Dubai has become more than just a Middle Eastern cultural and financial center. It has also become a home to adventure seekers due to the varied number of outdoor activities that can be done there. The following are 17 of the outdoor activities that are popular in Dubai:
- Skydive Over The Palm Jumeirah
Skydiving is already a thrilling activity as it is but skydiving in Dubai, with the sight of the Palm Jumeirah, is something else. There are actually two options for skydivers as to where they will be jumping, the other one being over the desert. But the beauty of the Palm Islands is too enticing to pass up.
- Ride Horses
Horse riding is one of the favored hobbies among Dubai’s elite. This is among the reasons why the world’s richest horse race can be found here in the form of the Dubai World Cup. Among the popular horse riding centers in the city are the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club and the Al Jiyad Stables.
- Do Kite Surfing
On a normal day, it would not be uncommon to see people doing kite surfing at Kite Beach. If you are just starting out and you want to learn more about it, there are schools near Kite Beach that you can learn from. The ideal season for kite surfing is usually December to April.
- Experience Bungy Jump
If you are feeling like a daredevil, you may as well try out bungy jumping in Dubai. Adrenaline junkies have spoken positively about the bungy jump operated by Gravity Zone, which involves a short freefall drop that is not for the faint-hearted.
- Climb Mountains
Mountain climbing can be done almost anywhere in the world. What makes mountaineering in Dubai unique is the beautifully different view that can be seen in these mountains. The rocky terrain of the mountain you will be climbing will be exciting for any experienced mountain climber. When trekking, you have the option of staying overnight and camp out in the desert.
- Get On A Hot Air Balloon
If there is one place in the world where riding a hot air balloon is perfect, it is in Dubai. The hot air balloon rides, which usually happen just before the sun rises, gives the ones onboard a scenic view of the sand dunes in the desert. Sometimes, you can even spot a few members of the nomadic Bedouin people as they trek with their camels. If you love hot air ballooning adventure, consider trying that in these popular hot air ballooning destinations around the world.
- Race Cars
There is a reason why a lot of Formula 1 races are held in Dubai. A lot of race drivers from all over the world flock to this city, making it a mecca of car races. The Dubai Autodrome is where a lot of these car races happen.
- Enjoy A Dubai Desert Safari
Desert dune bashing is a form of off-road driving that is usually done on the desert sand dunes. With Dubai’s spectacular desert landscape, it is a perfect destination for this type of activity. There are companies that offer 4 x 4 tours that go through the desert for this very purpose. A typical Dubai desert safari package includes many more things than just dune bashing.
- Bike Through The City
Biking is not exactly the first activity that pops out of people’s minds when they think of Dubai. But Dubai is actually a good place to go biking. Dubai plays host to a total of 100 kilometers of cycle tracks that avid bikers can explore even on a daily basis.
- Dive In The Water
Do not let the fact that Dubai is mainly made up of a desert landscape stop you from engaging in diving activities. Dubai has a lot of diving centers that you can go to. If you want to dive in the sea, there are experts that can assist you in making a dive in the Persian Gulf. If you want to go somewhere closer, you can do it in the Dubai Aquarium in scuba-style.
- Catch Fish Dubai-Style
Fishing in Dubai is not just something that people in the fishing industry does. It is a luxurious pastime too. How is this exactly the case? You can book a yacht so that you can be taken to the deep part of the Persian Gulf. Through this, you can catch a variety of deep sea fish like mackerel and barracuda. You can even catch some squids and octopus. Perhaps the best way to go fishing in Dubai is going for a luxury yacht cruising. Luxury Dubai yacht rentals allow you to enjoy fishing, have best views of the Dubai skyline and also unwind in a calm environment onboard away from the city.
- Lose Some Sweat Through Parks And Fitness Camps
If you want to make sure that you are not gaining weight, there are a lot of parks and fitness camps that you can go to in Dubai. The great thing about these facilities is that it is either they are free or they do not cost much.
- Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
For those who do not want to do anything too risky or extreme, one activity that may appeal to you is stand up paddling. There are stores and shops near the coast that have surfboard rentals. You can use this for stand up paddleboarding while enjoying the gentle sea breeze.
- Play Polo
There are plenty of polo clubs in Dubai. If you like playing polo, you can check out a few of the many choices in the city. Among these polo clubs are the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club – Arabian Ranches and Dubai Polo Club.
- Drive A Dune Buggy
Exploring the desert is a dream for many people. In Dubai, this can be done by riding a manual transmission buggy. During the breaks, you can also do some sandboarding and take pictures. Make sure to bring some water as it can be incredibly hot even during the early morning.
- Enjoy Time At The Beach
Dubai is an underrated as a beach destination. There are multiple public beaches that tourists can visit here. A wide array of activities can be done on these beaches including beach volleyball and tennis. If you want, you can even just spend a whole afternoon lounging in the sand.
- Play Golf
There are a total of 11 world class golf courses in Dubai. This is why a lot of golf tournaments are held in the city. Some events of the European Tour schedule are even done in Dubai.
Conclusion
These are some very popular outdoor activities you must try while in Dubai. If you are a food lover, you should also love a Dubai marina dhow cruise dinner. This is a unique dining experience on a luxury dhow ship decorated with colorful lights. You can enjoy some traditional cultural performances onboard as well.