The best adventures often begin with a single step outside of the comfort zone.
Till the time you don’t do adventurous activities, you don’t know how fierce you are. Engaging in adventurous activities can help you discover the strength and resilience within you that you may not realise you have. So, the best thing you can do to test your inner fierceness is to try the best adventure activities in Dubai.
Dubai is a playground for adrenaline seekers- from exhilarating dune bashing in the vast Arabian Desert to indoor skiing at Ski Dubai or even experiencing the thrill of skydiving over the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Choose your stay at the best place in Dubai, which is close to adventure spots, ideally situated near exciting adventure spots such as theme parks, desert safaris, and water sports. This strategic choice will allow you to make the most of your visit by easily accessing a variety of thrilling activities and experiences.
Each of these experiences not only tests your limits but also fosters personal growth and self-discovery. So, gear up and embrace the adventure- you might be surprised at the fierce warrior that emerges!
Note: Before planning your adventure activities, it is important to choose the best time to visit Dubai to take full advantage of it.
Skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah
Highlight: Free fall from 13,000 feet.
Take the leap and face your fears. Discover your inner strength as you embrace the freedom of the sky during your heart-pounding descent. Skydiving in Dubai is the most popular adventure activity to do.
As you leave the plane and begin your exciting fall, you see the Arabian Gulf stretching out below you. The Palm Jumeirah, a captivating man-made island shaped like a palm tree, spreads out beneath your feet.
As the wind speeds past and your heart races, you’ll feel a new kind of freedom as you face your fears and step outside your comfort zone.
Every second of the free fall gives you a chance to embrace the thrill, and when your parachute opens, time seems to slow down. You will gently glide toward the soft sands of the desert.
So, enjoy the wide views of Dubai’s sparkling skyline, the coastline, and the famous Burj Khalifa in the distance.
This experience is about finding your inner strength. It’s about believing in yourself, letting go of doubts, and seeing the world from a unique perspective that only a few people get to experience.
Dune Bashing
Ride through the golden sand dunes of the Arabian Desert in a powerful 4×4 vehicle and experience the excitement of dune bashing.
Dune bashing in the vast desert is an exciting ride of twists and turns, where the terrain shifts unpredictably beneath you, just like life itself.
As the mighty 4×4 vehicle climbs steep sand dunes and then plunges down the other side, you feel the rush of excitement, followed by moments of uncertainty.
The ride is full of sudden drops, sharp turns, and unexpected challenges that test your courage and adaptability. But through it all, you’re reminded that, just like in life, it’s not the smooth paths that define us but how we navigate the rough terrain.
Whatever it is, the sudden drops or sharp turns, every moment is worth enjoying. So, don’t forget to have a blast dune bashing in the desert.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Watch the world below as you go up. The cool air surrounds you as the balloon rises. You float above the vast desert, where golden dunes stretch far into the distance.
As the balloon goes higher, you feel a deep peace, paused between the earth and the sky. You can see camels and gazelles on the horizon. The beauty of the scene feels almost unreal, like a romantic dream.
You feel free, far away from the world below. The hot air balloon drifts gently with the wind, making you feel weightless and able to enjoy the moment fully.
The calm morning, lovely views, and peaceful ride come together to create an amazing experience. The vast desert and the growing light of day remind you that while you are small, you are still important in the big picture of nature.
So, you must take this hot air balloon ride and fly over the desert. It’s a peaceful way to start the day, filled with the beauty of nature. Also, taking this ride is considered to be the best thing to do in Dubai for couples. So, if you are with your partner, you must-try it.
Dubai Edge Walk
Imagine walking on a narrow platform high above the city, feeling the breeze on your face. As you step out over the edge, you can see all of Dubai below you.
The Dubai Edge Walk is located on top of the Address Sky View Hotel, which is perched at a height of 220 meters (720 feet) above the ground.
Edge Walk is the most exciting attraction in Dubai and the first of its kind in the region. It offers the highest hands-free walk in the city, going around the top of the Tower’s central pod.
This walk is over 219.5 meters above the ground, giving thrill-seekers a chance to be at the top of the skyscraper in Downtown Dubai. You’ll walk out on a platform with just a harness to keep you safe.
You’ll have a clear view of famous landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, along with the growing city around them. Feeling scared about your safety? Don’t worry.
Professional instructors will guide you, ensuring you are secure and helping you enjoy the experience. The Dubai Edge Walk is a memorable way to face your fears, enjoy the thrill, and see the city from a new perspective!
Deep Dive Dubai
| Do you know which is the deepest pool in the world?
It is Deep Dive Dubai, the deepest indoor pool. |
Deep Dive Dubai is located in Al Wasl, which has a massive depth of 60 meters (196 feet). It has themed underwater environments-
The underwater world of the deep dive shows an abandoned, flooded city. You can ride a motorbike, play chess or foosball, drive a car, or just explore the area. It offers safe diving experiences for beginners and experts, allowing them to discover the depths of the pool.
Ziplining at XLine Dubai Marina
XLine Dubai Marina is run by XDubai, a top adventure company that offers exciting and extreme sports experiences in Dubai. It is one of the longest and fastest urban zip lines in the world.
The attraction is 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) long in the Dubai Marina area. Participants can take off from one of the tallest buildings at a height of 170 meters (558 feet) above ground.
This ride offers a thrilling ride and stunning views of Dubai’s skyline at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). The XLine Dubai Marina is a popular adventure activity to do in Dubai for thrill lovers.
During the ride, you can enjoy views of the beautiful waters and tall skyscrapers of the Dubai Marina. The best part is that it features two ziplines, which allows you to do the thrilling ziplining activity with your friends or loved ones side by side.
Desert Safari
A Desert Safari embodies the essence of adventure in Dubai. The vast sand dunes create a playground for outdoor adventure lovers. Dune bashing provides a thrilling ride across the golden sand, while sandboarding allows you to slide down steep slopes.
If you want an adrenaline rush, you can enjoy quad-riding on a powerful buggy. Each moment in this amazing landscape promises a memorable experience.
There’s nothing quite like the magic of Emirati entertainment- from the tempting aroma of barbeque wafting through the air to the soothing experience of a camel ride across the golden sands.
As the sun sets, the evening safari begins under a clear sky. Fire shows light up the horizon, adding to the memorable Dubai nightlife. Guests can enjoy camping under the stars, watch performances that showcase local culture, and savour an open buffet dinner that delights both the eyes and the taste.
Flyboarding
You can try flyboarding at The Beach at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences), which is also one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Hydro Water Sports Dubai offers sessions, shows, and guided jet-ski tours.
With the help of your instructor, you can hover, dive, and swoop through the air. For flyboarding, you just need to improve your balance and control. You’ll feel a great sense of freedom as you rise above the water and enjoy the beautiful coast.
Once you put on a safety harness and turn on the jetpack, the fun starts as powerful water jets lift you into the air. The feeling of being pushed upward is so exhilarating.
At first, you might feel a bit nervous, that’s genuine! But soon, it changes into a sense of freedom as you gain control. As you go above the clear waters, you can enjoy incredible views.
The beautiful views include the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the beautiful city sky, including landmarks like the Dubai Eye in the distance.
The feeling of weightlessness and the breeze rushing by add to the excitement, making it feel like you are flying over the water, almost like a superhero.
Paramotoring over the Desert
Paramotoring is an exciting activity that lets you fly with a powered paraglider over the beautiful dunes of the UAE.
You can experience the thrill of paramotoring over the desert and enjoy amazing views from above. As you rise in your powered paraglider, you will see stunning sights of golden sands, tall dunes, and sparkling oases that stretch far and wide.
As you start your ride, you can see dunes shifting with the wind, their curves and ridges creating beautiful patterns that seem to go on forever.
Rise over 1,500 feet above the ground to see traditional camel farms, ancient Bedouin homes, and the rare oryx as they move gracefully through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
When the sun sets, the landscape changes into a beautiful mix of light and shadow. This is not just a flight; it’s a memorable adventure that lets you glide through the sky while appreciating the peaceful beauty of the desert.
Shark Diving at Dubai Aquarium
Dive into the ocean and share the water with marine life, such as Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Giant Groupers, Stingrays, and many other marine animals.
Shark diving at the Dubai Aquarium is an extraordinary adventure. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get close to some of the ocean’s most majestic and feared creatures.
You can dive into one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in The Dubai Mall. This experience lets you see a variety of sharks up close in a safe and controlled environment.
There are 3 shark dives each day, and each dive can take up to 4 divers. A Dive Master and Dive Instructor will be with you to supervise and assist you during the dive. A complete set of equipment is included, but you can also buy swimsuits separately.
The thrill of shark diving is in the intimacy of the experience. While the sharks glide gracefully around you, you’ll witness their power, beauty, and mystery from just a few feet away.
We know it will freak you out when the creature gets closer, despite their fearsome reputation, sharks are fascinating creatures, and the experience gives you a chance to appreciate them in a way that is impossible from the surface.
Wakeboarding at Jebel Ali
Wakeboarding is an exciting extreme water sport that requires a unique combination of physical strength, technical skill, and fearless determination.
As you grip the tow rope tightly, you get yourself ready for the rush of being pulled by a high-powered boat. So, feel the excitement as it speeds through the water, reaching up to 30 miles per hour or more.
The sport invites you to perform a variety of impressive tricks, including spins, flips, and board slides, each demanding precise timing and coordination.
If you want to try wakeboarding in Dubai, consider Jebel Ali, as it provides the perfect environment to enjoy the thrill of gliding over the water.
If you are a beginner, instructors will help you learn the basics and get comfortable on the board. For advanced wakeboarder, this location has great conditions to improve your skills and try new tricks.
The flat, smooth water at Jebel Ali is perfect for practising flips, spins, and other aerial moves. With every jump off the wake, you feel the excitement of flying through the air for a moment before landing back on the water.
Wakeboarding is not just about skill; it’s also about enjoying freedom and adventure on the waves.
Note: Balancing on your board, you must engage your core and maintain focus to stay upright, all while navigating the dynamic surface of the water.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding in Dubai is much like snowboarding but on soft, sandy slopes. The adventure starts with a short drive into the desert, where you will see endless sand dunes.
Once you reach the dunes, you will get a sandboard, which is designed for riding on sand. After a quick safety briefing and instructions from your guide, you will be ready to ride.
As you stand on the board and push off, you will feel the wind rush by and the excitement of speeding down the slope. The sand is smooth and soft, giving you a gentle ride even as you go faster.
There are dunes of different heights and slopes for all skill levels. Beginners will learn how to balance and ride down smaller dunes, while experienced sandboarder’s can try the bigger, steeper dunes for a stronger adrenaline rush.
Sandboarding is an unforgettable adventure activity to do in Dubai that must be included in every tourist’s Dubai itinerary.
The Helicopter Ride over Dubai
A helicopter ride in Dubai is a thrilling way to experience the city’s beautiful skyline and landmarks from a unique vantage point. This ride typically lasts anywhere from 12 to 45 minutes, allowing for varying experiences depending on the chosen tour package.
Passengers can take off from prime locations such as the Dubai Police Academy or the exclusive helipad at Atlantis, The Palm and take off from locations like the Dubai Police Academy or the Atlantis, The Palm helipad.
Each tour is designed to provide a memorable and unique aerial adventure that showcases Dubai’s remarkable architecture and vibrant landscape.
The city’s most iconic sights are included in the helicopter ride:
- Burj Khalifa- The tallest building in the world.
- Palm Jumeirah- The iconic palm-shaped artificial island.
- The World Islands- A collection of man-made islands resembling a world map.
- Burj Al Arab- The sail-shaped luxury hotel.
- Dubai Marina- A cluster of futuristic skyscrapers along the waterfront.
The best thing about the helicopter ride is- during the flight, the pilot typically shares interesting facts and background information about the landmarks.
Note: Sunset rides are particularly popular for the stunning golden hues that illuminate the cityscape.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing in Dubai is a popular activity because the city is located along the Arabian Gulf and has a lot of marine life. It’s a fun way to enjoy the open sea while fishing for various types of fish, including-
- Kingfish
- Barracuda
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Sailfish
The experience usually starts early in the morning. As you step onto a sleek fishing boat, the crew welcomes you warmly and briefs you on safety protocols and fishing techniques.
The boat moves smoothly over the calm water. The water becomes deeper and turns a rich blue. Occasionally, you can see splashes from flying fish or dolphins, which add to the magic of the scene.
The crew sets up the fishing rods and lines, offering guidance on how to bait and cast.
The fishing line suddenly tightens as you feel a fish tugging on it. You need to reel it in while supporting yourself against the fish’s strength.
After a short battle, you finally pull up a shimmering kingfish or a sleek barracuda- the sense of accomplishment is immense. Also, it can be best enjoyed when you are with your loved ones.
During breaks between catches, you can relax and enjoy the views of the open sea. After finishing this adventurous activity, you can watch the sunset reflecting on the water, ending your day with happiness.
Thus, Deep-sea fishing makes it to the list of the best places to visit in Dubai with family.
Jet Skiing along Jumeirah Beach
Jet skiing at Jumeirah Beach is an exciting water sport where you race across the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf.
First, you will receive a short safety briefing. This session will cover how to use the jet ski and important safety tips. You’ll also get a life jacket and a helmet for your safety.
Once you’re ready, you’ll jump on your jet ski and feel the thrill of speed. The wind in your face and the splash of saltwater add to the excitement as you take sharp turns and glide along the beach.
The views are amazing. On one side, you can see the Burj Al Arab, a tall hotel shaped like a sail, shining in the sunlight. On the other side, the Palm Jumeirah stretches out, a unique man-made island.
In the background, the modern Dubai skyline shows off tall buildings that reflect the energy and luxury of the city. This jet skiing experience gives you both fun and a captivating view of Dubai’s coastline.
Conclusion
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two dazzling jewels in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, which gives numerous opportunities to try out adventure. From thrilling desert safaris in the expansive Arabian Desert to exciting water sports along its pristine coastline.
Meanwhile, the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, has many beautiful places to visit also, it is an ultimate adventure spot. Don’t miss this chance to embrace a unique experience and see nature’s splendour in a new way when you visit!
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Adventurous Activities to Do in Dubai
What adventure activities can I do in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wide range of adventure activities, including desert safaris, dune bashing, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah, hot air balloon rides, indoor skiing at Ski Dubai, zip-lining, and water sports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and kite surfing.
Is skydiving in Dubai safe?
Yes, skydiving in Dubai is safe. The operators are internationally certified, and all instructors are experienced and highly trained. They use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safety of all participants.
What is dune bashing?
Dune bashing is an off-road adventure where a 4×4 vehicle drives over the sandy dunes of the desert, providing an exhilarating, roller-coaster-like experience. It’s a popular activity during desert safaris in Dubai.
Can I go indoor skiing in Dubai?
Yes, you can! Dubai is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and even interactions with penguins, all in a controlled, chilly environment.
Where can I go zip-lining in Dubai?
Dubai features the world’s longest urban zip-line at Dubai Marina. The XLine offers an adrenaline-pumping ride, where you zip across the Marina from one tower to another, offering stunning views of the skyline.
What are the best water sports in Dubai?
Dubai is perfect for water sports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You can enjoy these activities along the city’s beaches or in the waters around Palm Jumeirah and other famous landmarks.
Is it possible to go hot air ballooning in Dubai?
Yes, hot air ballooning is a unique adventure in Dubai, especially over the desert. Early morning flights offer breathtaking views of the golden dunes and the majestic Hajar Mountains as the sun rises.
