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Adventure

Feel the rush with these adventure activities in Dubai

Fri, November 24, 2023

Whether it’s ziplining between skyscrapers, gliding across desert sands or flying over the Arabian Gulf, this city has an adventure for everyone.

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Whether it’s ziplining between skyscrapers, gliding across desert sands or flying over the Arabian Gulf, this city has an adventure for everyone.

1

Freefall in Dubai

Skydive

If you've been toying with the idea of going skydiving, then Skydive Dubai offers the perfect excuse to take the plunge. Visitors can freefall from 13,000 feet over the beautiful Palm Jumeirah, and admire the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and iconic cityscapes below. Want to swap city views for the Arabian desert? Easy. The company also has a desert drop zone, located around 30km from the city centre. If you'd prefer something a little less intense, book a gyrocopter ride at Skydive's Sky Hub instead. This is a small two-seater aircraft, similar to a helicopter, that will give you an unforgettable bird's eye view of the emirate from 1,500 feet.

2

Go desert quadbiking

All you need to know about offroading in Dubai

Feel the sand whipping across your face on a desert dune buggy or quadbike ride. Pared-back dune buggies are vehicles that are customised for high-energy thrills. With no doors, roof or windows, they feature a roll cage, bucket seat with a safety harness and extra suspension for tackling the sands at high speeds. Try it with Big Red Adventure Tours, which offers a range of desert safari packages with morning, evening and overnight options, allowing you to take on dunes with heart-pounding 45-degree slopes.

3

Try urban ziplining

XLINE

One of Dubai's must-try adventure attractions is XLine Dubai Marina. Hold tight as you glide across the city at 80km/h, all the while soaking up views of the glitzy yachts and shiny high-rises, before landing on the terrace of Dubai Marina Mall. Officially the world's longest urban zipline, XLine measures one kilometre in length and features an incline of 16 degrees. There are two concurrent ziplines, so you can also share the thrilling experience with a friend.

4

Enjoy flyboarding fun

Flyboarding

Want to conquer the waves? Dubai's calm waters are ideal for beach lounging in style, but if you want to up the ante, book a session of flyboarding. This extreme sport, a combination of wakeboarding and kitesurfing, will see you propelled 10m above the water thanks to a powerful turbine. Suitable for everyone, from novice to experts, you'll soon get the hang of balancing in air, and can hopefully master a few backflips. Try it with Sky and Sea Adventures, a leading watersports company with top trainers. If flyboarding isn't your scene, you can also go scuba diving, parasailing and kitesurfing at the famous Kite Beach.

5

Climb every mountain

Climb every mountain

Hatta is the ideal destination for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers who enjoy mountain biking, hiking and kayaking. Hit the high road to discover the Hajar Mountain range, which is a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai. Hatta, once known for its fort and desert farms, now attracts a fleet of adventure sports enthusiasts. Check out Hatta Wadi Hub for activities such as biking, archery, waterslides and aerial thrills. You can even try zorbing, in which you roll down a hill in an enclosed, transparent orb. If you want to enjoy the natural scenery a little longer, check into JA Hatta Fort Hotel or try glamping at Damani Lodges and Sedr Trailers.

6

Plunge to new depths

Explore Deep Dive Dubai's underwater habitats
Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational centre's 60.02m-deep pool is officially recognised as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, Deep Dive Dubai features a 'sunken city' alongside year-round diving courses and guided experiences. Keen divers of all levels, aged 10 and older, will be thrilled to explore its submerged expanses. You can play a game of pool or even book the underwater media room if you have an 'immersive' short film in the making!
7

Get on your bike

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One of the top attractions for the city’s cyclists can be found in the heart of Mushrif Park. It recently opened up the first 20km of what will eventually be a 50km mountain biking track. It starts close to the park’s main gate, and is big enough to accommodate 3,000 cyclists every day. Whatever your level of cycling ability, you’re sure to find something to enjoy, with trails of varying difficulty aimed at everyone from beginners to expert bike riders. There's more action to be had here, thanks to a scenic hiking trail and the treetop-swinging obstacle courses at Aventura Parks.
8

See the city differently

Sky Views Dubai edge walk downtown
At 219.5m above ground, Sky Views Dubai is the latest attraction to sweep visitors off their feet with mesmerising perspectives of Downtown Dubai's pristine expanses below and the sublime city skyline beyond. Perched atop the Address Sky View hotel, this architectural marvel comprises three distinct offerings for unforgettable and thrill-inducing sightseeing escapades — the Observatory, Glass Slide and Edge Walk.
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