Top Adventure Experiences To Have In and Around DUBAI

Dubai is synonymous with ‘luxury’ and ‘leisure’. This emirate is mostly considered as a destination for shopaholics, luxury seekers and family holiday lovers. Being the most happening emirate in UAE amongst the 7 emirates, Dubai is a favorite choice of many travellers. But, most importantly,  the surrounding emirates also have a splendid collection of attractions and activities to enjoy.

Adventure sports is fast catching up in the tourism scene of Dubai and its surrounding emirates and if you are gearing up for an adventure holiday, don’t just limit your choices to Dubai. Take a tour beyond Dubai on your adventure trip to get a complete, exhilarating experience of UAE’s adventure scenario.

Here are our top selections of adventure experiences to check out in Dubai and its surrounding emirates :

Scuba Diving, Fujairah

If you have done scuba diving in Dubai’s innovative glass aquariums, it is time to experience some real diving at Fujairah. Being an emirate set on the east coast, Fujairah tapers into the Gulf of Oman which is home to a marvellous collection of aquatic life and sea predators. There is a permanent dive center located at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort where you can dive with guides and even take a PADI certified scuba diving course.

Mountain Biking, Al Hajar Mountains

The Al Hajar Mountains are the highest mountain range in eastern Arabia and snake through Oman and Eastern parts of UAE. These mountains are a popular excursion for locals and visitors of Dubai. The Hajar Mountains offers a splendid experience of adrenaline fuelled adventures in nature’s lap. The mountain’s rugged landscapes are mostly gravelled with steep ups and downs which makes this route a challenging yet popular adventure spot among mountain bikers.

Sand Dune Bashing, Arabian Desert

Is speed your passion? Then head to the Arabian deserts on a 4×4 for some high-speed thrills! Skid and swerve over the red sand dunes on a sand dune bashing experience and enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you witness a roller coaster ride on the uneven sand valleys. There are many choices for enjoying a dune bashing experience in UAE; of course, there is the Dubai Desert Safari, but the desert expanses at Abu Dhabi offers a less crowded but exhilarating desert adventure experiences.

Deep Sea Fishing, Persian Gulf

The UAE is a desert destination, but being bordered by the Persian Gulf, most of its regions are blessed with gorgeous and sprawling stretches of coastline. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman have access to the Persian Gulf where its serene waters are teeming with a fascinating assortment of fishes. These emirates give you wonderful opportunities to set sail on one of the cruises and enjoy a day of deep sea fishing and catching some of the biggest fishes in the Persian Gulf.

Kayaking, Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with gorgeous mangrove wetlands which are home to exotic birds like pink flamingoes. Nature lovers and adventure seekers can rent a kayak and meander through this unexplored oasis to discover the natural beauty of this subdued emirate. Start early in the morning for a serene and cool nature adventure experience.

Ziplining, Ras Al Khaimah

Ever thought about visiting Ras Al Khaimah? ‘But where is it and what is there to explore?’ would be your next thought. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates of UAE, most fertile of all and shares its border with the Sultanate of Oman. However, Ras Al Khaimah is envisioned to be the adventure capital of UAE and is already receiving rave reviews for Jebel Jais Flight – World’s longest Zipline. Get a taste of Ras Al Khaimah zipline experience as you attach yourself on a wire and glide past the mesmerizing sights of Jebel Jais Mountain at a speed of 120 km, over 1600 meters above the sea level.

Supercar driving experience, Abu Dhabi

Always dreamt of driving a Ferrari? Well, make it a reality at Abu Dhabi. At Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, you get a chance to drive some of the fastest and sophisticated cars on the planet. Buckle up for the ride of your life and experience the pulsating thrill of speed driving on one of the best Formula One circuits in the world.

Whitewater rafting, Al Ain – Abu Dhabi

Al Ain is a petite city in Abu Dhabi known for its palm grooves and natural springs. This oasis city is also popular for its white water rafting experiences. The Wadi Adventure in Al Ain is the first of its kind in the Middle East and offers a plethora of water-sport activities on one of the world’s longest manmade whitewater channels. Spend a day here to chill from the scorching heat and also try your hand at whitewater rafting on the 1-kilometre long artificial brook. You can also enjoy kayaking, wake-boarding and surfing all at one spot.

Skydiving, Dubai

The Palm Islands – The three artificial islands Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali of Dubai together form one of the most popular attractions in Dubai. However, The Palm Island’s real grandeur can only be witnessed from an aerial view and not from the ground level. And one of the best ways to witness this is with a bit of heart-stopping, extreme adventure – Skydiving. Skydiving at Palm Dubai has become one of the most popular extreme adventure things to do in Dubai. The Palm Islands skydiving drop zone is the most scenic drop zone in UAE offering unobstructed bird’s eye view of The Palm, Dubai. Soar above 14000 feet before you take the leap of faith and plunge down with a dizzying rush of adrenaline. The experience and the view will be etched in your mind forever.

It is time we understand that Dubai is not the only focal point in UAE for tourism. When it comes to adventure tourism, you get more nature related adventure experiences when you step beyond Dubai. So if you are planning for some adventure escape in UAE, don’t limit yourself to Dubai. Widen your gaze and you will be extremely content with the adventure experiences you witness at the other emirates apart from Dubai.

This post has been submitted on WANDER BIRD by Neha Singh – a full-time travel blogger by profession. She is a post graduate in Mass Communications and traveling is an indispensable part of her life. Being an avid trekker and explorer, Neha loves to indulge in mountaineering and meeting new people.