Beyond the towering skyscrapers and extravagant malls, Dubai is home to several underrated experiences worth exploring. From a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the city to a historic fort reminiscent of a bygone era, discover Dubai unfiltered, with the best places to explore beyond the tourist trail.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Amidst the hotels and busy intersections, Ras Al Khor sits on the banks of the Dubai Creek and offers visitors an escape from the city without the need to venture far. This wetland reserve is home to thousands of migratory birds, including pink flamingos flocking to the water.
Camel Races & Bedouin Experiences At Al Marmoom
Dubai’s rich Bedouin heritage is on full display at Al Marmoom, a desert reserve located roughly 40 minutes from the city. Head to the area in the early morning to watch 60 camels race on a sandy track, or share a traditional meal in a desert camp.
Located in the Al Quoz industrial district, Alserkal Avenue is a hub for contemporary art and culture. With cutting-edge galleries, creative workshops, and artisan cafés, it’s the perfect spot for connecting with Dubai’s creative scene.
Al Fahidi Fort
Delve into the region’s history at Al Fahidi Fort, an 18th-century showcase of the city’s journey; from a quaint pearl-diving village to the metropolis it is today.
Dubai, known for its luxury and modern architecture, has also become a hotspot for adrenaline-fueled adventure activities. From skydiving over iconic landmarks to exploring vast desert dunes, the city offers thrill-seekers an incredible array of experiences. Whether you’re a fan of water sports, extreme heights, or desert safaris, Dubai has something for everyone looking to add a little adventure to their trip. This guide will help you discover the best adventure activities Dubai has to offer.
Skydive Over the Palm Jumeirah
One of the most iconic adventure experiences in Dubai is skydiving over the stunning Palm Jumeirah. Imagine freefalling from 13,000 feet with a panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the man-made Palm Islands below. This exhilarating experience attracts both beginners and seasoned skydivers. For those who prefer to stay grounded, there’s an indoor skydiving option at iFLY Dubai, which offers the thrill of freefall without leaving the city. You can reach the Palm Jumeirah in 18 minutes if you’re staying at a hotel such as Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel which is located in the heart of Dubai.
Explore the Desert on a Dune Safari
A desert safari is a must-do adventure when visiting Dubai. This thrilling ride across the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert includes dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, which will have you speeding over the dunes in a heart-pounding adventure. The experience often includes camel rides, sandboarding, and the chance to witness a beautiful desert sunset. Many tours conclude with a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the desert night.
For water sports enthusiasts, Dubai’s beaches offer a playground of exciting activities. Jet skiing along the coast, with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background, is a popular choice for thrill-seekers. You can also try flyboarding, an extreme water sport that lets you hover above the water like a superhero. For something more relaxed but equally adventurous, kite surfing at Kite Beach offers the perfect combination of speed and control, with Dubai’s skyline providing a dramatic backdrop.
Conquer Heights at the XLine Dubai Marina
If you’re looking for things to do in Ibn Battuta, the XLine zipline in Dubai Marina is an unmissable experience. This is one of the world’s longest urban ziplines, stretching for over a kilometre and reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. As you soar from the top of a skyscraper down across the Marina, you’ll have breathtaking views of the cityscape, yachts, and waterfront buildings. It’s a thrill that offers a unique perspective of Dubai from high above.
Scuba Dive in the Dubai Aquarium
For those who love underwater adventures, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers an extraordinary scuba diving experience. You can dive with sharks, rays, and other marine creatures inside one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. For beginners, there are guided diving sessions and certified divers can explore the depths of the aquarium on their own. It’s a surreal experience to dive into the heart of the city, surrounded by marine life in an enclosed yet vast aquatic world.
Experience the exhilarating thrill of parasailing and paragliding in Dubai, where the vast desert landscapes and stunning coastal views create the perfect backdrop for adrenaline-fueled adventures. Whether you’re soaring above the Arabian Gulf or gliding over the majestic dunes, Dubai offers unforgettable experiences for daredevils and thrill-seekers alike.
Parasailing Vs Paragliding
Parasailing involves being towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy, offering a more passive experience with limited control over direction and altitude. In contrast, paragliding requires launching from a high point and using wind currents to soar and manoeuvre through the sky, providing pilots with greater autonomy and control over their flight path. Additionally, parasailing rides are typically shorter and require minimal training, while paragliding flights can last longer and demand more extensive training and certification due to the need for piloting skills and safety measures. Both acitivites rank among the best things to Do in Ibn Battuta, Dubai.
Coastal Views from Above
Parasailing in Dubai offers a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic skyline and pristine beaches. Feel the rush of wind as you glide through the air, taking in panoramic vistas of landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel.
Adventures Over the Desert
Paragliding enthusiasts can experience the serenity and beauty of Dubai’s desert landscapes from a unique perspective. Glide effortlessly over rolling dunes and rugged terrain, witnessing the golden hues of the desert as the sun sets on the horizon.
Both parasailing and paragliding activities in Dubai are conducted under the supervision of experienced instructors and certified operators. Safety is paramount, with rigorous checks and protocols in place to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for participants of all skill levels.
Memorable Photo Opportunities
Capture breathtaking moments and create lasting memories with photos and videos of your parasailing or paragliding adventure in Dubai. Many operators offer photography services or allow participants to bring their own cameras to document the thrilling experience from start to finish.
.JPG){kind=link}