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Choose Your Dubai Adventure: 8 Unique & Unexpected Desert Thrills
Written by Sahar Andrabi
Shark swims, skydives and ski slopes – beyond the glitz and glamour, Dubai is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.
Dubai is renowned for its shopping, skyscrapers and extravagant five-star resorts, but the city’s adventurous personality deserves some attention. Whether you’re keen to go dune bashing through the desert, dive with sharks or bungee jump from great heights, there’s a heart-racing experience for everyone. Read on to find out which Dubai adventure is for you.
Dune bashing
One of the most exciting activities awaits in the desert oasis: surfing the humongous dunes on a dune bashing experience. Jump into 4X4s and battle with the dunes for an adrenaline rush like no other. With morning, evening and night-time slots available, it’s up to you if you’d like to experience the desert at sunrise, in the day’s glory or under a starry sky. Once surrounded by the sandy dune giants, enjoy bonfire dinners, local entertainment or an unforgettable camping experience.
Skiing
Skiing in the desert… sounds unbelievable but it’s one of the most fun and unique Dubai adventures you can have. In the gigantic Mall of Emirates, Ski Dubai – a one-of-a-kind indoor ski resort – thrills and chills you with its snow-capped slopes, quaint cafés, ski instructors, snow-ball fights and even penguin marches. A visit to the ski resort is a winning activity for the young and young at heart and is a truly unmissable experience. We recommend the Snow Bullet ride where you’ll zip over the indoor mountains for a real thrill.
Skydiving
Take to the skies with the ultimate skydiving experience over the famous Palm Jumeirah. As you soar through the sky, enjoy views of the deep blue and gold sands of Arabia. Whether you are a first-time diver or an experienced thrill seeker, the skydiving school has you covered with reliable instructors and professionals who will ensure your safety while you enjoy the experience to the fullest. Adding to the fun are the photos you can purchase of your dive at the end of the experience.
Bungee jumping
Get ready to take the leap of a lifetime with bungee jumping. Safety is paramount at Gravity Zone, with instructors who ensure your level of comfort with the sport before you go on. Our top insider tips are to dress comfortably, eat light beforehand and get ready to experience a free-fall of 50 metres that will set your heart racing.
Diving with sharks
Swim among the sharks at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Expert dive instructors guide you on a delightful underwater experience in the huge aquarium tank where you can meet tiger sharks, reef sharks, stingrays and other fascinating marine life. The equipment needed for the dive is available at the venue, you just need to wear your own swimwear.
Water jetpacking
Zip across the Dubai shoreline powered by a water jetpack, which lifts you above and across the bright blue ocean. Experience a rush of euphoria as water lightly sprinkles your face while the scenery changes rapidly as you zip zap zoom across the water’s surface. It’s the perfect option for watersports enthusiasts who want to experience a unique thrill.
Ziplining
Feel the rush of air in your hair on the longest zipline in the world at The Dubai Marina. With top-notch equipment and the best instructors on hand, you’re all set to glide over the silver skyscrapers and take in the city skyline from great heights at a phenomenal speed. An absolute exhilarating Dubai adventure that you simply can’t miss.
Hot air balloon ride
Float above the spectacular gulf on a hot air balloon experience that will etch eternal memories across your heart. Prior to the journey, witness a spectacular drone light show. During the ride, fly over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and (if you’re lucky) catch a glimpse of roaming antelope or camels while the sun’s rays bounce off the golden sands casting a rosy hue on the desert sands. The only in-flight falcon show in the world takes place while you enjoy the ride in your private balloon chariot. This is a magical experience for lovers of the good life.
Discover Dubai
Looking for more Dubai inspiration? Check out Things to do in Dubai.
