA: It's attracting those butterflies. Five, you have to run now.

[butterflies buzz]

SAM YAO: Okay, okay. So you're just about outpacing those butterflies through the undergrowth, Five. And you're coming up on a waterfall where you can wash off some of that honey.

JANINE DE LUCA: [whispers] Yes, I see him. Make sure you're in position at the vent.

SAM YAO: Did you work out who fired that honey arrow at Five, Janine?

JANINE DE LUCA: It's a bounty hunter. He can't know who Five is, or he’d have radioed Sigrid to report us at once. Must just think Five's another bounty hunter after the purse. Lucky for us. 

I have one of my women positioned at the top of the biosphere near one of the air vents. When he passes beneath... [bounty hunter shouts and collapses] Clean kill, by a poisoned dart. Better than he'd have given Five.

SAM YAO: Ugh. Yes. Five, look to your right. Do you see that? I think it's zombie Paradise Project workers. I can just about see their T-shirts under all those butterflies. 

Ugh! Ugh, no! I never thought I'd be that disgusted by butterflies. Their tongues are sort of licking through those zombies' eye sockets, and – oh God! I can see them. There are larvae hatching out of their sides. Ugh!

JANINE DE LUCA: Five, if those zombies catch you, you will die in at least three different repulsive and painful ways. You must move quickly. Head for the waterfall. Go!

[water splashes]

SAM YAO: That's it. All the honey's washed off in that waterfall, Five. And you've lost the zoms. Well, they sort of fell to maggoty pieces. You're safe to continue.

[comms shack door opens]

JODY MARSH: We've got a report for you, Janine. Pit Vipers Five and Eight are wounded, but they say they've taken down the [?] ensemble who were going to use a tank to reach Selma in the biodome.

JANINE DE LUCA: Ah. I can always rely on them.

AMELIA SPENS: What's going on in that biodome? Is Runner Five having a tropical shower? I don't want to tell you your job, Janine, but that seems like the kind of thing I'd do, to be honest.

JANINE DE LUCA: Miss Spens, Mr. Yao and Miss Marsh tell me you've been instrumental in this operation, therefore you may sit on that stool and watch the remainder of the mission without talking. Runner Five is nearing Miss Stein's location.

AMELIA SPENS: You know, if you make me sit silently on a stool, I'll make you regret it eventually.

JANINE DE LUCA: Certainly. Runner Five, there's a sharp bend ahead around that hillock. We have no line of sight until you round the corner, so take care.

[monkey shrieks]

JODY MARSH and JANINE DE LUCA: Five, duck!

JANINE DE LUCA: It was a monkey, Runner Five. It has receded into the jungle. Proceed. Very good instincts, Miss Marsh.

JODY MARSH: It wasn't anything. It's just what you would have done.

JANINE DE LUCA: That's what I mean. Miss Marsh, Miss Stein is in that range of caves up ahead. If you were her, where you be sheltering?

JODY MARSH: Hmm. That one's too close to the treeline. You'd attract the attention of the monkeys. That one's too near the water. There are probably insects in it. Hmm. That one looks deep and cool. I'd be in that one.

JANINE DE LUCA: My thoughts exactly. Head for the third cave on the second ridge, Runner Five. Run!

SELMA STEIN: [startles] Who - who's there? Who's there? I'm armed! Oh! Oh, Runner Five, it's you. I've never been so glad to see anyone in my whole life.

JANINE DE LUCA: Five, if you adjust the controls on her communicator to channel seven, she'll pick up our broadcast through your transmitter. [communicator beeps] Miss Stein, we're here to rescue you.

SELMA STEIN: Oh? Who's that?

AMELIA SPENS: It's me, Selma. It's Amelia. You remember me? I'm a terrible, horrible person who really owes you a long Jacuzzi and a massage once you're out of that suit.

SELMA STEIN: You really, really do.

AMELIA SPENS: Selma, I don't want to have to ask you this -

SELMA STEIN: It's all right. I didn't get everything you need, but I think I got enough. I had to run. I really didn't mean to, but they got suspicious. They kept me in the holding area for too long. I knew something was going wrong.

SAM YAO: They found your GPS tags. They turned them off.

SELMA STEIN: Did they? Then... how did you find me?

SAM YAO: We had to... [sighs] we had to call in some favors.

SELMA STEIN: It doesn't matter. This is all that matters. I didn't find the location of her serum factory, but I found its code name. In her files, Sigrid calls the serum factory Project Angelica. If you look for Project Angelica in her private files, you'll find out where those babies are.

AMELIA SPENS: Oh, good. Then all we have to do is get to a private terminal in Sigrid's palace. Sounds like just the sort of certain death challenge Team Abel are always up for.

[aion-rsa]

Top New Science Fiction Books in December 2020

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Looking for space opera or alternate Earths? Here are some of the science fiction books we’re most excited about and/or are currently consuming…

Join the Den of Geek Book Club!

Top New Science Fiction Books in December 2020

The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, 2020 Edition by Rich Horton

Type: Short story collection Publisher: Prime Books Release date: Dec. 22 (Kindle)

Den of Geek says: It’s that time of year. Year’s best anthologies are here. This one draws from stories previously published in the genre’s top magazines, like Analog, Asimov’s, and Clarkesworld.

Publisher’s summary: This eleventh volume of the year’s best science fiction and fantasy features twenty-six stories by some of the genre’s greatest authors, including Marie Brennan, Maurice Broaddus, John Crowley, Theodora Goss, Xia Jia, John Kessel, Kelly LInk, Sam J. Miller, Michael Swanwick, Fran Wilde, E. Lily Yu, and many others. 

Buy The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, 2020 Edition by Rich Horton.

Gallowglass by S.J. Morden

Type: Novel Publisher: Gollancz Release date: Dec. 10 Den of Geek says: We’re taking a chance on this one. It’s one of those SF paperbacks that sometimes get lost in the churn and probably won’t end up with much marketing. But the author’s science background and the sense of a vivid understanding of just how big space is adds to the good vibes. Publisher’s summary: The year is 2069, and the earth is in flux. Whole nations are being wiped off the map by climate change. Desperate for new resources, the space race has exploded back into life. 

Corporations seek ever greater profits off-world. They offer immense rewards to anyone who can claim space’s resources in their name. The bounty on a single asteroid rivals the GDP of entire countries, so every trick, legal or not, is used to win. 

Jack, the scion of a shipping magnate, is desperate to escape earth and joins a team chasing down an asteroid. But the ship he’s on is full of desperate people – each one needing the riches claiming the asteroid will bring them, and they’re willing to do anything if it means getting there first. 

Because in Space, there are no prizes for coming second.It’s all or nothing: riches beyond measure, or dying alone in the dark.

Buy Gallowglass by S.J. Morden.

Doctor Who: All Flesh is Grass by Una McCormack

Type: Novel Publisher: BBC Digital Release date: Dec. 10 Den of Geek says: We’re going out on another limb. Tie-in novels can be tricky recommendations. What if you don’t know the source material? What if you don’t know what happened in 154 other books? But Doctor Who’s episodic nature (the story about the last creature alive on a living world) and fan-pleasing fun (multiple doctors) mean this one might be a good balance for people who love Doctor Who or only vaguely know what a Dalek is and are curious. Publisher’s summary: A wasteland. A dead world… No, there is a biodome, rising from the ash. Here, life teems and flourishes, with strange and lush plants, and many-winged insects with bright carapaces – and one solitary sentient creature, who spends its days watering the plants, talking to the insects, and tending this lonely garden. This is Inyit, the Last of the Kotturuh. In All Flesh is Grass we are transported back to The Dark Times. The Tenth Doctor has sworn to stop the Kotturuh, ending Death and bringing Life to the universe. But his plan is unravelling – instead of bringing Life, nothing has changed and all around him people are dying. Death is everywhere. Now he must confront his former selves – one in league with their greatest nemesis and the other manning a ship of the undead… Buy Doctor Who: All Flesh is Grass by Una McCormack.

Top New Science Fiction Books in November 2020

From A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back 

Type: Short story collection Publisher: Del Rey  Release date: Nov. 10

Den of Geek says: A collection of 40 Star Wars stories spanning The Empire Strikes Back and beyond, this is a smorgasbord of different authors, styles, takes, and genres within the movie saga. 

Publisher’s summary: On May 21, 1980, Star Wars became a true saga with the release of The Empire Strikes Back. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, forty storytellers re-create an iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back through the eyes of a supporting character, from heroes and villains, to droids and creatures. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors and trendsetting artists.

Buy From A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back.

Stillicide by Cynan Jones

Type: Short story collection  Publisher: Catapult Release date: Nov. 17

Den of Geek says: Literary fiction publisher Catapult crosses over into science fiction with this print release of a highly acclaimed series of climate fables written for radio.

Publisher’s summary: Water is commodified. The Water Train that serves the city increasingly at risk of sabotage.

As news breaks that construction of a gigantic Ice Dock will displace more people than first thought, protestors take to the streets and the lives of several individuals begin to interlock. A nurse on the brink of an affair. A boy who follows a stray dog out of the city. A woman who lies dying. And her husband, a marksman: a man forged by his past and fearful of the future, who weighs in his hands the possibility of death against the possibility of life.

From one of the most celebrated writers of his generation, Stillicide is a moving story of love and loss and the will to survive, and a powerful glimpse of the tangible future.

Buy Stillicide by Cynan Jones. 

Nucleation by Kimberly Unger

Type: Novel  Publisher: Tachyon Publications Release date: Nov. 13

Den of Geek says: Virtual reality meets aliens in a space opera packed with ideas about wormhole travel and first contact. 

Publisher’s summary: Helen Vectorvich just botched first contact. And she did it in both virtual reality and outer space.

Only the most elite Far Reaches deep-space pilots get to run waldos: robots controlled from thousands of lightyears away via neural integration and quantum entanglement. Helen and her navigator were heading the construction of a wormhole gate that would connect Earth to the stars . . . until a routine system check turned deadly.

As nasty rumors swarm around her, and overeager junior pilots jockey to take her place, Helen makes a startling discovery: microscopic alien life is devouring their corporate equipment. Is the Scale just mindless, extra-terrestrial bacteria? Or is it working―and killing―with a purpose?

While Helen struggles to get back into the pilot’s chair, and to communicate with the Scale, someone―or something―is trying to sabotage the Far Reaches project once and for all. They’ll have to get through Helen first.

Buy Nucleation by Kimberly Unger. 

Top New Science Fiction Books in October 2020

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

Type: Novel Publisher: Orbit  Release date: Oct. 6 

Den of Geek says: Robinson’s intricate eco-thriller-flavored SF novels have proved prescient in a world of droughts and fires. His latest novel leans in to make a statement about both humanity and science in the face of climate change. 

Publisher’s summary: The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us — and in which we might just overcome the extraordinary challenges we face.

It is a novel both immediate and impactful, desperate and hopeful in equal measure, and it is one of the most powerful and original books on climate change ever written.

Buy The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson.

To Hold Up The Sky by Cixin Liu

Type: Short story collection Publisher: Tor Books Release date: Oct. 20 

Den of Geek says: Cixin Liu engages with both hard science and the human heart in a short story collection from a master novelist. 

Publisher’s summary:  In To Hold Up the Sky, Cixin Liu takes us across time and space, from a rural mountain community where elementary students must use physicas to prevent an alien invasion; to coal mines in northern China where new technology will either save lives of unleash a fire that will burn for centuries; to a time very much like our own, when superstring computers predict our every move; to 10,000 years in the future, when humanity is finally able to begin anew; to the very collapse of the universe itself.

Written between 1999 and 2017 and never before published in English, these stories came into being during decades of major change in China and will take you across time and space through the eyes of one of science fiction’s most visionary writers. 

Buy To Hold Up The Sky by Cixin Liu.

Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

Type: Novella Publisher: Subterranean Release date: Oct. 31

Den of Geek says: Aliette de Bodard’s Xuyan series is a creative blend of hard science fiction and space opera based on a network of space stations. A story from the point of view of a living starship who is also a trickster sounds like it’ll fit right in. 

Publisher’s summary: Vân is a scholar from a poor background, eking out a living in the orbitals of the Scattered Pearls Belt as a tutor to a rich family, while hiding the illegal artificial mem-implant she manufactured as a student. Sunless Woods is a mindship and not just any mindship, but a notorious thief and a master of disguise. She’s come to the Belt to retire, but is drawn to Vân’s resolute integrity. When a mysterious corpse is found in the quarters of Vân’s student, Vân and Sunless Woods find themselves following a trail of greed and murder that will lead them from teahouses and ascetic havens to the wreck of a mindship and to the devastating secrets they’ve kept from each other.

Buy Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard.

Top New Science Fiction Books September 2020

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots 

Type: Novel Publisher: William Morrow Release date: Sept. 22 

 Den of Geek says: This next-level meta take on superheroes looks witty and biting. But what really makes it stand out is the character’s predicament: she’s a laid-off henchman going from bad job to worse, struggling with her own moral code along the way. 

Publisher’s summary: Anna does boring things for terrible people because even criminals need office help and she needs a job. Working for a monster lurking beneath the surface of the world isn’t glamorous. But is it really worse than working for an oil conglomerate or an insurance company? In this economy?

 As a temp, she’s just a cog in the machine. But when she finally gets a promising assignment, everything goes very wrong, and an encounter with the so-called “hero” leaves her badly injured.  And, to her horror, compared to the other bodies strewn about, she’s the lucky one.

So, of course, then she gets laid off.

With no money and no mobility, with only her anger and internet research acumen, she discovers her suffering at the hands of a hero is far from unique. When people start listening to the story that her data tells, she realizes she might not be as powerless as she thinks.

Because the key to everything is data: knowing how to collate it, how to manipulate it, and how to weaponize it. By tallying up the human cost these caped forces of nature wreak upon the world, she discovers that the line between good and evil is mostly marketing.  And with social media and viral videos, she can control that appearance.

It’s not too long before she’s employed once more, this time by one of the worst villains on earth. As she becomes an increasingly valuable lieutenant, she might just save the world.

A sharp, witty, modern debut, Hench explores the individual cost of justice through a fascinating mix of Millennial office politics, heroism measured through data science, body horror, and a profound misunderstanding of quantum mechanics. 

Buy Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots on Amazon.

Divergence (The Foreigner Universe) by C.J. Cherryh  

Type: Novel Publisher: DAW Release date: Sept. 8 

Den of Geek says: Why, you might rightly ask, would we recommend #21 in a series? This is because C.J. Cherryh is a master at what she does: slow, meticulous space opera with engaging characters and a transporting sense of completeness to its world of diplomatic clashes between humans and aliens. Really, we recommend you start at #1, Foreigner, if you haven’t read the series before. And if you have, this September is a real occasion.  Publisher’s summary: The overthrow of the atevi head of state, Tabini-aiji, and the several moves of enemies even since his restoration, have prompted major changes in the Assassins’ Guild, which has since worked to root out its seditious elements—a clandestine group they call the Shadow Guild. With the Assassins now rid of internal corruption, with the birth of Tabini’s second child, and with the appointment of an heir, stability seems to have returned to the atevi world. Humans and atevi share the space station in peaceful cooperation, humans and atevi share the planet as they have for centuries, and the humans’ island enclave is preparing to welcome 5000 human refugees from a remote station now dismantled, and to do that in unprecedented cooperation with the atevi mainland.

In general Bren Cameron, Tabini-aiji’s personal representative, returning home to the atevi capital after securing that critical agreement, was ready to take a well-earned rest—until Tabini’s grandmother claimed his services on a train trip to the smallest, most remote and least significant of the provinces, snowy Hasjuran—a move concerning which Tabini-aiji gave Bren a private instruction: protect her. Advise her.

Advise her—perhaps. As for protection, she has a trainload of high-level Guild. But since the aiji-dowager has also invited a dangerously independent young warlord, Machigi, and a young man who may be the heir to Ajuri, a key northern province—the natural question is why the dowager is taking this ill-assorted pair to Hasjuran and what on this earth she may be up to. 

With a Shadow Guild attack on the train station, it has become clear that others have questions, too. Hasjuran, on its mountain height, overlooks the Marid, a district that is part of the atevi nation only in name—a district in which Machigi is one major player, and where the Shadow Guild retains a major stronghold.

Protect her? Ilisidi is hellbent on settling scores with the Shadow Guild, and her reasons for this trip and this company now become clear.  One human diplomat and his own bodyguard suddenly seem a very small force to defend her from what she is setting in motion.

Buy Divergence by C.J. Cherryh on Amazon.

An Unnatural Life by Erin K. Wagner 

Type: Novella  Publisher: Tor Release date: Sept. 15 

Den of Geek says: Putting a robot on trial is an old concept in science fiction: just look at Star Trek. This novella looks like an entry in the contemporary conversation with this pleasingly retro concept. Publisher’s summary: The cybernetic organism known as 812-3 is in prison, convicted of murdering a human worker but he claims that he did not do it. With the evidence stacked against him, his lawyer, Aiya Ritsehrer, must determine grounds for an appeal and uncover the true facts of the case.

But with artificial life-forms having only recently been awarded legal rights on Earth, the military complex on Europa is resistant to the implementation of these same rights on the Jovian moon.

Aiya must battle against her own prejudices and that of her new paymasters, to secure a fair trial for her charge, while navigating her own interpersonal drama, before it’s too late.

Buy An Unnatural Life by Erin K. Wagner on Amazon.

Top New Science Fiction Books August 2020

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir 

Type: Novel Publisher: Tor Release date: Aug. 4

Den of Geek says: Muir’s necromancers in space have gained an enthusiastic following for their irreverent tone and wild gothic magic. 

Publisher’s summary: She answered the Emperor’s call.

She arrived with her arts, her wits, and her only friend.

In victory, her world has turned to ash.

After rocking the cosmos with her deathly debut, Tamsyn Muir continues the story of the penumbral Ninth House in Harrow the Ninth, a mind-twisting puzzle box of mystery, murder, magic, and mayhem. Nothing is as it seems in the halls of the Emperor, and the fate of the galaxy rests on one woman’s shoulders.

Harrowhark Nonagesimus, last necromancer of the Ninth House, has been drafted by her Emperor to fight an unwinnable war. Side-by-side with a detested rival, Harrow must perfect her skills and become an angel of undeath ― but her health is failing, her sword makes her nauseous, and even her mind is threatening to betray her. 

Sealed in the gothic gloom of the Emperor’s Mithraeum with three unfriendly teachers, hunted by the mad ghost of a murdered planet, Harrow must confront two unwelcome questions: is somebody trying to kill her? And if they succeeded, would the universe be better off?

Buy Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir on Amazon.

The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky 

Type: Novel Publisher: Orbit Release date: Aug. 18

Den of Geek says: Portal fantasy of a sort, backed by hard science fiction from the author of the award-winning Children of Time, this novel looks inventive, rigorous, and adventurous. 

Publisher’s summary: They thought we were safe. They were wrong.

Four years ago, two girls went looking for monsters on Bodmin Moor. Only one came back.

Lee thought she’d lost Mal, but now she’s miraculously returned. But what happened that day on the moors? And where has she been all this time? Mal’s reappearance hasn’t gone unnoticed by MI5 officers either, and Lee isn’t the only one with questions.

Julian Sabreur is investigating an attack on top physicist Kay Amal Khan. This leads Julian to clash with agents of an unknown power – and they may or may not be human. His only clue is grainy footage, showing a woman who supposedly died on Bodmin Moor.

Dr Khan’s research was theoretical; then she found cracks between our world and parallel Earths. Now these cracks are widening, revealing extraordinary creatures. And as the doors crash open, anything could come through.

Buy The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky on Amazon.

Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May 

Type: Novel  Publisher: DAW Release date: Aug. 4

Den of Geek says:  This ensemble cast space opera fits nicely into the “Expanse” model of adventure stories with enough political detail and blood to make you feel like you could walk into the far-future world. An early review calls it “epic, if occasionally bumpy.” 

Publisher’s summary: When Eris faked her death, she thought she had left her old life as the heir to the galaxy’s most ruthless empire behind. But her recruitment by the Novantaen Resistance, an organization opposed to the empire’s voracious expansion, throws her right back into the fray.

Eris has been assigned a new mission: to infiltrate a spaceship ferrying deadly cargo and return the intelligence gathered to the Resistance. But her partner for the mission, mechanic and hotshot pilot Cloelia, bears an old grudge against Eris, making an already difficult infiltration even more complicated.

When they find the ship, they discover more than they bargained for: three fugitives with firsthand knowledge of the corrupt empire’s inner workings.

Together, these women possess the knowledge and capabilities to bring the empire to its knees. But the clock is ticking: the new heir to the empire plans to disrupt a peace summit with the only remaining alien empire, ensuring the empire’s continued expansion. If they can find a way to stop him, they will save the galaxy. If they can’t, millions may die.

Buy Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May on Amazon.

Top New Science Fiction Books July 2020 

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The Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott 

Type: Novel  Publisher: Tor Books Release date: July 7 

Den of Geek says: Kate Elliott’s long career in fantasy has proven her a master of world-building. It has a heck of a tagline: “female Alexander the Great in space.” This series promises strong science fiction action. 

Publisher’s summary: Princess Sun has finally come of age.

Growing up in the shadow of her mother, Eirene, has been no easy task. The legendary queen-marshal did what everyone thought impossible: expel the invaders and build Chaonia into a magnificent republic, one to be respected―and feared.

But the cutthroat ambassador corps and conniving noble houses have never ceased to scheme―and they have plans that need Sun to be removed as heir, or better yet, dead.

To survive, the princess must rely on her wits and companions: her biggest rival, her secret lover, and a dangerous prisoner of war.

Take the brilliance and cunning courage of Princess Leia―add in a dazzling futuristic setting where pop culture and propaganda are one and the same―and hold on tight:

Buy The Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott on Amazon.

Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis 

Type: Novel  Publisher: St Martin’s Press Release date: July 21 

Den of Geek says: Lindsay Ellis is known primarily as a YouTube pop culture critic. She excels at explaining why pop culture works or doesn’t work, as well as adding context to day’s top headlines. Her first book sounds like a mix between Arrival and The X-Files, set in the early 2000s. 

Publisher’s summary: The alternate history first contact adventure Axiom’s End is an extraordinary debut from Hugo finalist and video essayist Lindsay Ellis. 

Truth is a human right.

It’s fall 2007. A well-timed leak has revealed that the US government might have engaged in first contact. Cora Sabino is doing everything she can to avoid the whole mess, since the force driving the controversy is her whistleblower father. Even though Cora hasn’t spoken to him in years, his celebrity has caught the attention of the press, the Internet, the paparazzi, and the government―and with him in hiding, that attention is on her. She neither knows nor cares whether her father’s leaks are a hoax, and wants nothing to do with him―until she learns just how deeply entrenched her family is in the cover-up, and that an extraterrestrial presence has been on Earth for decades.

Realizing the extent to which both she and the public have been lied to, she sets out to gather as much information as she can, and finds that the best way for her to uncover the truth is not as a whistleblower, but as an intermediary. The alien presence has been completely uncommunicative until she convinces one of them that she can act as their interpreter, becoming the first and only human vessel of communication. Their otherworldly connection will change everything she thought she knew about being human―and could unleash a force more sinister than she ever imagined.

Buy Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis on Amazon.

The Relentless Moon (Lady Astronauts) by Mary Robinette Kowal 

Type: Novel  Publisher: Tor Books Release date: July 14 

Den of Geek says: The Lady Astronaut series tackles sexism (lots and lots of sexism) in an alternate world where the space race is hurried along by the arrival of a meteor strike. It has gained a lot of fans for its determined characters and convincing alternate history. 

Publisher’s summary: The Earth is coming to the boiling point as the climate disaster of the Meteor strike becomes more and more clear, but the political situation is already overheated. Riots and sabotage plague the space program. The IAC’s goal of getting as many people as possible off Earth before it becomes uninhabitable is being threatened. 

Elma York is on her way to Mars, but the Moon colony is still being established. Her friend and fellow Lady Astronaut Nicole Wargin is thrilled to be one of those pioneer settlers, using her considerable flight and political skills to keep the program on track. But she is less happy that her husband, the Governor of Kansas, is considering a run for President.

Buy The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal on Amazon.

The post Top New Science Fiction Books in December 2020 appeared first on Den of Geek.

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7 Must-See Natural Attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

When you mention Dubai and Abu Dhabi, most people will conjure up images of the glittering concrete jungles, beautiful artificial islands, or endless luxury. This is expected, but there are many natural attractions on offer as well!

The two popular city-states in the UAE are home to growing clusters of skyscrapers and man-made marvels — chief among these being the iconic Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Yas Island, and more.

If you’re the type of traveller who looks for destinations with natural attractions, don’t discount Dubai and Abu Dhabi just yet.

Of course, the steel beauties and the overall atmosphere of opulence are magnetic, helping to draw more than ten million visitors last year alone. However, that’s not all Dubai and Abu Dhabi can offer!

These destinations are also home to natural areas that are mostly pristine, untouched by man or machine.

The greenery, the desert, and the wildlife create an interesting contrast to the sleek images that the two cities present to the world.

In fact, there are some awesome camping opportunities to be had in the desert around Dubai. Enjoy glamping in the silent desert, while gazing up at the stars and enjoying the Bedouin hospitality and culture.

Wego, the top travel search website in the Middle East and UAE, will help you get to these top natural destinations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by offering cheapest prices for flights and hotels around.

After ticking off this list, you might even leave with a fresh view of the two futuristic cities.

Here are 7 of the top natural attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

1. Wadi Ghalilah, Dubai

Ever thought about climbing the Stairway to Heaven? Technically located in Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Ghalilah is easily reached by car from Dubai.

The so-called Stairway to Heaven is a mountain trail that links a village in Oman with Ras al Khaimah. Clocking in at a 1,500-meter climb, it beckons experienced rock climbers and mountaineers with its steep rocks, narrow paths, and winding cliffs.

Needless to say, this hike is not for everyone.

But if you have the stamina, climbing knowledge and the sensibility to stay safe until you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular, thrilling view and perhaps some bragging rights.

2. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Abu Dhabi

This compact wetland reserve on the outskirt of Abu Dhabi attracts more than 200 species of migratory birds, which you’ll get to observe comfortably from the bird hide.

The star here is the flamingo population, numbering in thousands, so much so that the reserve is also known as Flamingo City.

The protected-area site comprises of several habitats, from freshwater and saline lakes to dunes, shrubs, and trees, all catering to different natural inhabitants.

Al Wathba also provides walking trails so you can explore the diverse ecosystems. This is a must-see on your Abu Dhabi holiday!

3. Big Red, Dubai

Travel down Dubai-Hatta highway toward the desert and you’ll spot Mars on Earth here in the form of the aptly named Big Red sand dune, locally known as Al Hamar.

It’s a highly popular spot for locals and travellers who are interested in adventure and natural attractions in Dubai.

The 100-meter high dune provides the perfect arena for dune bashing, sandboarding, and other extreme activities. Not much of a daredevil? You can still entertain yourself by watching the adrenaline junkies duke it out.

But, Big Red sand dune is more than just a playground for desert sports enthusiasts.

The dune’s deep hue, a natural curiosity brought by the high iron oxide content, makes for a mesmerizingly eerie background as you explore this great expanse.

Just remember to bring water and be here early in the morning to avoid getting sun-scorched! A visit here is definitely one of the top things to do in Dubai. 

4. Hatta, Dubai

When the heat gets too unbearable in the city, Hatta is one of the places locals go to relax. Due to the more eastern location, the weather there is generally milder.

The drive to this Sheikhdom comes with flashes of majestic deserts, giving way to lush mountains as you enter Hatta. A little to the south, you’ll find the delightful Hatta Dam, where calm turquoise waters hug the rugged mountains.

This is one of the most beautiful, natural places to visit in the UAE.

Beyond offering cool respite, Hatta is also perfect for fans of nature and outdoor activities. Selections include mountain biking, hiking, camping, and kayaking through Hatta Lake.

5. Mangrove National Park, Abu Dhabi

Mangrove forests can be found all over UAE, but the closest to Abu Dhabi is the Mangrove National Park, a slice of peace and nature away from the bustling city.

Modern constructions have ravaged a huge chunk of mangrove population here, bringing a negative ripple effect on the biodiversity that the trees support.

Conservation efforts have been made to restore the balance, including opening the park up to the public to spread awareness.

Visitors have the option of kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating tour to explore the area.

The water is clear enough to witness life wriggling between the roots, but you can also expect to spot larger animals, such as turtles, blue swimmer crabs, and even dolphins!

6. The Green Planet, Dubai

Okay, this is not entirely natural, but you have got to be impressed by the concept: a tropical rainforest contained within a glass box in the middle of a modern metropolis.

The ambitious project delivers scenes from nature — lizards, sloths, snakes, birds, and other wildlife that coexist in all five levels of the biodome.

The temperature and humidity level are also fine-tuned to recreate the experience of walking through a tropical rainforest.

You get to essentially tour a different ecosystem level by level, observe the animals and even interact with them, as toucan, macaw, and other exotic birds fly among the branches.

The whole experience can be rather surreal, but good fun nonetheless. It definitely is something you need to see on your own.

7. Al Qudra Lakes, Dubai

Just a 30-minute drive from Dubai and you’ll arrive at this manmade desert oasis. 

At these lakes, you can expect to spot fox and onyx, plus numerous birds — swans, ducks, flamingos, and more. There are more than 200 species of birds here, including the endangered Steppe Eagle and the Asian Houbara! Join a tour, or explore on your own.

The lakes are a popular spot for picnicking and BBQ’ing, so you won’t have the area to yourself. Many people even camp here, which would give you the opportunity to witness both sunset and sunrise.

Just keep in mind that except for Love Lake, there are no amenities here. Bring all food and water that you will need. If you plan to drive offroad, make sure you have a proper 4-wheel drive vehicle. Click here for directions. 

Enjoy the Natural Attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!  

With such a diverse range of activities and things to see and do, a trip to the UAE should be high on your travel list.

You’ll definitely want to explore the beautiful architecture, eat at the highly acclaimed restaurants, and shop ’til you drop, but make sure to add these natural attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to your itinerary.

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6 Must-See Natural Attractions in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

When you mention “Dubai” and “Abu Dhabi”, most people will conjure up images of glittering concrete jungle, beautiful artificial islands, or trails of luxury. After all, the two popular emirates in the UAE are homes to growing clusters of skyscrapers and man-made marvels; chief among these are the iconic Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Yas Island, and more.

If you’re the type to always seek out destinations with natural attractions, don’t discount Dubai and Abu Dhabi just yet.

Of course, the steel beauties and the overall atmosphere of opulence are magnetic, helping to draw more than ten million visitors last year alone. However, that’s not all Dubai and Abu Dhabi can offer.

These destinations also home to natural areas that are mostly pristine, untouched by man or machine. At the very least, the greeneries, the desert, and the wildlife create an interesting contrast to the sleek images that the two cities present to the world.

Wego, the top travel search website in the Middle East and UAE, will help you get to these top natural destinations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by offering cheapest prices for flights and hotels around. After ticking off this list, you might even leave with a fresh view of the two futuristic cities.

Wadi Ghalilah, Dubai

Ever thought about climbing the Stairway to Heaven? Yes, you can. Technically located in Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Ghalilah is easily reached with a car ride from Dubai. The so-called Stairway to Heaven is a mountain trail that links a village in Oman with Ras al Khaimah. Clocking in at 1,500 meters climbs, it beckons experienced rock climbers and mountaineers with its steep rocks, narrow paths, and winding cliffs.

Needless to say, this hike is not for everyone. But if you have the stamina and the sensibility to stay safe until you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacularly thrilling view and perhaps some bragging rights.

Don't Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Abu Dhabi

This compact wetland reserve on the outskirt of Abu Dhabi attracts more than 200 species of migratory birds, which you’ll get to observe comfortably from the bird hide. The star here is the flamingo population, numbering in thousands, so much so that the reserve is also known as Flamingo City.

The protected-area site comprises of several habitats, from freshwater and saline lakes to dunes, shrubs, and trees, all catering to different natural inhabitants. Al Wathba also provides walking trails so you can explore the diverse ecosystems. This is a must-see on your Abu Dhabi holiday!

Big Red, Dubai

Travel down Dubai-Hatta highway toward the desert and you’ll spot Mars on Earth here in the form of the aptly named Big Red sand dune, locally known as Al Hamar.

It’s a highly popular spot for locals and travelers with thrills and adventures brewing in their minds; the 100-meter high dune provides the perfect arena for dune bashing, sand boarding, and other extreme activities. Not much of a daredevil? You can still entertain yourself by watching the adrenaline junkies duke it out.

But, Big Red sand dune is more than just a playground for desert sports enthusiasts. The dune’s deep hue, a natural curiosity brought by the high iron oxide content, makes for a mesmerizingly eerie background as you explore this great expanse. Just remember to bring water and be here early in the morning to avoid getting sun-scorched!

☞ READ MORE: 11 Things To Do in Dubai

Hatta, Dubai

When the heat gets too unbearable in the city, Hatta is one of the places locals go to relax, since the further east location means the weather there is generally milder. The drive to this Sheikhdom comes with flashes of majestic deserts, giving way to lush mountains as you enter Hatta. A little to the south, you’ll find the delightful Hatta Dam, where calm turquoise waters hug the rugged mountains.

Beyond offering cool respite, Hatta is also perfect for fans of nature and outdoor activities. Selections include mountain biking, hiking, camping, and kayaking through Hatta Lake.

Mangrove National Park, Abu Dhabi

Mangrove forests can be found all over UAE, but the closest to Abu Dhabi is the Mangrove National Park, a slice of peace and nature away from the bustling city.

Modern constructions have ravaged a huge chunk of mangrove population here, bringing a negative ripple effect on the biodiversity that the trees support. Conservation efforts have been made to restore the balance, including opening the park up to the public to spread awareness.

Visitors have the options of kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating tour to explore the area. The water is clear enough to witness life wriggling between the roots, but you can also make a game out of spotting slightly larger animals, such as turtles, blue swimmer crabs, and even dolphins.

The Green Planet, Dubai

Okay, this is not entirely natural, but you have got to be impressed by the concept: a tropical rainforest contained within a glass box in the middle of a modern metropolis.

The ambitious project delivers scenes from nature starring lizards, sloths, snakes, birds, and other wildlife that coexist in all five levels of the biodome. The temperature and humidity level are also fine-tuned to recreate the experience of walking through a tropical rainforest.

You get to essentially tour a different ecosystem level by level, observe the animals and even interact with them, as toucan, macaw, and other exotic birds fly among the branches. The whole experience can be rather surreal, but a good fun nonetheless. It definitely is something you need to see on your own.

Pack Your Bags for The UAE!

With such a diverse range of activities and things see and do, a trip to the UAE should be high on your travel list. You’ll definitely want to explore the beautiful architecture, eat at the highly acclaimed restaurants, and shop ’til you drop, but make sure to add these beautiful natural attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to your itinerary.

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