During the first week of the half-term break, 18 enthusiastic cricket and netball players, proudly dressed in their branded kit, set off from Gatwick Airport for an unforgettable adventure in Dubai. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Optera Limited, who supported both travel and playing kit, and CPL Aromas, who provided the ever-popular player hoodies, the group was well-equipped for the journey ahead.
Touching down at 7:45 AM, sleep-deprived but buzzing with excitement, the tour kicked off with a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa and a wander through the dazzling Dubai Mall. While the panoramic views were breathtaking, the real crowd-pleaser was the massive aquarium, where stingrays, sharks, and vibrant fish mesmerized the group.
Day 1
After checking into the hotel and a quick refuel, the day continued with a visit to Top Golf, where players showcased their swings, enjoyed great food, and soaked up the lively atmosphere.
Day 2
The second day brought the heat—literally—with a challenging cricket match against Dubai Schools U16s. Shoutouts to Rosie (Y13), Phoebe (Y10), and Immy (Y13) for their wicket-taking prowess, and Elizabeth (Y9) for her impressive 19-over batting stint. Meg (Y12) earned Player of the Match for her standout wicket-keeping.
Later, both netball teams headed to Abu Dhabi for the Capital Netball Tournament, where the professional setup—complete with photographers and videographers—added to the excitement. Players of the Match included Rosie, Meg, Alice, Phoebe, and Elsa, as selected by independent umpires.
Day 3
An incredible day of culture and adventure. In the morning, the group headed back to Abu Dhabi to visit the Grand Mosque and then enjoyed lunch at Yas Mall. Then it was back to Dubai where the day was capped off with a thrilling desert jeep safari, complete with a BBQ and traditional dance show. Camel rides and sand dune adventures made this one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.
Day 4
This day of the tour featured sightseeing at the Dubai Frame, poolside relaxation, and a victorious netball match at Repton Al Basha (21–14), followed by a quick visit to Dubai Mall to see the famous fountains.
Day 5
The day started with a trip to Atlantis Waterpark which is situated right at the top of Palm Jumeirah. The water slides were great, and the views were stunning. Then it was straight off to fixtures where the senior netball team dominated Cats Netball Club 25–5, with Charley (Y10) and Meg (Y12) named Players of the Match.
Meanwhile, the junior cricket team battled hard at Seven Stadium. Playing up flood lights, the teams were well matched. PHS batted first and set an impressive target of 152. Where it was PHS’s turn to bowl they did a great job and Annemiek kept the score down with her speedy fielding. Despite their best efforts, PHS were chased down in the final over, finishing the game 153/2.
Day 6
On the final day, it was all about soaking up Dubai’s rich culture. The group visited the SMCCU museum at Jumeirah Mosque, where they enjoyed traditional Emirati snacks, met camels, held a falcon, and got henna designs. A trip to the Gold Souk, via water taxi across Dubai Creek, gave everyone a chance to test their haggling skills before winding down at the hotel.
That evening, the senior cricket team played their final fixture. Led by Captain Meg, the team bowled first, with wickets from Phoebe, Immy, Freya, and Charlotte. Chasing 131, the batters fought hard but fell just 17 runs short, ending the tour with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
To quote some of our parental feedback, the trip was an incredible opportunity and experience; “a once in a lifetime opportunity packed full of site seeing and match play”. Dubai’s world-class facilities and warm hospitality made it the perfect destination for a trip of this kind. One parent shared, “She made memories which will last a lifetime,” while another said, “It was the best trip she had ever done—she didn’t want to come home.”
