Adventure Activities & Exciting Things to Do in Dubai

Fun Adventures In Dubai

Six skydivers flying over the Islands.Jumeirah palm. Beautiful views of Dubai city

Dubai is a cool place known for its tall buildings and bustling city life. Do you know it's also full of awesome outdoor adventures? If you love nature, Dubai has some amazing spots to explore.

Check out the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see flamingos and mangrove forests. The Hatta Mountains are nearby and offer hiking trails with stunning views and cool pools to swim in.

For those who crave excitement, Dubai has extreme sports that will leave you thrilled. Take a desert safari to zoom over dunes in a 4x4, try sandboarding down steep slopes, and ride camels at sunset. Try skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah or skiing indoors at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.

You have multiple things to do in Dubai whether it is relaxing in nature or enjoying extreme activities. Dubai is the perfect blend of modern city life and awesome outdoor fun. Come and discover Dubai's exciting adventures that will make your trip exciting!

Tour Highlights

2 scuba divers in the lost chambers - Large aquarium in Hotel Atlantis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Desert Safari: Experience the thrill of adventure activities in Dubai. Go for a desert safari with dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle. Go for sandboarding down steep dunes, and camel riding at sunset in the Arabian Desert.
Skydiving: Take a leap of faith with a tandem skydive over the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy extreme sports in Dubai with breathtaking aerial views of Dubai's coastline and landmarks.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to flamingos and other bird species. Don't miss a chance to admire a serene escape into nature within the city.
Hatta Mountain Adventures: Discover Hatta Mountains for hiking trails amidst rugged terrain, and freshwater pools ideal for swimming. Explore kayaking on Hatta Dam surrounded by mountain scenery.
Ski Dubai: Ski Dubai is in the Mall of the Emirates and lets you ski and snowboard inside. You can enjoy winter sports and play in the snow all year long at Ski Dubai.
Kayaking in Mangroves: Explore Dubai's mangrove forests by kayaking through calm waters. You can see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this natural home.
Ziplining: Go ziplining across the Dubai Marina and enjoy the views of the city buildings and water.
Scuba diving and snorkelling: Dive into the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf to go scuba diving. By snorkelling, see the coral reefs and sea life.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise. Look at the stunning views of the vast dunes and unique desert scenery.
Cycling and Mountain Biking: Experience cycling or mountain biking tours along Dubai's beautiful trails. From dusty paths to the water, trails are for people of all skill levels.

Visitor Highlights

Soar High

Skydive Dubai: Take the ultimate leap of faith and freefall over the Palm Jumeirah from 13,000 feet!
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Drift peacefully above the desert dunes at sunrise and witness breathtaking panoramic views.
Helicopter Tour: See the iconic skyline of Dubai including the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.

Desert Thrills

Desert Safari: Embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure across the golden dunes, followed by a traditional Bedouin camp experience.
Dune Bashing: Hold on tight for an exhilarating ride as your 4x4 tackles the sandy slopes and creates heart-stopping drops.
Sandboarding: Experience the rush of snowboarding down the vast desert dunes.

Water Activities

Flyboarding: Soar above the water like a superhero using a jet-powered backpack.
Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Arabian Gulf and encounter colourful marine life.
Parasailing: Enjoy a scenic parasailing adventure and take in breathtaking views of the coastline.

Other Adventures

XLine Dubai: Take a thrilling zip line ride across the Dubai Mall, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Ski Dubai: Hit the slopes in the middle of the desert! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities at this indoor ski resort.
IMG Worlds of Adventure: This amusement park has rides and roller coasters with cartoon and Marvel themes that will get your heart racing.

Travel Tips

Dubai is a playground for thrill-seekers, but navigating all the options can be tricky. Here are some tips to maximize your adventurous fun:

Be Weather Wise: Dubai's scorching summer sun can be brutal. Aim for cooler months (Nov-Mar) for peak comfort during outdoor activities.
Dress for Adventure (and Culture): Pack comfortable, breathable clothing for desert adventures. Dubai is a Muslim country, so respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees in public areas.
Gear Up: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Consider a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Haggling Hacks: Hit the souks (markets) for a taste of local culture and put your bargaining skills to the test!
Book in Advance: Popular activities like skydiving or desert safaris can fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book tours and experiences beforehand to secure your spot.
Be Sun Smart: Dehydration and sunstroke are real risks. Apply sunscreen regularly, take breaks in the shade, and stay hydrated.
Channel Your Inner Foodie: Refuel after your adventures with delicious Emirati cuisine. Sample camel meat dishes, fresh seafood, and fragrant mezze platters.
Go Beyond the Glitz: While Dubai boasts luxury experiences, there's an adventure for every budget. Check out free activities like visiting the Dubai Fountain or strolling along the Jumeirah Beach Park.

Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Sun Protection Essentials: Dubai is sunny year-round. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and breathable clothing. Opt for long sleeves and pants for desert activities to protect from sand and sun.
Hydration Heroes: A refillable water bottle is key. Stay hydrated throughout your adventures, especially during desert excursions.
Comfortable Footwear: Pack sturdy shoes for desert adventures and comfortable sandals or sneakers for exploring the city. Blister-prone feet can ruin the fun.
Adventure Gear: Pack swimwear for aquatic sports, goggles and a scarf for sandboarding, and gloves for ziplining.
Tech Essentials: Don't forget your camera, chargers, and a universal adapter for your electronics. A portable power bank might be a lifesaver to keep your devices charged throughout the day.
Cash for Haggling: Carry Dirhams for minor transactions or bargaining at traditional souks in Dubai, which are mostly cashless.
Adaptor for Modesty: A scarf or sarong is a versatile item. It will protect you from the sun, and cover modesty at cultural places.

What not to Bring

Scantily Clad Clothing: Dubai is a Muslim country. Avoid overly revealing clothing like short shorts, tank tops, or low-cut dresses in public spaces. Respect the local culture by covering your shoulders and knees.
Heavy Winter Clothes: Dubai's climate is hot and dry. Leave bulky jackets and winter wear at home.
Single-use Plastics: Dubai is increasingly eco-conscious. Opt for a reusable water bottle and shopping bags to avoid single-use plastics.
Illegal Items: Dubai has strict laws regarding certain items. Leave behind illicit drugs, e-cigarettes, and Islamically incompatible things including pork and UAE-unapproved religious publications.

Getting There

Dubai is a major transportation hub, so getting there is easy no matter where you're coming from.

By Air: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with flights from all over the globe. Several budget airlines fly into Dubai, so you can find a good deal on airfare.
By Sea: Dubai is a major port city, so you can also take a cruise to Dubai. This is a great option to combine your Dubai adventure with a relaxing cruise vacation.

Once you're in Dubai, you'll have plenty of options for getting around. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, metros, and trams. You can also rent a car or hire a taxi.