1. Night crab hunting
This thrilling activity is something out of the ordinary! Gear up with a spear and torchlight and try your luck in striking a crab during low tide. Fun and thrilling experience, it’s a tasty one too as you can grill and eat your catch after the hunting is over.
Location: Umm Al Quwain
For more info: Call 04-295 0009 or visit apttdubai.com (Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism)
Price: Dh400
2. Unleash your drumming spirit in the desert
Try out drumming under the full moon. You will have a hard time not breaking out into a wild dance in the magical desert setting. If the desert seems too outstretched just head to Ductac for some sensational drumming that will raise your spirits to another level!
Location: Ductac, Mall of the Emirates every Monday at 7.30pm
Price: Varies Upon request
3. Desert Camping
Friends and family gathered around the fire, a starry sky above and golden dunes around you – the desert is the perfect camp setting. Not to deal with all the tent packing, just take an overnight desert safari.
Location: Lehbab desert, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-295 9948 or check desert safari Dubai packages
Price: Dh300 per person
4. Ride a cable car over the creek
Visit the Dubai Creek Park for some old Dubai and take the cable car ride.
The ride is 30 metres above the land, so nice views are on the menu.
Location: Oud Metha, Dubai Creek Park
For more info: Call 04-336 7633
Price: Dh25
5. Set off from sea into the sky
A 40 minute ride on a seaplane will take you on a complete journey of the Dubai skyline. Fly from dock-to-dock to see what this city is all about!
Location: Jebel Ali
For more info: Call 04-2959948 or visit Seaplane Tour
Price: Dh1, 325 per adult
6. Discover UAE Wadis
The top two wadis to visit are the Wadi Bih and the Wadi Wurrayah, with exotic wildlife and mountain ecosystems. These unique channels are for the adventurous explorers out there!
Location: Fujairah, 5km away from Snoopy Island
For more info: Call 050-625 9165 (Absolute Adventures)
Price: Dh350
7. Have a floating dinner on a dhow
Leave your typical dinning and take a ride down the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. A dinner on a traditional wooden dhow makes up a very special atmosphere. Food, live entertainment and gorgeous views, what more can you ask for?
Location: Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek
For more info: Call 04-295 9948 or Book Dhow Cruise Marina Dinner
Price: Dh150
8. Fish a big catch
Whether you are a pro in fishing or never fished in your life, you’ll still enjoy a deep sea fishing trip. In the waters of Arabian Gulf you’ll definitely get lucky with a good catch!
Location: Dubai Marina
For more info: Call 04-239 4760
Visit: Party Cruise Dubai or Book Yacht Charter in Dubai (Al Wasl Yachts)
Price: Varies, starts from Dh500 per person
9. Dive into the sky
Throw yourself out of a plane and experience the exhilarating feeling of free fall. A tandem jump in Sky Dive requires no experience, just pure bravery. Cool video of your crazy deed will be handed to you after your jump. Feel free to show off.
Location: Sky Dive Dubai, Palm Dropzone in Dubai Marina
For more info: Call 04-4-377 8888
Price: Dh1,999 for a tandem jump with an instructor
10. Visit a wildlife sanctuary
Leave the city life for a day and explore the amazing wildlife of UAE. See everything from pink flamingos to other wild animals all in their natural habitat. With a camera in hand, you will feel like a National Geographic photographer.
Location: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and Arabian Wildlife Centre
For info: Call 04-606 6822 and 06-531 1999 respectively
11. Become a horse rider
Check out your equestrian abilities on a horse riding trip and if you love it, go head on in training. Learn to hold yourself with confidence on horseback and tell the difference between a canter and a trot. A great time and a boost of confidence are guaranteed.
Location: Palm Riding Club, Desert Palm Hotel, International City, Dubai
For info: Call 050-451 7773
Price: Dh150-Dh300 (per class)
12. Walk through a shark tunnel
Only in Dubai can you see sharks, crocodiles and even penguins in the mall! Walk through the underwater tunnel of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and stare in wonder at the inhabitants of the 10-million litre tank. It’s like dry scuba diving.
Location: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall
For info: Call 04 448 5200 or visit thedubaiaquarium.com
Price: Dh50-Dh100
13. Take on falconry
Have a go and try to master the art of falconry – a cherished sport in the UAE culture. The 90 minute session will show you why these animals are real desert hunters.
Location: Dubai
For info: Call 04-435 6550
Price: Dh225 (for one session)
14. Skiing and snowboarding at Ski Dubai
Take a break from the sunny hot weather and spend a fun day in the snow! You can play around in the snow park or go skiing or snowboarding down the huge slope. Sip the best hot chocolate in your life in the sub-zero temperatures!
Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
For more info: Call 800 386 or visit skidubai.com
15. Enrich yourself with UAE heritage
Learn the UAE history in a fun way by exploring the streets of Bastakia and the Old Fort. You can also go for some shopping at the souq near the Dubai Museum. It will be a culturally enriching day out with some unique shopping souvenirs.
Location: Al Bastakia, Dubai Creek
Price: Dh3 to enter Dubai Museum
16. Go for a swim with the dolphins
Enjoy a swim session with the world’s friendliest creatures! You will feel like a kid playing with bottled-nose dolphins but the fun is unmatched. If you have kids, you will make their day with this experience!
Location: Dubai Dolphinarium, Creek Park
For more info: Call 04-336 9773
17. Jet ski
Bash the waves on the glorious beaches of the UAE. No experience is required to have a blast, so don’t wait for it! Get on a jet ski and go full throttle.
Location: Sharjah Mamzar Beach
For more info: Call 04-295 0009
Price: Dh325 for 30 minutes
18. Go-karting
Race your heart out on a 1.2 km world class racing track. The adrenaline junkies will love go karting at the Dubai Autodrome. There are both indoor and outdoor tracks to try out.
Location: Dubai Autodrome
For more info: Call 04-367 8744
Price: Dh120 per 15 minutes timed session
19. Discover Hatta
The border between Oman and the UAE, holds astounding mountains and scenic wadis that should be seen. Take a Hatta mountain safari for a day full of mountain trekking, wadi bashing and visiting historic villages.
Location: Hatta
For more info: Call 04-295 0009
Price: Dh300 adults and Dh260 children
20. Desert Biking
Uncover a cool way for desert sightseeing on the wheels of your bicycle. A 50 km desert stretch off the Al Qudra Road is a cycling heaven with scenic views and wildlife.
Location: Al Qudra Road
21. Photo session near the Burj Al Arab
Spend an entire day at the sandy Sunset beach and watch the sun go down near the iconic Burj Al Arab. The picturesque view will make a perfect background for your Dubai photos.
Location: Sunset Beach, off Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim
22. BBQ in the Hajar Mountains
Gather friends and family for a road trip to the scenic East Coast. The untouched nature is a perfect setting for some great time. Cook up a BBQ feast and enjoy the wild beaches!
Location: Route E611 to E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road), turn off onto E84
23. Slide down water slides
In Dubai, Wild Wadi is one of the most fun attractions. A must visit for anyone whether a tourist or resident. The water park has some thrilling rides as well as chilling spots, make a day of it from 10am to 6pm.
Location: Wild Wadi, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-348 4444
Price: Dh205
24. Desert Conservation Reserve getaway
Indulge on a weekend with oryx, foxes, gazelles and even hedgehogs roaming outside your luxury room. You will find some great peace away from the rush of the city.
Location: Al Maha Desort Resort & Spa, Dubai-Al Ain highway
For more info: Call 04-303 4222
25. Watch a race
Dubai has a lavish racing diversity. Horseracing and F1 Grand Prix being the biggest, there is also camel racing and dhow (traditional wooden boat) racing. So just take a pick!
Locations: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, or Yas Marina F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
26. Go art-seeing and art shopping
Uncover a whole art world in the Al Quoz area. Home to numerous galleries and host of cool art exhibitions, the Alserkal Avenue will have your eyes running from one masterpiece to another.
Loaction: Alserkal Avenue Street 8, Al Quoz 1,
For more info: Check out Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Iranian contemporary art gallery (04-353 5052)
Mojo Gallery,design studio that features a roster of quirky artists (04-347 7388)
Ayyam gallery, works of artists from the Levant (04-323 6242)
Carbon 12, contemporary European focus gallery (050-464 4392)
27. Watch a dancing fountain
Let the beauty of this stunning sight completely overtake you as you watch cascades of lights, water and music shoot up into the sky. With the constantly changing musical compositions, be sure to be stunned every single time.
Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
28. Gaming park
Arcade games, wild rides and other fun gamming attractions all await you at Sega Republic. Both kids and parents will have a blast shooting zombies, dancing on lights and going for scary rides.
Location: Sega Republic, The Dubai Mall
For more info: Call 04-448 8484
Price: From Dh10 for pay and play, or Dh175 for a day pass
29. Shop for treasure
There’s a reason Dubai is dubbed as the ‘City of Gold’. Shop for the best deals on gold and jewellery, but be ready to bargain for it! The amount of the sparks and glitter on display is simply stunning.
Location: Gold Souk, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Dubai Gold and Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
30. Seven star cinema experience
The Platinum Suites at Reel Cinema will change your perception of cinema forever. It’s not just the super comfy leather armchairs and restaurant food delivery, the whole experience is pampering. Best movie experience you will ever have.
Location: Reel Cinema, The Dubai Mall
For more info: Call 800-38224 6255
Price: Dh130 for Platinum Suites
31. Jogging day
For some healthy lifestyle and a great mood, get jogging on the beach. The special track on Jumeirah Open Beach stretches all the way to Umm Sequim – good distance and great views.
Location: Off Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
32. Bounce your stress away
UAE’s biggest trampoline arena will make you forget all your worries! Leave your reputation worries and jump away like the kids; you can consider it a fitness workout. The most fun cardio you will ever do!
Location: Bounce, Al Quoz, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-321 1400
Price: Dh80
33. Golfing
Practice golfing on the lush green lawns and head for drinks afterwards – a perfect day outdoors.
Location: The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Emirates Hills
For more info: Call 04-390 5600
Price: Dh120
34. Color war – Paintball
Several teams, guns filled with paint and only one flag. Mission? To capture the flag. If you get shot with paint, you’re out. Strict rules yet, a hell lot of fun.
Location: Jebel Ali Shooting Club and Centre of Excellence: Pursuit Games, Paintball Dubai
For more info: Call 04-324 4755
Price: Dh90 (100 paintballs)
35. Wild shopping frenzy
The grandest and biggest malls are in Dubai, so the city is an absolute haven for shopping lovers. With hundreds of international outlets and local brands you are bound to find what you need and make a few extra purchases on the way.
Location: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Marina Mall, BurJuman, etc
36. Clubbing
There is always something new on the clubbing arena. International DJ’s fly in almost every week, and the local talent rocks the stage too. There are some mind blowing venues and great offers every week.
For more info: Visit dubainight.com for the latest and biggest gigs out there
37. Go to the theater
Dress up and make it a royal theater evening. Whether you prefer the Classic Russian Ballet or stand-up comedy, you will always find something interesting to see.
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai
Ductac, Mall of the Emirates
38. Friday live entertainment
Some talented performers will add a sparkle to your Friday dinner, in an outdoor venue –it is sheer pleasure to listen to live music in such settings. So go ahead and add some live music to your usual outings.
Location:The Fridge, Wafi Rooftop Gardens, Wafi Pyramids, Oud Metha
Friday 7.30pm-11.30pm (free entry), for more info call 04-324 4100
For regular performances:
Location: The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Bur Dubai
For more info call 04-501 2534
For big name acts:
Location: The Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai
For more info call 04-282 4750
39. Ultimate relaxation
Get a complete body and spirit rejuvenation with a spa day. There are some luxurious sessions out there that will make you feel like a million bucks! Think diamond pounding, chocolate spa massage and the list goes on…
Location: One & Only Royal Mirage Spa, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-399 9999
40. Beach boot camp
If you are lazy, this is exactly what you need! One session will boost your fitness levels and as you continue you will see the fast and great results! Plus the fact that it is on the beach and in a group makes it even more motivational.
Location: Original Fitness Co, Dubai
For more info: Call 04-311 6571
Price: Dh900 (per month for 12 sessions)
41. Stand-up comedy
Cry with tears of laughter as names like Dara O Briain, Jack Whitehall and Michael McIntyre perform in various shows. You are guaranteed to have a great time!
Location: All over Dubai
For more info:
42. Take a journey across world cultures
The Global Village is open for six months of the year and is definitely a place to visit. Pavilions of different countries sell some really cool stuff; there are fun rides to try and small snack shops to dig into some tasty treats.
Location: Global Village, Dubai
For more info: 04-362 4114
Price: Dh15 (general admission)
43. Karaoke
Take the stage and be the superstar. If you’re not a singer, bring some friends and dare them to sing for you, whatever happens, you’ll have great fun!
Location: Harry Ghatto’s, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
For more info: Call 04-319 8088
44. Watch the stars
Just observe the desert night sky! A group of astronomers will help you locate the biggest and the brightest stars out there. Don’t forget to make a wish in case a shooting star comes your way.
Where: Dubai Astronomy Group
Contact: 050-624 6172
45. Fancy dining
There is nothing more than eateries in Dubai. You can try any cuisine of the world, both at fancy restaurants and at small cafes. So go taste exploring!
Location: Unlimited options
For more information on any of the above fun excursions, you can visit any of the certified tour providers like: Day Out Dubai, or you can just Google it and select any of the options that fits you best.
You can read my previous blog here.
Author Bio:
I am Sadaf Afreen! A Curious Traveller and a Budding Writer. I have travelled most of the parts of India and UAE, except a few. I write about my experiences and knowledge of places and things. Previously, I have written articles based on Travel and tourism, themed at tips & experiences. My work is published in many elite online Magazines and Blogs. Looking forward to write more and more informative content to help people know and understand the places in best possible ways.