When you hear of Dubai what comes into your mind? Of course you figure it’s a large city of glassy skyscrapers stretching into the sky; Of shopping malls covering the land area of small countries. While true, do not let this deter the more outdoorsy of you because there are many outdoor activities you can do while visiting or living in Dubai.
It is located on the Eastern coast of Arabian Peninsula, in south west corner of Arabian Gulf. The mesmerizing city exudes luxury, style, elegance. Welcoming and generous people treating visitors with utmost hospitality make it very easy to enjoy all it has to offer. With year-round sunshine, vast deserts, beautiful beaches, and the deep blue sea, it becomes a perfect destination for any adventurer.
#1: Desert Safari Dubai
When you think of the geography of the UAE, Desert must be one of the first words to spring to mind. The country sits in the Eastern fringe of the Arabian Desert, and almost the entire landmass is either Desert or Semi-desert. The Emiratis have survived this hostile environment for centuries and it is now very common to find tours out into the desert to see this amazing landscape for yourself.
The Desert Safari in Dubai is probably the most mainstream item on this list, but don’t let that put you off; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend some time dune-bashing, to see the flora and fauna of the desert up-close and to gain a new perspective, away from the noise and lights of the city.
#2: Horse Riding
Horse riding is a major method of desert transport in the Arabian peninsula, so if you want to see the desert from a different angle then you can be sure to find a horse hiring service around Dubai.
If you go on a beginners’ tour then you will be taken out to a gentler, flatter part of the desert where you can ride around with no special training. You get to see the desert and have fun riding around on horseback. What’s not to like?
#3: Scuba Diving
If dry places aren’t your speed, then get out of the desert and get into the water. It might not immediately spring to mind as a Scuba destination, but the Emirates’ coast is actually home to a thriving underwater ecosystem.
You will have the opportunity to see coral reefs, murray eels, sting rays and—if you’re lucky—you might even see a Whale Shark. If you like the ocean, then you shouldn’t pass up on this opportunity in the waters of Dubai.
#4: Deep Sea Fishing
Another thing which is not normally associated with the UAE is fishing, but the Gulf is actually a great place to get a consistent catch.
If you go between December and March—the best fishing season—you can catch barracuda, king fish, trivially, cobia and, occasionally, you might catch a blue fin tuna. You should be able to find a boat to take you out for a few hours fishing.
The best deep sea fishing in Dubai happens about 20 KM offshore where you will get results from a mixture of trolling and bottom fishing.
#5: Palm Island Sea Cruise
If you like the idea of getting out on a boat, but fishing isn’t for you, then you want to take a Cruise around the Palm Island and Dubai Marina Canal. Most of the operators offer a ‘best-of’ route which will give you a view of these sites:
>the Palm Island
>Burj Al Arab
>Jumeirah Coastline
>World Islands
>Dubai Marina Canal
If you take this trip, then the shoreline will always remain in sight, and the consistent movement of the boat will reduce the possibility of seasickness. In general, it’s just a great day out.
#6: Yacht Rental
Following a cruise route determined by someone else: Yawn, am I right? Dubai is famous for luxury yachts. If you charter a premium yacht, then you can sail down the coastline of the city at your leisure, taking in whichever sites you want to see.
Once you’re on board, there are many things you could do. Many of the boats come equipped with a BBQ, so why not cook up some lunch or dinner?
The feeling of being out to see and eating freshly cooked food with the city on one side and the horizon on the other is one of the best things you could possibly experience.
Alternatively, you could drop the anchor and take a swim. Get away from the crowded beaches and swim freely around the boat. It’s the best way to experience the thrill of swimming in the sea.
#7: Dhow Cruise Dinner
The most traditional way to explore Dubai’s canals is in a Dhow: a classic wooden vessel, converted into a restaurant.
The most common dhow cruise will take you through the Dubai Marina, giving you a view of the wonderful scenery. You will also get on-board entertainment and a delicious buffet dinner, making this whole experience 10x better than a regular restaurant.
#8: Musandam Day Trip
Musandam is actually an enclave of Oman within the borders of Dubai, and it offers a dramatically different experience from everything else.
Situated in the east, it features a very different, mountainous landscape with a cooler climate and a greener environment.
As well as the mountains, you can see breath-taking inlets of the sea which bear a startling resemblance to glacial fjords. This day-trip will usually take a full day and if you go with a tour-group then you will likely get an included lunch and a snorkeling trip.
A Musandam Day Trip Tour usually last a full day, includes a transfer from Dubai or Sharjah, snorkelling and a lunch.
If you think of Dubai, you might just thing of the sparkling skyscrapers and the other features of the city.
But now you know that there’s a load more to do if you leave the urban landscape behind. If you’re going to Dubai, then make sure you get out of the tourist traps and get a real taste of what this fascinating land has to offer.