Top 10 Adventurous Outdoor Activities in Dubai

The city of Dubai which is known for its extravagant high-rise buildings and vibrantly lit cities has an abundance of adventure activities in store for those who seek to include some rush into their journey. Quite the contrary to all the dazzle, Dubai offers a desert oasis that can be enjoyed by a thrill and nature enthusiasts alike. High above the sands of the desert or deep down into the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, every activity ensures an experience that will be both thrilling and pleasing to the eyes. 

For a person who has experienced most of the activities in Dubai, I request you to try something different, something which is not for the faint-hearted. From skydiving over the palm Jumeirah island to deep sea adventures, Dubai has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 adventurous outdoor activities that Dubai never fails to provide and which are sure to get your heart pumping and live in your memories forever.

1. Skydiving

Imagine jumping out of an airplane and plunging towards the flagship achievement of construction, Palm Jumeirah. In Dubai, skydiving is not only about the convenient thrill but is also about the best views of none other than Palm Jumeirah. The adventure begins with a verbal brief, seconded by a jump with an instructor which is done for the benefit of the student as he shows the beautiful views of the head of the coast and Dubai buildings as she moves the sky. It is a spine-tingling experience with gravity and the best way of viewing the city.

With every dive, there comes a chance to experience weightlessness for a brief moment as one free fall at the speed of more than 120 miles per hour before the parachute is opened and one sails elegantly down to the ground. The gentle landing is quite in sharp contrast to the rush of adrenaline at the beginning which allows a few minutes for the brave individual to appreciate the stunning cuts of the horizon and the bellicose experience of the recent event.

2. Dune Bashing  

It is an extraordinary experience to explore the desert through dune bashing in Dubai where people use 4x4 cars to tow across the golden sand dunes of the desert as trained impassioned experience seekers take you to a whole new level. It is an emotional experience as the ride is filled with fear in every big drop but joy at every high peak. The empty desert layout is an open space with golden and ember-colored sediments as the sun goes down making it the ideal place for great moments filled with fun.  

The tour then goes to a more relaxing section of the process, where the camp offers entertainment approximately centered on a Bedouin camp and the most local environment for those who need to seek for stars in the night. It is time to relish local dishes, participate in folk dances and warm by the fire as the day filled with endeavors of the Arabian desert comes to an end.

3. Dune Buggy Adventures

Dune buggy self-drive dubai tours incorporate a thrilling way to enjoy the sweeping desert landscape of the Arabian Desert. They are incredible, rugged and powerful vehicles built specifically to conquer the sand dunes offering speed and maneuverability rolled into one. Using a Dune Buggy, a driver can traverse the steep hills and deep valleys that characterize the desert, feeling the thrill of being a driver in an utterly different setting.

Adventurers begin their tour with an introduction in which drivers are explained how to operate the buggy in various conditions in the desert. After a time of getting comfortable, passengers are now led through the escorted interactive course, pushing product performance at a high level. Riding a dune buggy at full throttle on the sand dunes can be unforgettable with gorgeous scenery that the desert can offer. There are usually stops for photo opportunities in many of the tours as participants appreciate the tranquility of the desert and take photos retracing their steps through an uncharted path.

4. Hot Air Ballooning

It’s the best time to be in a hot air balloon to receive a 360-degree view of the entire desert of Dubai during the sunrise. The moment you start rising, it is dead silent with the only sound being the occasional firing of the gas burner. The view of the desert below is one of its kind as the scales and expanse of the desert provides alienation from the horizons and life of the unique city above.

Not only does this activity have great views but it may also include some Arabian oryx and gazelles that are below and roaming without any restriction. It is a nice alternative to the adventure sports Dubai is famous for and it still offers many sights while being more harsh than simply being outdoors and seeing everything around yourself.

5. Deep Sea Fishing

Deep-sea fishing is an adventure that offers the opportunity to go out into the sea, test your patience as well as your skills, and try your luck for a catch somewhere in the sea. With the help of Dubai Marina, which is where you will set sail from, you can go into far-off seas that are home to kingfish, barracuda, and grouper. The best part about fishing and why people love it is the challenge it provides as one catches a fish, reels it in, and fights against nature.

Aside from the fact that fishermen always test their fishing techniques, this trip also allows them to enjoy the open waters and the cool breeze while perhaps even cooking whatever fish he or she catches on the boat. This is very rewarding because it helps people enjoy both fishing and the beautiful scenery on a leisurely day trip.

6. Kite Surfing

Kite surfing at Kite Beach goes hand in hand with technical ability, wind right from the sea, and waves. This surface water sport which is a combination of wakeboarding, surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, and even gymnastics can be regarded as one super extreme sport. Newcomers can learn the ropes at one of the numerous schools located around the beach, while more experienced surfers can hit the water immediately. From October until May the weather in Dubai is very wind friendly for kite surfers.

Kite surfing is an experience that is both challenging and plenty of fun to do and when done in Dubai it makes the experience even better. It’s an active sport where one has to use their body a lot which can be accompanied with even the excitement of working with nature.

7. Bungee Jumping

It literally gives you butterflies while bungee jumping in Dubai, as experienced jumpers feel the thrill of free falling from massive heights on bungee jump frames such as the one located in the Gravity Zone. Entering into a new world from a leap of faith is always worth it as one gets a blast of feeling like they are free falling toward the ground and getting snapped back up effortlessly when bungee cords are engaged.

Adrenaline induced fun in the Name of science – or at least one’s nerves – can be truly unnerving. Every jump is unique and can be called a break from the boring routine. For a few seconds – questions like “what’s life?” or “what’s going on?” are irrelevant. The only thing one can think of is the high of the drop.

8. Mountain Biking

Many experienced South African bikers are able to endure the challenging and robust mountain bike trails lying on the other choke of the Durban city, as do the Hajar Mountains, which are relatively closer to Dubai. While exploring one of the most rural feeling desert terrains, the mountains have undulations, tight turns, and steep inclines that test one’s will as well as biking abilities far away from the Nails.

This sport not only physically challenges you, but it also lets you enjoy the quiet comfort of the other nature with just the sound of riding along the gravel and panting due to thin air at the peak. It’s an excellent combination of a workout and gorgeous surroundings, definitely recommended for any rider who loves riding a bicycle.

9. Scuba Diving 

Dubai might be famous for its deserts, but the world underwater can also be termed as a wonder of nature as well. Dubai scuba diving excursions take place in the Arabian Gulf where there are lots of ships that are wrecked and beautiful coral reefs that are swarmed with fishes and other marine animals. The warm waters have moray eels, rays, and even dolphins at times. Dubai is a great place for scuba diving for novices as well as seasoned divers since there are countless certified instructors, diving shops and companies that provide courses, guided dives and trips. Wait for the world to end and there will be peace and stillness, that is the beauty of being underwater. It is completely different from being in the city of movement, but somehow, still, it is relaxing.

10. Paragliding 

It is quite difficult to withstand the silence, but patience is a virtue. That’s because it will all be worthwhile when you get the chance to go flying. For those who wish to fly, the steady winds high above the Arabian lands can be an incredible sight. Starting off on the Tandem flight somewhere in the outskirts of the city is a wonderful way to go. With expert guides in these flying fantasies, taking off and flying above stunning sand perched dunes is quite unforgettable. There’s no better sensation than flying high above, with your hands outstretched and the world laid out like a beautiful map below.

Paragliding may just be the closest thing to enjoying pure flight with one’s own wings. Combined with the exciting backdrop of Dubai, the thrill is taken a notch higher. It is however quite an exhilarating experience that brings with it a new sense of adventure while embracing the fascinating vistas.

11. Sandboarding

Thinking about activities one can do in the desert, one cannot avoid mentioning sandboarding which is a desert surfing of a special kind where sand is utilized instead of snow. It is similar to snowboarding in building a new perspective of the desert which is through sandy slopes that define much of Dubai.

Those who are not titans of snow sports should not get intimidated, since mastering the basic skeel for sandboarding is quite simple and fun for even the littlest kids. Navigating on sand surfaces is indeed a huge fun experience. It is a family friendly affair that fits well in the setting of a desert safari as sandboarding promises excitement, adventure and sheer fun.

12. Desert Safari Tours

It is hard to imagine a trip to Dubai and not doing their famous desert safari. These safaris encapsulates everything, adventure, culture, relaxation, and so much more. Desert safari tours are more than just being driven from one point to another; they offer a great deal that includes but is not limited to dune bashing in custom made 4×4 cars, camel rides and wild cultural shows which comprise of belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire performances. A bare-bones experience is often accompanied by a barbeque dinner and served next to the natural beauty of the night sky, where locals enjoy their cuisine while being entertained.

Desert safari history encompasses the essence of Arab culture in the desert. Guests are welcomed to wear traditional Arabic dress, try centers of falconry, or enjoy a Bedouin camp with all the facilities for a mountain even in the desert. Such a sensory experience enhances visitors' appreciation of the Arabian way of life and its values, so it’s not just about fun and action but also learning. Desert safari definitely brings out the adventure in you with that of the Arab world's hospitality – this is definitely a highlight on your Dubai trip.

There is something unique about Dubai which can be experienced by engaging in any of these activities, as they not only provide an adrenaline rush but also give an insight to the natural as well as manmade magnificence of the landscape. Whether it is to ride over the waves, dive underwater, or even fly above the picturesque deserts, every adventure that one seeks can be found in Dubai.