dubai | The Adventure Travel Site

Adventurous ventures in Dubai – To get your Adrenaline pumping

Dubai, known for its luxury and modern architecture, has also become a hotspot for adrenaline-fueled adventure activities. From skydiving over iconic landmarks to exploring vast desert dunes, the city offers thrill-seekers an incredible array of experiences. Whether you’re a fan of water sports, extreme heights, or desert safaris, Dubai has something for everyone looking to add a little adventure to their trip. This guide will help you discover the best adventure activities Dubai has to offer.

Skydive Over the Palm Jumeirah

One of the most iconic adventure experiences in Dubai is skydiving over the stunning Palm Jumeirah. Imagine freefalling from 13,000 feet with a panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the man-made Palm Islands below. This exhilarating experience attracts both beginners and seasoned skydivers. For those who prefer to stay grounded, there’s an indoor skydiving option at iFLY Dubai, which offers the thrill of freefall without leaving the city. You can reach the Palm Jumeirah in 18 minutes if you’re staying at a hotel such as Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel which is located in the heart of Dubai.

Explore the Desert on a Dune Safari

A desert safari is a must-do adventure when visiting Dubai. This thrilling ride across the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert includes dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, which will have you speeding over the dunes in a heart-pounding adventure. The experience often includes camel rides, sandboarding, and the chance to witness a beautiful desert sunset. Many tours conclude with a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the desert night.

Bahnfrend, Dune bashing, Dubai, 2007 (13), CC BY-SA 4.0

Take on Water Sports at Jumeirah Beach

For water sports enthusiasts, Dubai’s beaches offer a playground of exciting activities. Jet skiing along the coast, with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background, is a popular choice for thrill-seekers. You can also try flyboarding, an extreme water sport that lets you hover above the water like a superhero. For something more relaxed but equally adventurous, kite surfing at Kite Beach offers the perfect combination of speed and control, with Dubai’s skyline providing a dramatic backdrop.

Conquer Heights at the XLine Dubai Marina

If you’re looking for things to do in Ibn Battuta, the XLine zipline in Dubai Marina is an unmissable experience. This is one of the world’s longest urban ziplines, stretching for over a kilometre and reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. As you soar from the top of a skyscraper down across the Marina, you’ll have breathtaking views of the cityscape, yachts, and waterfront buildings. It’s a thrill that offers a unique perspective of Dubai from high above.

Scuba Dive in the Dubai Aquarium

For those who love underwater adventures, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers an extraordinary scuba diving experience. You can dive with sharks, rays, and other marine creatures inside one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. For beginners, there are guided diving sessions and certified divers can explore the depths of the aquarium on their own. It’s a surreal experience to dive into the heart of the city, surrounded by marine life in an enclosed yet vast aquatic world.

Enjoy Dubai’s Most Adventurous and Exclusive Experiences – For a Celebrity-Style Getaway

Dubai is a playground for those looking to enjoy both luxury and adventure. From private yacht tours to skydiving over an iconic landmark, there’s no shortage of experiences to make you feel like a celebrity!

Private Desert Safari

Experience the beauty of the Arabian desert with a private safari. Enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and a sunset dinner in a luxury camp. For those looking for unique things to see and do in Dubai, this experience blends adventure with local culture.

Luxury Yacht Cruise

Charter a private yacht or boat and cruise along Dubai Marina or sail around the Palm Jumeirah. Relax in style as you soak up the sun or enjoy the stunning skyline at sunset. A stay at a property such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort pairs perfectly with this lavish experience.

Skydiving Above Palm Jumeirah

Nothing says exclusive adventure like skydiving over one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, Palm Jumeirah! With a bird’s-eye view of the city and coastline, this thrilling activity offers an adrenaline rush with stunning views.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert

For a serene yet unforgettable adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the Arabian desert at sunrise. Float above the golden dunes, and spot local wildlife like the oryx and gazelles. This peaceful journey is a perfect way to embrace the majestic beauty of Dubai from a unique perspective.

Modern Galleries and Public Art in Dubai: A Creative Oasis – Experience the pulse of creativity in every corner!

Dubai is a city where skyscrapers touch the clouds and the desert whispers stories of old. Amidst its stunning architecture and luxurious lifestyle, a vibrant art scene flourishes, inviting both locals and tourists to explore the transformative power of creativity. From modern galleries showcasing groundbreaking works to public art installations that add flair to the urban landscape, Dubai is a testament to the belief that art can inspire, challenge, and connect us all.

Donnavann, Exhibiting stalls in World Art Dubai, CC BY-SA 4.0

Alserkal Avenue

Located near many luxury hotels in Dubai, such as the well-known La Suite Dubai Hotel & Apartments, this contemporary arts hub is home to a myriad of galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces. With its eclectic mix of exhibitions, Alserkal Avenue pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Dubai Design District (d3)

A thriving creative community, d3 is a hub for designers and artists. Here, public art installations blend seamlessly with innovative architecture, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

The Third Line Gallery

One of the leading contemporary art galleries in Dubai, The Third Line showcases a diverse range of Middle Eastern artists. With thought-provoking exhibitions and a commitment to promoting regional talent, it’s a cornerstone of Dubai’s art community.

Art Dubai

As the leading international art fair in the Middle East, Art Dubai brings together galleries from around the world, featuring contemporary artworks, photography, and installations. This annual event is a celebration of creativity, attracting art lovers and collectors alike.

Zawyeh Gallery

With locations in both Dubai and Ramallah, Zawyeh Gallery offers a platform for emerging and established Palestinian artists. The gallery showcases a wide array of contemporary works, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and resilience of Palestinian artistry. It’s a must-visit for those interested in exploring art that tells powerful stories of identity and tradition.

Everything to Know About Dubai’s Water Canal

The Dubai Canal, a remarkable artificial waterway, stretches for 3.2 kilometres, transforming the city’s urban landscape and connecting the vibrant Downtown Dubai area to the Arabian Gulf. This architectural marvel not only serves as a functional waterway but also offers a scenic route adorned with pedestrian bridges, charming walkways, and leisure zones.

Reaching the Boardwalk

The Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk is easily accessible from various points along the canal. Located near Sheikh Zayed Road, it can be reached by public buses, taxis, or your own vehicle. Ferries and water taxis also operate along the canal, making it easily reachable from the best luxury hotels in Dubai no matter what mode of transport you choose.

What You Should Know

The Dubai Canal is a hub of activity, featuring cycling lanes, footpaths, running tracks and seating areas along its scenic expanse. Powered by solar energy, its eco-friendly design includes streetlights and convenient charging stations for keeping devices powered while enjoying the view. The canal boasts nine marine stations, offering ferries, water taxis, dhow cruises, and abras (a traditional boat) which are ideal if you want to get a unique perspective of the city.

The Waterfall Display

Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge at Exit 4, the Dubai Canal Waterfall is a major attraction, drawing visitors with its dazzling show of water and lights in the evenings. The design of the waterfall is such that it is set to shut off automatically when a boat gets close. Consider dropping by to see this spectacle for yourself, as it makes a great excursion especially if you happen to be staying at centrally located properties like Paramount Hotel Midtown.

The Footbridges

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Vicharam, Dubai Water Canal, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Dubai Water Canal features five striking pedestrian bridges – and a few of them connect to either side of the canal. Among them, the Tolerance Bridge, named in honour of International Tolerance Day, stands out as the first suspended bridge of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. The other bridges connect Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Unique Water Adventures in Dubai: Exploring the Ocean Waters in Unforgettable Ways

While Dubai is known for hosting thrilling adventures across its sprawling desert landscapes, the ocean waters along the city’s coastline are brimming with fun opportunities for the adventurous. Here are some of the unique ways in which you can explore the ocean waters in Dubai.

Electric Foil Boards

More commonly known as e-foils, these are a whole new version of surfboards that are becoming increasingly popular. All you need to do is maintain your balance as you would on a normal surfboard while using a remote to propel your board forward. It makes for a new water-based adventure and is worth a try if you are staying closer to the shoreline at places like Oaks Liwa Heights.

Flyboarding

Another high-adrenaline futuristic adventure to enjoy out on the water is flyboarding. You’ll need to strap your feet onto a board and soar above the water propelled by jet nozzles that shoot out powerful streams of water. While the sensation takes some getting used to, flyboarding is worth a try for the adventurous.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-on-flyboard-20224351/ — Photo by Serg Alesenko via pexels

Jetpacking

If flyboarding wasn’t too out of this world for you, jetpacking takes the experience to a new level. This time, you’ll be attached to a jetpack that lifts you way up in the air through water jet streams. Since you won’t have a board on which to stand or balance, you’ll need to keep your dangling legs still to maintain your balance.

Wakeboarding

If you’ve planned on making the best of the long stay hotel offers in Dubai, wakeboarding should definitely be on your list of adventures. It can be described as a water-based version of skateboarding as you’re pulled across the sea by a speedboat, allowing you to perform various flips and tricks, much like a skateboarder.

Exciting Adventures on Desert Safaris in Dubai – Thrilling Escapades Amidst the Dunes!

Dubai, a city known for its glitz and modern marvels, offers a surprising contrast to its urban landscape: the vast and stunning Arabian Desert! For those seeking thrills and a taste of traditional Bedouin life, a desert safari is an absolute must. Here are some of the best activities that await.

Dune Bashing

Strap in for an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you embark on a dune bashing excursion! Expert drivers will take you on a thrilling ride in 4X4 vehicles, up and down the dunes and through the desert, leaving you with an extraordinary experience. Head off on such safaris from city properties like Avani Deira Dubai Hotel and discover the raw power and beauty of this sea of sand.

Quad Biking

Unleash your inner adventurer as you get behind the handlebars of your very own quad bike and explore the desert terrain at your own pace! Feel the thrill of navigating through the sandy expanses, enjoying the wind in your hair, and experiencing the freedom of the open desert. Such exhilarating activities combined with more laidback things to do in Deira, Dubai, make for a truly rewarding getaway.

Camel Riding

Gain insights into the traditional Bedouin way of life by embarking on a journey through the desert on the back of a camel. Saddle up and set off across the dunes, taking in the breathtaking scenery amidst the sublime tranquillity of the surroundings. At sunset, witness a spellbinding spectacle as the sky is painted with fiery hues, setting the landscape aglow with an ethereal beauty.

Dining Under the Stars

End your desert safari with an unforgettable experience at a Bedouin-style camp. Have traditional henna designs painted on your hand before getting ready to indulge in a delicious feast of Middle Eastern cuisine. As night falls and you dine under a canopy of stars, you can also watch mesmerising belly dancing performances, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Skydiving in Dubai: An Adventure for Daring Thrill Seekers

If you pride yourself on being a thrill-seeker and are looking for new adventures in Dubai, skydiving might be for you. You can experience a breathtaking freefall over two locations in the region – the iconic Palm Jumeirah or the sandy sea of the Arabian Desert. Whichever location you choose, here’s what you can expect from a skydiving adventure in Dubai.

Preparing Ahead

Skydiving adventures in Dubai can be enjoyed with Skydive Dubai, one of the top skydiving attractions in the city located a short distance from Oaks Liwa Heights. To ensure the highest safety standards, experienced instructors will guide you through the entire process with a demonstration. This process is mandatory and is provided even to those with prior skydiving experience.

Receiving Training

Skydiving in Dubai is still an option for first-timers too. There is a flight school with experienced instructors who teach you various skydiving forms and techniques like free-flying, canopies and formations, wingsuit coaching and free-load organising.

Additional Experiences

Apart from your skydiving experience, you can also enjoy additional experiences like Skyhub Dubai which offers a mesmerising 20-minute flying experience aboard a two-seater plane. You’ll get to explore the Dubai Marina coastline and witness breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and more.

Best Time to Skydive

Many skydivers prefer to enjoy their thrilling adventures in the morning when there are cooler temperatures, shorter waiting times and of course the beauty of the rising sun. However, if you aren’t keen on leaving the comfort of your room at the hotel suites in Dubai, sky diving can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Dubai for Thrill-Seekers: Skydiving, Hot Air Ballooning, and Extreme Sports

Dubai is a playground for adventure lovers, offering a wide range of thrilling experiences. From skydiving to hot air ballooning, the city guarantees unforgettable adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Skydiving Over Iconic Landmarks

Dubai’s skydiving scene is one of the most famous in the world. Plunging from 13,000 feet, thrill-seekers enjoy breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah or the vast Arabian Desert. Whether you’re a seasoned jumper or a first-timer, Dubai’s skydiving experience is unparalleled.

Hot Air Ballooning at Sunrise

For a more tranquil adventure, hot air ballooning offers spectacular views over the desert landscape. Take flight at dawn and float over rolling sand dunes while watching the sunrise. The serene environment paired with panoramic views makes this an unmissable adventure for those seeking a different kind of thrill.

Desert Dune Bashing

Extreme sports in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without desert dune bashing. With an expert driver behind the wheel, adventurers ride in 4×4 vehicles across the undulating sand dunes at exhilarating speeds. This adrenaline-packed sport is a must for anyone looking for a desert-based thrill.

Adventures in Downtown Dubai

If you’re looking for indoor activities, there are many things to do in Downtown Dubai. Take a trip from your stay at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel for some indoor skydiving at iFLY Dubai, go-karting at Dubai Autodrome, or tackling the high ropes at Adventure HQ are perfect for those who want a controlled dose of adrenaline.

XLine Dubai Marina – Soar Through the Skies on the Longest Urban Zipline!

Xline Dubai Marina is an exhilarating experience, offering the longest urban zipline in the world. Get ready to soar over Dubai Marina’s stunning skyline and see the city from an unforgettable perspective.

The Thrill of a Lifetime

If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, Xline Dubai Marina delivers. This zipline, at 1 kilometre long, lets you zoom over the shimmering marina at speeds of up to 80km/h, all while suspended 170 metres above the ground. The breathtaking views of towering skyscrapers and luxury yachts make the adventure even more unforgettable.

İbrahim Yıldırım, XLine Dubai-2, CC BY 3.0

Unique Views of Dubai

Not only will you be speeding through the air, but you’ll also get a rare, bird’s-eye view of the marina’s stunning architecture. As you glide along the zipline, take in the sleek buildings and crystal-clear waters beneath you – a snapshot of Dubai’s modernity and luxury. For more thrilling activities and unforgettable sights, check out the best things to see and do in Dubai.

Capture the Moment

Xline Dubai Marina provides you with the ultimate souvenir: a video of your thrilling ride. With GoPro cameras attached, every second of your adventure is captured, ensuring you have a keepsake to remember the thrill long after your feet touch the ground.

Relax in Style After the Adventure

After all that excitement, why not treat yourself to some luxurious downtime? Book a stay at a property such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort for a relaxing escape by the beach. These types of resorts are perfect for unwinding and enjoying the softer side of Dubai.

Unveiling Dubai’s Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Dubai glitters with modern marvels, but amongst the skyscrapers lies a remnant of history – the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This charming district transports you back to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into Dubai’s traditional way of life.

Echoes of the Past

Wandering through narrow alleys is one of the best things to do in Dubai, as these buildings are lined with coral and stone houses adorned with wind towers. Once a natural air conditioning system, these architectural marvels stand as testaments to the region’s ingenuity. Explore the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a former residence of the ruling family, now a museum showcasing Dubai’s rich heritage.

أمين علوان, Saeed Al Maktoum House – photo with the area around, CC BY-SA 4.0

Museums and Art Galleries

Immerse yourself in Dubai’s cultural heritage through the numerous museums and art galleries housed in Al Fahidi. Explore the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, to delve into the city’s fascinating past. Browse contemporary art at private galleries or discover traditional Emirati crafts at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. If you’re staying at Anantara World Islands Dubai, make your way to the historic neighbourhood, it’s only a short car ride away.

Unique Cafes and Modern Boutiques

Take a break from your historical exploration and enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee at a charming traditional cafe. For a touch of modern Dubai, explore the trendy boutiques showcasing local and international designers. Al Fahidi offers a delightful blend of past and present.

Traditional Souks

Step into a world of spices, perfumes, and textiles at the nearby Shindagha and Deira Souks. Haggling is encouraged, adding a touch of local flavour to your souvenir shopping experience.