One of the best things about Dubai is that it's basked in sunshine for eight months of the year and the weather is nearly always perfect for swimming. Winter here, ironically, is the perfect time to hit the pool. Here are some easy ways to make pool time more fun:

Ah, the joys of childhood. Glued to the iPad, plopped in front of the telly, hunched over the computer and zoned out playing video games. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? We like to remind kids of the good ol’ days when we climbed trees, played in mud, scraped our knees and grew all the tougher because of it. So why not allow your kids to experience the real joy of your childhood with an irresistible reason to play outdoors? Here’s how you can make the perfect tree house for your kids:

Pergolas have long been a staple in garden architecture due to their decorative and practical functions. Ancient Romans called them “pergulas”- covered archways through which they could stroll under cool green shade. At its core, the pergola is simply a shaded area or walkway that provides a temporary refuge from the sun while you enjoy the outdoors. In execution, however, they come in many different builds and materials, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider before installing your very own garden pergola:

Lazy Friday afternoons wouldn’t quite be the same without your favourite patio chair to stretch out on with a good book and a refreshing lemonade at hand. Unfortunately, outdoor furniture is far more vulnerable than their indoor counterparts due to their constant exposure to the elements. As a result, they require a considerable amount of care and attention to keep them in tiptop condition. Here are some easy to follow tips to help you care for your outdoor furniture:

All great accomplishments begin with a good plan. As any landscape architect or green-fingered hobbyist will tell you, the key to a productive and visually striking garden is an efficient layout. If you’re planning to create your own garden at home, here are a few tips to get you started:

Isn't this the best time to be outdoors in Dubai? It doesn't matter if you have a huge backyard with a pool or a modest balcony, there are furniture options to dress up any kind of space and make it your own.

We bring you a list of the best outdoor furniture stores in Dubai, so that you can make the most of your outdoor space.

BBQ weather is finally here! BBQ fans - get ready to liberate the barbeque grills from storage and stock up on charcoal. The freezer will now be rid of ice cream to make room for prime cuts. Friday noon in Dubai will no longer be that dreary trip to the mall, but a chance to catch up with friends and family over sensational smoky flavours. Let the battle of the grill masters commence!

It is finally that time in Dubai when you can go into your backyard and not feel like you are on the Sun. Make the most of it by turning your backyard into a tranquil retreat.

Isn’t winter in Dubai the perfect time to be outdoors? Considering how short lived this pleasant weather in Dubai is going to be, we want to stay outdoors all the time! Yes, that is not entirely practical, but there are ways to bring the outdoors inside your home that go beyond keeping plants in your living room: