Here are seven of the most thrilling adventures to try in Dubai.
Dubai is known as a playground for the rich and famous, with its glamorous shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and stunning architecture. But beyond the glitz and glamor, the City of Gold is also a popular destination for adventure.
Offering various heart-stopping activities, Dubai is home to the kind of riveting experiences even the most daring visitors would approve of. From riding the dunes in a dune buggy to soaring high above the desert sands in a hot air balloon, here are seven of the most thrilling adventures to try in Dubai.
1. Dune dashers: Riding the sands on a dune buggy
Experience unmatched excitement from riding a dune buggy through the desert sands of Dubai. A dune buggy tour in Dubai is like a rollercoaster ride over the sand, with the added bonus of jaw-dropping desert scenery.
Dune buggy tours in Dubai can range from one-hour rides to half-day adventures. Most come with an experienced guide who will take you on a rip-roaring ride through the desert, pointing out interesting sights along the way.
Before hitting the sand, guests usually receive a brief safety orientation and are fitted with a helmet. You must follow the guide’s instructions and take the necessary precautions to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. The great Dubai desert adventure: Exploring the Red Dunes
Every Dubai trip needs a desert safari adventure. When going on a trip to The City of Gold, you’ll encounter different types of desert safaris, including morning, evening, and overnight tours. These tours include dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars.
The Red Dunes of Dubai, named for their reddish hue, offer a particularly stunning backdrop for a desert safari. Imagine riding over the towering sand dunes, taking in the views of the vast desert landscape, and watching the glittering golden sunset. It’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Most Dubai safaris include transportation to and from your hotel or accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about your way to the desert. You’ll also be provided with safety gear and equipment for the finding activities, as well as a knowledgeable guide to lead the way.
3. Burj Khalifa: Scaling the world’s tallest building
Seeking an experience that doesn’t involve the desert or the water? Try heading to the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building at 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall.
Visitors can purchase tickets to the observation deck on the iconic skyscraper’s 124th and 125th floors and enjoy panoramic views of the city below.
For an even more exhilarating experience, you can upgrade your ticket to access the 148th floor at 555 meters (1,821 feet) aboveground. As you ride the elevator to the top, you’ll feel your ears pop as you ascend higher and higher. Once you reach the observation deck, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and surrounding desert and sea.
If you’re brave enough, you can even step onto the outdoor observation deck, where you’ll feel like you’re walking on air. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling awe-inspired and a little bit dizzy.
4. Flyboarding: Jet-powered water fun
If water adventures are your thing, you can also try flyboarding in Dubai. This unique water sport allows you to soar above the water’s surface, propelled by a jet-powered board attached to your feet.
To try flyboarding, you’ll need to strap on a pair of boots connected to a board connected to a water jet. The water jet propels you into the air, allowing you to fly, flip, and spin above the water.
Flyboarding can be challenging at first, but with a bit of practice and the help of a qualified instructor, you’ll be soaring high in no time.
Many companies in Dubai offer flyboarding experiences. Some offer 15-minute sessions, while others can go for hours. Don’t worry; most flyboarding adventures include a safety briefing, instructions from a qualified instructor, and all the necessary equipment for guests to enjoy a safe and fun ride.
5. Riding a hot air balloon: Soaring above the desert sands
Ride a hot air balloon in Dubai for a truly unique perspective of the desert landscape. Take in the marvelous views of the desert and the surrounding mountains.
The best time to enjoy Dubai hot air balloon rides is early in the morning when you can take in awe-inspiring vistas of the sunrise over the desert. As you soar above the dunes, you’ll feel a sense of peace and tranquility washing over you, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see Dubai from a different perspective and witness the incredible beauty of the desert landscape.
6. Zipline at Dubai Marina: Zooming through the Sky
Speaking of different perspectives, you can also have an exhilarating urban adventure and witness Dubai sights in a unique way by ziplining across Dubai Marina.
In this high-flying experience, you’ll enjoy gorgeous eagle-eye views of the marina and the city skyline. That is, if you can focus on what you see while a wave of adrenaline courses through your veins. (Soaring high over water at high speeds has that effect, after all.)
If you choose to ride one of the fastest and steepest ziplines in the world, you can zip through 170 meters (557 feet) of the line at an average speed of 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour.
This activity is suited for most skill levels and ages. And the best part is, you’ll be harnessed in the zipline, superman-style.
7. Tandem skydiving: Defying gravity over Dubai
Still not satisfied with your Dubai adventure itinerary? Add tandem skydiving to the list.
Offering the ultimate thrill-seeking experience, this adventure will have you freefalling from a height of up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) at top speeds of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour before floating gently to the ground under a parachute.
Tandem skydiving is perfectly safe, of course, but it’s still one of the most exhilarating experiences you can try when in Dubai.
Like most adventures on this list, tandem skydiving is open for most skill levels, with qualified and reliable instructors guiding divers throughout the experience.
Ready to conquer Dubai
Dubai is a city full of adventure, from the sand dune bashing to going up skyscrapers.
With heart-stopping activities like dune buggies, hot air balloons, and skydiving, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences in this vibrant city.
Get ready to conquer these heart-pumping adventures!
