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Guest post by Dubai expert Neha Singh, DUBAI WIKIA
Didn’t think of Dubai as an adventure spot?
Read on this post which proves that Dubai is much more than its architectural landmarks. It’s as much a destination for fun and thrill seekers as it’s for sightseers, shoppers and diners. So without any further ado, let’s check out some of the unmissable adventurous things to do in Dubai, UAE.
More: Best Hotels in Dubai for Amazing Views, Best Cheap Hotels in Dubai
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Dubai (for Adventure Seekers)
1. Skydiving in Dubai
This is probably the most adventurous and daring activity in this list.
After all, jumping out of the aircraft from a height of over 12,000 feet and freefalling for 60 seconds at an astonishing speed of 120 miles per hour is something meant for daredevils only. That said, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to conquer or overcome their fear of heights. Along with this, the bonus is that you get to enjoy the most unobstructed views over the surroundings – mainly the palm tree shaped Palm Jumeirah.
Depending on your preferences, you can opt for Gyrocopter or safer — Tandem SkyDive.
LOCATION: There are two locations for skydiving in Dubai – the Palm Drop Zone and the Desert Drop Zone
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): 25 minutes (Palm Drop Zone), 40 minutes (Desert Drop Zone)
2. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Want to admire the unequaled desert beauty from a sky-high perspective?
Be sure to go on an early morning hot air balloon ride over the immaculately preserved Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This one hour ride will serenely glide you along the clouds, promising you the most stunning views of both desert sunrise and untouched landscape. Not without a reason it’s on so many lists of top things to do in Dubai and UAE.
LOCATION: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Margham area
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 45 minutes
3. Cycling at Al Qudra
A perfect mix of adventure, nature and pleasure!
Cycling along the Al Qudra Cycling Path guarantees you all of that.
Hit this dedicated 53 miles / 86 kilometers long track which feasts you with the most stunning views over Al Qudra Lake as well as the quaint desert that encircle the region. It’s the newest in the region and also one of the largest cycling paths in the world. The most recommended time to come here for cycling is in the early mornings when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bicycle; you can easily hire one from Trek Bicycle Store.
LOCATION: Al Qudra
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 40 minutes
4. XLine Urban Zipline in Dubai
Are you ready for some adventure right in the city?
If you think that it’s impossible to get outdoors in the middle of the city, this airborne activity over Dubai Marina will prove you wrong. And this is not any ordinary; it’s the world’s longest, fastest and steepest urban zipline adventure. So get ready to fly like a Superhero in a head-first, belly-down style and take in the most stunning over modern Dubai as you take to XLine.
With two cable lines laid out side by side, it allows you to zipline with your friend, spouse, or dear ones.
LOCATION: Dubai Marina, at Amwaj Tower (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): About 15 minutes
5. Try Indoor Skydiving
Wish to try skydiving but want to skip the scariest part of it?
You should definitely visit iFly Dubai at Mirdif City Centre where you can enjoy skydiving indoors (and yes) while avoiding jumping out of an airplane. It takes places in a 10 meters high double vertical wind tunnel which is the world’s first of its kind. Featuring two enormous fans of 400 horsepower each, it will soar you above the ground, allowing you to feel the real sensation of flying and floating in the air.
It’s ideal for everyone including kids above three years; but make sure you comply with all height and weight requirements.
LOCATION: Playnation Level of Mirdif City Centre.
It’s also home to attractions such as Magic Planet and Yalla! Bowling.
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): 30 minutes
6. Desert Safari
Getting off-road on a desert safari in Dubai is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Dubai.
But for this, you don’t have to venture any far. You can easily explore Dubai’s desert on a morning, evening or a more elaborate and all-inclusive overnight desert safari. The highlight of most desert safaris is the pulse-racing dune bash session – the thrilling ride that lasts for about 45 minutes over the lows and highs of Arabian Desert dunes.
Camel ride, henna tattooing and Shisha smoking are other highlights of a desert trip.
Moreover, BBQ dining is included in most evening desert safaris.
LOCATION: Desert safaris in Dubai are mostly conducted in Al Awir area
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 40 minutes
7. Visit Escape Hunt Dubai
There are also escape rooms in Dubai.
It’s for those of you who wish to ditch the usual adventure activities and instead indulge in alternative experiences. One of the most popular among them is Escape Hunt Dubai. With diverse themes to choose from, this allows you to bring out your sleuthing or detective skills. Yes, this indoor game requires you and your team to piece together puzzles, hidden messages, and solve complex mysteries, so that you could escape from the locked-room before the time runs out.
LOCATION: The Galleria Mall in Dubai’s Jumeirah area
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 20 minutes
8. Drive a Supercar
Adventure takes all forms in Dubai.
So if you fancy driving a super-speed race car in the city, it’s all possible here. For this, all you have to do is to make your way to Dubai Autodrome. It boasts one of the region’s first integrated facility which helps you to realize your dreams of driving your favorite supercar with expert supervision.
LOCATION: Motor City at Dubailand
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 15 minutes
9. Enjoy Skiing & Snowboarding
When it gets too hot for you in Dubai…
For those of you who wish to have the ultimate theme park fun, Dubai is a real haven with its many exciting options such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Hub Zero. You can also get a real winter experience in Dubai, thanks to Ski Dubai. With exceptional facilities for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities, it’s where you can experience snow and frosty breeze year-round, even when it’s hot as hell outside.
LOCATION: Mall of the Emirates
DISTANCE (FROM THE CITY CENTER): Approximately 20 minutes
10. Water Activities in Dubai
Take any list of adventure activities in UAE – it’s incomplete without exploring its brilliant waters along Arabian Gulf. From parasailing, speed boat cruise and more relaxed kayaking to the insanely wild jet skiing, flyboarding and wakeboarding sessions, the list of water activities that you can enjoy in Dubai is seemingly vast and endless.
For a fun family experience, try banana boat ride or donut ride.
Have you been to Dubai? Did you try any of these activities? What other fun and adventurous things you would add to the list?
Photos used in this article have been provided by Neha Singh
Featured photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels
Book Your Trip Like a PRO
1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com, Momondo.com. Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club, if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Kiwi currently is my first choice.
2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com, Agoda.com and Airbnb. I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!
3. Buy Your Travel Insurance. Ekta and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. Ekta offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities (make sure to choose the right plan!), while SafetyWings is better for digital nomads. SafetyWings is also very affordable.
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