Dubai is famed for its luxurious lifestyle and iconic attractions, but there's much more to explore beyond the traditional camel racing and desert safaris. Delve into a world of unique and exhilarating sports and activities that showcase the city's adventurous spirit and diverse offerings. Discover the hidden gems of Dubai that promise unforgettable experiences and a fresh perspective on this vibrant city.
Here are some of the more uncommon and unusual activities you can try in Dubai!
Zoom Through the Dubai Dunes
Some people glide across the snow, but in Dubai, we do things a little differently. Here, we grab our boards and head for the sandy hills. Sandboarding has become a popular activity for thrill-seekers all around the city. Given that Dubai started off as just a desert, it's no surprise that the residents have come up with a way to turn the sandy dunes into an exciting adventure.
Countless local tour agencies in Dubai offer sandboarding experiences for tourists and locals of all ages. These tour agencies can help you with everything, from equipment all the way to guidance on how to navigate the sandy terrain safely.
The city also has plenty of spots to try out the exhilarating activity. Al Qudra Desert is one of the more popular ones, where you can sandboard among countless animals in their natural habitats. Other places you can sandboard include the Lahbab Desert, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and Al Badayer next to Hatta Road.
to navigate the sandy terrain safely
Price: Starting from 145 AED
Get Up Close and Personal with the UAE's National Animal
Falcons are one of, if not the most beloved animals in the UAE. Being the country's national bird, you can find the majestic creature on the country's flag, on some of the Dirhams, and all across cultural events. Known for their speed, agility, and keen hunting instincts, falcons have been an integral part of Emirati culture for centuries, and still are!
The birds can add another attribute to their resume: tourist attraction! Falconry has been a popular pastime for both locals and tourists for years, even being His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's favorite sport.
Now, falconry has risen as a unique activity that allows visitors to experience the magnificence of the falcons firsthand. Visitors can see the birds in action during falcon displays, and even hold them and bond afterwards!
Price: Starting from 595 AED
Slide Across the Snow at Ski Dubai
If sandboarding isn't for you and you'd like to go back to the classics, well you're in luck! Even in the scorching desert that is Dubai, you can find some snow to ski on. You read that right! Snow in Dubai! Though it may seem impossible, nothing is unachievable in Dubai.
Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world, spanning around 22,500 square meters. With a temperature of -1 degrees Celsius, the entire area is covered in real snow. Featuring five different slopes of varying difficulty, a chairlift to get to the top, and even instructors, Ski Dubai offers an unmatched experience of skiing in the desert.
Price: From 220 AED
Where: Mall of the Emirates
Contact: 04 409 4000
Timings:
- 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on Monday to Thursday
- 9:00 am to 12:00 am on Friday to Sunday
Zip Across the City
It's time to spread your wings and fly! XLine is one of the longest, fastest, and steepest ziplines in the world, offering an exhilarating ride above the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina.
Unlike traditional ziplines, XLine uses what they call 'Superman harnesses' which allow you to fly while lying on your belly, just like a bird! Not only that, but your helmet has a GoPro attached, allowing you to relive the thrilling flight all over again.
Price: From 499 AED
Where: Dubai Marina
Contact: 056 507 6366
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:40 pm
Soar Above the Seas
Sea the Arabian Gulf from new heights! Watersports are definitely the best way to beat the heat of the Dubai summer, and flyboarding is one of the most popular options. This thrilling activity allows you to soar above the water on a jet-powered board, giving you an exhilarating experience unlike any other.
With massive beaches all across the city, there's no doubt you'll find a watersports agency offering flyboarding at affordable prices. Some of them include Sea Life Watersports, Nemo Watersports, and Hydro Watersports, all of which offer a splashy and unique experience.
Price: From 350 AED
Free Fall at iFly Dubai
Wanna try skydiving without the risks? Then iFly is your solution! Located in Mirdif City Centre, iFly offers an experience like no other in Dubai. Suitable for all ages, iFly offers a safe and controlled environment where you can experience the thrill of skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane.
Whether it's your first time or you're already an experienced flyer, iFly has a package for you. Each package has its own advantages, from VR flying experiences to advanced one-on-ones with certified instructors. With their state-of-the-art wind tunnels, iFly ensures the most realistic and exhilarating indoor skydiving experience possible.
Price: From 179 AED
Where: City Centre Mirdif
Contact: 04 231 6292
Timings:
- 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday to Thursday
- 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday and Sunday
Chuck Some Axes
Boom Battle Bar offers an activity that hasn't been done in Dubai yet: axe-throwing. This unique activity combines the adrenaline-pumping activity of axe throwing with the vibrant bar ambiance, giving it the title of 'Augmented Reality Axe-Throwing' and providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
You can try throwing axes the traditional way – straight to the bullseye – but Boom Battle Bar doesn't limit you. The bar offers over 13 different game modes, all of varying challenges and difficulties. If you want to test your accuracy, you can try the Sniper mode, or go full battle mode with the Throw Royale games.
Whether you want to be the last person standing among your friends or just want to test your throwing skills, Boom Battle Bar has a game mode for everyone. With its unique combination of axe-throwing and interactive technology, this is the perfect place to unleash your competitive spirit and have a blast with friends.
Price: From 215 AED
Where: Dubai Marina
Contact: 04 585 7357
Timings: 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
Take a Leap of Faith with the SkyViews Edge Walk
There's no better view of the city than from above! Well now, you can see the bustling downtown area without a wall of glass in your way; channel your inner Tom Cruise and walk on the edge of the SkyViews Tower! The SkyViews Edge Walk is the first attraction of its kind, and it's one of the highest hands-free edge walks, being over 200 meters above the ground!
Experience the thrill of being suspended in the air with only a harness keeping you safe as you take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This adrenaline-pumping adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable experience and an unmatched view of the bustling city of Dubai.
Price: From 350 AED
Where: Dubai Mall
Contact: 800 2884 3867
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Enjoy a Meal Among the Clouds
Don't look down during this meal! Dinner in the Sky is easily one of the most unique dining experiences in the city, offering the most breathtaking views of the Dubai Marina as you enjoy a meal over 50 meters in the sky.
This experience isn't for the faint of heart, and definitely not for the clumsy. The platform is securely fastened to the ground and guests are safely strapped in, but if you have a fear of heights, this might not be the best choice for you.
Listed by Forbes as one of the most unusual restaurants in the world, the adventure of dining in the sky is truly unforgettable and perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Just make sure to hold on tight and enjoy the stunning views while savoring a delicious meal high above the city!
Price: From 699 AED
Where: Dubai Marina
Contact: 058 819 3296
Timings: 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Just Keep Swimming Down at Deep Dive Dubai
Deep Dive Dubai is the world's largest – and deepest – underwater attraction, with a record-breaking depth of over 60 meters. Filled with over 14 MILLION liters of water, you can dive into a whole new world!
But don't feel too intimidated by the insane depths of Deep Dive Dubai; the experience is open to all ages and all skill levels. If you're just a beginner, you can try the surface scuba diving experience to start off, and eventually, you could make your way to the top – or rather the bottom...
With advanced facilities and expert instructors, Deep Dive Dubai offers a safe and unforgettable experience for all who dare to explore its depths. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, this underwater adventure is sure to leave a splash in your memory!
Price: From 400 AED
Where: Nad Al Sheba
Contact: 04 501 9444
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Trick Your Mind at the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a mind-boggling adventure that you can't miss out on. Step into a world where nothing is what it seems and prepare to be amazed (and puzzled) by the optical illusions that will challenge your perception of reality.
With over 60 different exhibits, all more confusing than the last, the museum offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. From vortex tunnels and optical illusions to unbelievable installations and holograms, the Museum of Illusions is a place where you can truly test your senses and have fun with friends and family. Don't forget to bring your camera – you'll definitely want to capture every mind-bending moment!
Price: From 90 AED
Where: Dubai Creek
Contact: 04 357 3999
Timings:
- 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Monday to Thursday
- 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on Friday to Sunday
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