Dubai isn’t all about luxury shopping and fancy restaurants. Don’t skip these fun adventure activities in Dubai on your next trip.
Dubai is a playground for thrill-seekers. A bold statement, we know. But we urge you to take a break from luxuriating to enjoy the emirate in a new way.
From skiing in the desert to flying indoors, Dubai offers a diverse range of adrenaline-pumping experiences. Here’s our guide to the best.
The Best Adventure Activities in Dubai
- Head Out On a Desert Safari
- Chill at Ski Dubai
- Wander Around Dubai Miracle Garden
- Make a Splash at Aquaventure Water Park
- Tackle the World’s Longest Urban Zipline
- Immerse Yourself in IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Dare to Go Indoor Skydiving at iFly
- Find Fun at Legoland Dubai
- Live Life on the Edge at Sky Views Observatory
- Admire Dubai From Above
The Best Dubai Adventure Activities
Head Out On a Desert Safari
One of the best things to do in Dubai involves venturing into the desert for dune bashing, where you bounce over the sand in a 4×4 vehicle. We’ll warn you: it can make you extremely nauseous but it’s SO fun. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not hop on a quad bike and tackle the dunes yourself?
The desert is magical, especially at sunset when the sky turns all kinds of beautiful. And there’s so much more to enjoy – camel rides, falcon photo ops, and chilling at a desert camp with traditional Arabic entertainment. There are plenty of tours to choose from, ranging from luxury private escapes to group fun.
Read Next: Why You Need to Book a Dubai Desert Safari: Our Experience + Tips
Chill at Ski Dubai
If you’re looking for thrilling adventure activities in , look no further than the offerings at Ski Dubai. Escape the desert heat and step into a winter wonderland where snow-filled adventures.
This indoor ski resort offers a unique opportunity to ski, snowboard, or simply play in real snow, no matter the season. Hit the slopes, tube down the snowy hills, or meet the adorable resident penguins. Better yet, the mini resort is situated within the Mall of the Emirates, so you can hit up the shops after you hit up the slopes.
Wander Around Dubai Miracle Garden
We highly recommend you visit Dubai Miracle Garden. Sure, it might not be thrilling in a traditional sense, but it’s one of the coolest places to explore in the UAE.
Tucked away within a sprawling walled garden, you will find captivating floral displays. They range from an Emirates plane to a vibrant recreation of The Kelpies. Plus, countless Smurfs are scattered throughout (random but we loved it). There’s also plenty of places to grab food and drink, so you could easily spend an entire day wandering around.
Read Next: A Guide to Dubai Miracle Garden
Make a Splash at Aquaventure Water Park
When the Dubai heat gets too much, spend a morning at Aquaventure Water Park. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, this expansive park is packed with exhilarating rides. Whether you’re braving the near-vertical Leap of Faith, twisting through the dark tunnels of Poseidon’s Revenge, or floating lazily along the scenic River Rapids, there’s something here for everyone.
If that sounds too intense, Aquaventure is also home to private beaches and serene lagoons where you can unwind. Meanwhile, younger visitors can explore Splashers’ Island, a fun kids’ play area with mini-slides and water cannons.
Read Next: The 8 Best UAE Theme Parks You Need to Visit
Tackle the World’s Longest Urban Zipline
If whizzing through the sky above Dubai’s impressive skyscrapers, sounds like your idea of fun, you want to know about the urban zipline. Take flight from the 170-meter-high Amwaj Towers and experience the thrill of soaring over the chic Dubai Marina.
Riding at a 16-degree incline, you’ll hit speeds of up to 80 km/h offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the iconic waterfront below. Positioned belly-down like a superhero, this adrenaline-packed ride delivers an exhilarating, flight-like sensation. Plus, there’s a duo option, so you can fly with a friend.
Immerse Yourself in IMG Worlds of Adventure
If you’re a theme park fan like us, no visit to Dubai is complete without heading to IMG Worlds of Adventure. IMG is the largest indoor theme park in the world. It boasts several themed zones, including Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Lost Valley (a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs).
The 4D Avengers Flight of the Quinjets is one of the park’s standout rides. Or, for even more thrills, The Haunted Hotel is a spine-chilling adventure where you navigate dark corridors and face creepy surprises. But the park isn’t just for adrenaline junkies – there are also plenty of kid-friendly attractions and dining spots.
Read Next: A Guide to Visiting The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Dare to Go Indoor Skydiving at iFly
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Dubai, visit iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience. Located in City Centre Mirdif, iFLY lets you fly – quite literally – inside a state-of-the-art wind tunnel.
Suspended by powerful airflow, you’ll float and flip effortlessly, guided by expert instructors ensuring a safe and unforgettable flight.
Find Fun at Legoland Dubai
Unleash your inner child at LEGOLAND Dubai. In the Build & Test zone, let your imagination run wild. Design, build, and race your very own LEGO creations. Compete with family and friends to see whose masterpiece conquers the track. You can even tweak your designs for optimal speed and performance.
We think the park’s standout attraction is Miniland, a captivating showcase of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. This display recreates the city’s skyline in stunning detail, using millions of LEGO bricks. Pretty impressive, if you ask us.
Live Life on the Edge at Sky Views Observatory
For something unique, pay a visit to the Sky Views Dubai Observatory. Perched more than 200 metres above the bustling city, this is a high-altitude adventure. At the heart of the observatory lies a 25-meter-long glass floor that is cantilevered out into the open sky.
But, you’re really here for the Edge Walk. This is a gravity-defying experience like no other. As the region’s first-of-its-kind, this hands-free air-walk lets you step onto the outside perimeter of the observatory. The epic views of the Burj Khalifa outweigh the shaky legs, we promise.
Admire Dubai From Above
Experience Dubai from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable helicopter or hot air balloon ride. Helicopter tours (like this brilliant option) offer a thrilling way to soar above the city. Enjoy incredible aerial views of iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the sprawling desert.
Or, for a more serene adventure, opt for a hot air balloon ride over Dubai’s vast desert landscapes at sunrise. As the balloon gently ascends, the golden desert dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. The early morning light casts a magical glow on the surroundings.
But – let’s be real – why choose? Go on… treat yourself to both adventure activities in Dubai.
