Dubai is celebrated for its jaw-dropping architecture, extravagant shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants, and ultramodern theme parks. While all these attractions are thronged by millions of visitors every year, Dubai’s amazing landscape also allows people to get out of the high life and explore some outdoor activities. From riding a hot air balloon over the stunning deserts, sky diving over the Palm islands, to snorkeling in the clear blue waters of the ocean, you have plenty of outdoor activities that you can participate in.

Keen to learn more about the array of outdoor activities in Dubai? Keep reading!

Zip Lining

Sign up for a zip lining session at the XLine. Located over Dubai Marina, it is the longest and fastest zipline in the world. With a speed of 80 km/h and measuring one kilometer, XLine has an incline of 16 degrees making it the steepest ziplines world over. It consists of two parallel zip lines and you can enjoy the company of a family member or friend too. You are treated to a gorgeous view of the Dubai Marina and you also get photos and videos of the entire activity.

Hatta Heritage Village

Visit the Hatta Heritage village to get a glimpse into the Emirati life of the bygone days. This village was restored in 2001 and has around 30 buildings. The original structure of the house was constructed with natural materials such as palm fronds, stone, and mud which are still retained. Located in the Hajar mountains, this village consists of a fort, a mosque, and two watchtowers. The entire village is owned by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The museum here has an impressive collection of exhibits and artifacts including handicrafts, furnishing, crockery, weapons, musical instruments, and jewelry. The house of the local chief is called Bait Al Wali and is a must-visit. The nearby Al-Sharia Site is a palm tree farm that uses one of the ancient irrigation systems called Falaj.

Dhow Cruise

One of the best outdoor things to do in Dubai is sailing on a dhow cruise. Dhows are traditional wooden boats that have played a significant part in the city’s past. Now they are refurbished with all the latest amenities and used for tourism purposes. This cruise takes you on a 2-hour journey through the serene waters of Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. Soak in the fantastic views of the city’s skyline and illuminated landmarks. You can enjoy live entertainment such as a puppet show, Tanura Dance, and Belly dancing. Savor a lip-smacking buffet dinner with many local and international delicacies.

Watersports at Kite Beach

Overlooking the imposing hotel Burj Al Arab, Kite Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai. The crystal-clear waters and white sand are ideal for a day out with your loved ones. It has a plethora of sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, jet ski, and beach volleyball. There is a 14 km running track if you feel like going for a run. It also has a skating rink where skaters can show off their skills. Once you are tired after all the activities, you can relax on the beach and watch the sun going down the horizon. You can find several food trucks that serve yummy food that will keep your hunger pangs at bay.

Sky Diving

Skydiving is becoming more and more popular in recent years. Dubai is one of the best places to try this exhilarating sport if you are interested. You can sign up for a solo or tandem dive. Jump from the plane at a height of over 13000 feet above the ground and touch down at 120 miles an hour. Feast your eyes on the brilliant view of the majestic Palm Jumeirah. You also get a recorded video and beautiful pictures of your experience that you can cherish for life.

Desert Safari

Deserts are synonymous with Dubai and your trip to the city has to include an expedition to these red Arabian sands. Your desert safari in Dubai starts with a thrilling dune bashing ride in a 4×4 vehicle. You can take part in other interesting activities such as quad biking, and sandboarding. The Bedouin campsite gives you an authentic Emirati life experience. You can click pictures in traditional Arabic costumes, ride a camel, smoke a shisha pipe, and the women in the group can get their hands painted with Henna. Enjoy spectacular cultural performances such as the Tanura Dance show, Fire show, and Belly Dancing. Relish a scrumptious BBQ dinner with an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Mountain Biking

The breathtaking hilly region of Hatta offers astounding views and picturesque vistas. Sign up for a mountain biking trip at the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center and leave the chaos of the city behind. There are four various routes available ranging from green to black. The Green route caters to beginners while the black route is for professionals. Each route has a different level of difficulty. If you haven’t got your own bikes, you can rent them from one of the bike rental stores.

Dubai Fountain

Head to the Dubai mall to witness the dazzling Dubai Fountains. Set in the Burj Lake, the Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system that shoots approximately 22,000 gallons of water to a height of more than 500 feet. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm daily evening. The spectacle is a combination of music, water, and lights and looks magical. The background music ranges from classical, and Arabic, to world music. For the best view, book an ‘Abra’ ride and see this enchanting show from Burj Lake.

Scuba Diving

Who doesn’t want to explore the underwater world? Dubai has many spots where you can head out for a scuba diving session. You will be briefed about the breathing techniques, safety instructions, and equipment handling. The turquoise waters, colorful corals, and fascinating ecosystem transport you to another world. You will be awe-inspired by the beauty of the aquatic fauna. If you are lucky, you may also discover some shipwrecks. Some popular places to try scuba diving in Dubai are Jumeirah Beach, World Islands, Martini Rock, MV Ludwig, Zainab, MV Dar, and Sharm Rock.

Camel Polo

Camels have been a central part of the deserts of Dubai for centuries. Camel races have always been one of the most favorite pastimes of the locals. The classic camel races have now undergone a complete transformation. Robot jockeys have replaced traditional jockeys and are controlled by operators driving in SUVs beside the camels. The racing season takes place between October and April and provides a good opportunity to enjoy this tradition.

Conclusion

Dubai is a fabulous place to indulge in shopping, see record-breaking structures, visit theme parks, and immerse in the luxury. But once in a while, it is better to branch out, soak in the sun, enjoy nature, and explore another lesser-known side of Dubai.