Outdoor Activities in Dubai You Have to Try
The scorching desert heat in the UAE is the reason why residents and visitors prefer indoor activities. However, Dubai actually offers open natural beauty that is ready to be explored and enjoyed.
Whether it’s off-roading in the sand dunes, hiking, or kayaking with friends, Dubai has a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities.
This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. Here are our favorite outdoor activities in Dubai.
Desert Activities
Dubai has a desert which is a favorite tourist spot for tourists. There are many fun ways to enjoy the desert there, you can choose which one suits you.
Sand Boarding, this activity is suitable for true fun seekers. This is a fun activity because you can play down the sand dunes using a slide.
You can also try Quad Biking which is just as exciting as sandboarding. Enjoy quad or buggy biking over the dunes. If this is your first time trying it, there are professional guides who will guide you into the desert.
If you want an even more extreme adventure, try Dune Bashing. You will drive off-road in the sand dunes. The sand surface that continues to shift while driving will provide a thrilling adventure. To try this activity, you can look for an operator who can teach you how to drive a 4W car in the desert. Or you can pay for a lump sum activity with a professional driver who will take you through the dramatic desert landscape.
Camel Riding is the next choice for those of you who are looking for a different activity to enjoy the desert in Dubai. Exploring the desert by car is certainly quicker for everyone. Still, you’ll experience a more natural journey when you ride a camel across the desert, led by a local Bedouin family, who live and breathe the desert.
The Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC), located in the Al Marmoom desert in the agricultural settlement of Al Lisaili, is the place to learn camel riding in Dubai. You can fill your time by learning to master the art of camel riding from the experts and can enjoy what it feels like to be a native living in the desert.
After all the stressful and fun desert activities, it’s time to relax and enjoy a delicious barbeque in the middle of the desert.
Sea Activities
There is something magical about the sea that invites us to explore its depths and embrace its vast horizons. From the thrill of catching a wave to the serene beauty of the underwater world, marine activities offer the perfect mix of excitement and tranquility.
If you are looking for fun outdoor activities in Dubai that are not far from the sea, here are our recommendations. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen!
Donut Ride
You must experience the excitement of the Donut Ride in Dubai. In this activity, you will ride the waves on a giant donut pulled by a speedboat.
Get ready for an exciting water adventure when the speedboat driver makes a sharp turn. Trust me, you will have a lot of fun with this game.
Jet Ski
Dubai has many water sports, but one of the most popular is jet skiing. Jet skiing in Dubai is a way to enjoy the city’s waters while getting the best views of Dubai’s main landmarks, such as the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah.
You can rent a jet ski or buy a tour at SeaWaket. As for prices, they start from around AED300-350 for a 30-minute game, but if you want a longer route, prices are around AED600-AED750.
Parasailing
Looking for other marine activities that are more adrenaline-pumping? Try parasailing in Dubai. You will be lifted high like a bird flying in the sky. See Dubai’s famous skyline and beautiful coastline, from a different perspective.
Of course, for all activities at sea, the guide will guarantee the safety of visitors. If you are interested in including these three sea activities on your list to visit in Dubai, contact us. We can create a special program for you.
Hiking and Camping
Are tourists allowed to hike in Dubai? Yes. If you’re looking for an adventurous and free vacation, head to the mountains. Dubai has a wide selection of great and unique hiking trails.
Hatta National Park is a popular place for any visitor who wants to go hiking because here there are several hiking trails where you can explore the Hajar Mountains. With stunning views, this place is also ideal for camping overnight in Dubai.
Camping in Dubai is another popular outdoor activity, as there are a variety of stunning desert landscapes to explore. All you have to do is put up your tent and enjoy the stunning views, from mountain peaks to rolling sand dunes.
Where is camping allowed in Dubai?
If you are only planning short-term camping in the city, a permit is not required. However, if you want to camp for a longer period of time, then the only permitted areas are Al Khawaneej, Wadi Al Amerdi, Wadi Al Shabak, and Al Warqa in Dubai.
The best place for camping in Dubai is at Al Qudra Lake. It is located not too far from the city, making it easy for you to reach this place. This is one of the best camping spots in Dubai, as it has guided signs that can help campers. This area also has a variety of wildlife species, there are around 26 species of reptiles and 360 species of birds. If you camp here, every morning you will hear the melodious chirping of birds.
Google Maps Location: Al Qudra Lakes
Try Hatta Kayak
An outdoor activity that you should try with friends is kayaking in Hatta. Located in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta Kayak offers unique and fun activities.
Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the calm waters of Hatta Dam. This dam, which is surrounded by rugged mountain views, is very popular among visitors for kayaking either alone or with friends.
The price is also quite affordable, AED 60 per person.
Google Maps Location: Hatta Kayak
Cycling
Cycling is another outdoor activity that you can do to fill your vacation. Head to Al Qudra, which has 86 KM of cycle paths. The Al Qudra cycle path is very popular among cycling clubs. Even when the weather is quite hot, they still go out cycling. Cycling with stunning desert views, with the wind blowing continuously while cycling is the reason.
Dubai is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast
Dubai offers a variety of activities that highlight its unique landscape and adventurous spirit, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the final words on why each activity is special and you cannot miss it:
Desert Activities are a very popular tourist attraction. Going on a desert safari, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, quad biking, and barbecues are unique ways to enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape and traditional Emirati culture.
Sea Activities, such as a fun Donut Ride, Yellow Boats Speed Boat, and Parasailing for those who want to fly over the Persian Gulf to enjoy stunning aerial views of the city.
Hiking in Hajar Mountain to enjoy breathtaking vistas, unique flora and fauna, and a touch of historical exploration.
Camping, experience the serene beauty of the desert or mountains with overnight camping.
Hatta Kayak, paddle through the clear waters of Hatta Dam, surrounded by stunning mountains.
Cycling, join other cyclists on the Al Qudra trail. You will never get bored with the beautiful views while cycling there.
Each of these activities showcases a different side of Dubai, making the city a top destination for outdoor adventures.
If you are looking for a trusted guide to organize your travel and outdoor activities in Dubai, contact us.
