Destination Guide Activities in Dubai Business aside, Dubai has plenty to offer those with a few hours to spare. Where else can you experience watersports, indoor skiing or an actionpacked desert safari in under a day? From the cosmopolitan to the cultural, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Brought to you by Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Aqua parks and beaches A world away from business, cool off at a fun-filled water park or spend an active afternoon on a golden stretch of sand. Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm Morning Aquaventure, Atlantis, The Palm Enjoy more than two kilometres of water fun including adrenalinepumping slides and rides. Shoot into shark-infested lagoons or try out the Tower of Poseidon, the Middle East’s longest zip line circuit. You can also float along the lazy river or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Located on The Palm Jumeirah, this sprawling aqua park is an extension of the striking Atlantis, The Palm situated on the tip of Dubai’s iconic manmade island. Opens daily from 10am to sunset (depending on time of year). +971 (0) 4 426 1040 www.atlantisthepalm.com Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah Beach Hotel Let the fun flow at this popular waterpark. For thrill-seekers, Wild Wadi won’t disappoint with the infamous Jumeirah Sceirah, Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj Rides. The high waves of Flood River and Juha’s lazy river offer a more laidback experience, while Wipeout and Flowrider provide the ultimate surf challenge. Located in Jumeirah, Wild Wadi is next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel and has stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Opens daily from 10am to 6pm, with special late-night offers during the hotter months. +971 (0) 4 348 4444 www.jumeirah.com Afternoon Open Beach (Umm Suqeim Beach) As the sun dips down over the Arabian Gulf, this popular beach boasts memorable views of the iconic Burj Al Arab by night. It is also a great location to capture that souvenir sunset snap and enjoy a peaceful stroll on the beachfront. Travel by taxi in 10 to 15 minutes. Kite Beach Take a taxi to Kite Beach just off the attractive Jumeirah Beach Road to rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for a small fee. For the more adventurous, waterskiing, banana boat rides and kite-surfing lessons are also available. Evening Jumeirah Beach Residence The stretch of sand at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a cool hangout with plenty of water-based activities including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while a few metres out to sea you’ll find the Wibit inflatables – the ultimate floating playground complete with trampolines and climbing walls. Nearby, The Walk is brimming with restaurants, cafés and upmarket boutiques. There is also a brand new openair cinema and shopping complex. Nearest metro: Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Heritage highlights Cloaked in a veil of modernity, Dubai is a city of contrasts with a rich culture and a fascinating history. Jumeirah Mosque Morning Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah 1 For a better understanding of Islam and local culture, the striking Jumeirah Mosque is well worth a visit. Tours are organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday at 10am. You do not need a reservation to attend, but you should arrive at the main entrance by 9.45am. Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Remember to dress modestly. + 971 (0) 4 353 6666 www.cultures.ae Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Historic District Explore Dubai’s fascinating old quarter and learn about the emirate’s pearl-diving days and rich heritage. Located in the city’s historical neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from Dubai Creek, the museum is housed in Dubai’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort. The collection offers a wonderful insight into life before Dubai was transformed into a glittering metropolis. The souk area is only a short walk away. Dubai Museum opens daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. Nearest metro: Al Fahidi. Afternoon Gold and Spice Souks, Deira From 4pm daily, Dubai’s famed Gold Souk comes alive with glistening displays of 18- and 24-carat jewellery. Check the gold price online before visiting and be prepared to barter hard. Then, follow your nose to the Spice Souk, less than a five-minute walk away, and admire row upon row of kaleidoscopic spices, from turmeric and indigo to saffron and cumin. (Souks close 10pm). Evening Heritage & Diving Village, Shindagha Next to Dubai Creek is the Heritage & Diving Village, a charming recreation of traditional village life complete with palm-leaf houses, a camel yard, pearling display and two extensive coin and stamp collections. The original Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum with old coins and fascinating black and white photographs, is located next door. Opens Saturday to Thursday, from 8.30am to 10pm and Friday 3.30pm to 10pm. Nearest metro: Al Ghubaiba. All day Big Bus City Tours The popular Big Bus hop-on, hopoff sightseeing tours take in key attractions including The Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab as well as more historic sites such as the Gold Souk and Union Flag, next to which the UAE’s constitution was signed in 1971. Each stop helps chart Dubai’s development from sleepy fishing village to vibrant city. Select a 24- or 48-hour ticket, which include a dhow cruise and entry to Dubai Museum. +971 (0) 4 340 7709 www.bigbustours.com Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Desert thrills For a truly Arabian adventure explore the emirate’s dramatic desert by balloon, dune buggy or camel. Morning Hot air balloon ride Float up, up and away in a hot air balloon ride over Dubai’s stunning desert. Glide above the tranquil dunes as the sun rises for an experience of a lifetime. Timings are subject to weather conditions. +971 (0) 4 285 4949 www.ballooning.ae Dune buggying For an unforgettable, adrenalinepacked desert drive, hiring a dune Hot air ballooning over the desert buggy is a unique way to explore the sand dunes. +971 (0) 559 503 112 www.deltaadventures.ae Afternoon/evening Quad biking A quad biking adventure is an alternative way to ride across the dunes. For a fun, safe and exhilarating drive contact a local tour guide for details. +971 (0) 529 484 616 www.goldendesert-dubai.com Desert safari Escape the city for an authentic desert experience. Enjoy speeding over undulating dunes (‘dune bashing’) or experience a traditional, Bedouin campsite and try camel riding, quad biking and belly dancing. A tour guide can tailor your desert trip according to your timings and preferences. +971 (0) 4 214 4888 www.arabian-adventures.com +971 (0) 4 456 9944 www.desertsafaridubai.com Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Extreme experiences If thrill-seeking is more your style, Dubai takes adrenaline to a different dimension. Skydiving over The Palm Jumeirah Morning Skydiving at Sky Dive Dubai If you can handle the adrenaline rush, this extreme and unforgettable skydiving adventure offers unbeatable views above the city. From 10am to sunset (weather permitting). + 971 (0) 4 377 8888 www.skydivedubai.ae Afternoon Dubai Autodrome, Emirates Road Dubai Autodrome is available throughout the year for exclusive hire. Charge a go-kart around the 1.2-kilometre Kartdrome, which features 17 corners, a tunnel and bridge for added excitement. Halfday Audi R8 V10 driving courses are also available, as well as singleseater experiences that test each driver’s grand prix prowess. + 971 (0) 4 367 8700 www.dubaiautodrome.com iFly Indoor Skydiving, Mirdif City Centre To experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane, try iFly for a memorable indoor adventure. Located within Mirdif City Centre mall. Open Sunday to Wednesday, 10am to 11pm or Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm. +971 (0) 4 231 6292 www.theplaymania.com/ifly Evening Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates The Middle East’s first indoor ski slope boasts five runs and real snow. Take a discovery lesson, try a few jumps or tackle the zip wire. If snow isn’t surreal enough, look out for the penguins. Open until 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Nearest metro: Mall of the Emirates. + 971 (0) 4 409 4000 www.skidxb.com Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Trader Vic’s The Palm Jumeirah Dubai’s renowned manmade island has shaped up to be both a fashionable and famous place to visit. Morning Palm Jumeirah Monorail, The Palm Take a ride on The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, which runs the length of the trunk of this iconic, manmade island to Atlantis, The Palm at the tip of the crescent. Trains run every three minutes during peak hours and every 15 to 20 minutes during off-peak hours. Nearest metro: Nakheel. Afternoon The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis, The Palm Explore the imaginary lost ruins of Atlantis at this themed aquarium. Its underwater mazes and tunnels are surrounded by a breathtaking collection of 65,000 marine creatures, including sharks, eels, seahorses and piranhas in more than 20 marine life exhibits. There is also a touch tank and a mesmerising Aquatheatre display. Opens Sunday to Thursday, 1pm to 7pm or weekends, 10am to 8pm. +971 (0) 4 426 1040 www.atlantisthepalm.com Evening Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm By day, Nasimi Beach is a trendy beach hangout. After dark, revellers gather to dance upon the sand until the early hours, with music from top local and international DJs. +971 (0) 4 426 2626 www.atlantisthepalm.com all day Aquaventure, Atlantis, The Palm Enjoy more than two kilometres of water fun including adrenalinepumping slides and action-packed rides. Shoot into shark-infested lagoons or try out the Tower of Poseidon, the Middle East’s longest zip line circuit. For something more sedate, float along the lazy river or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Located on The Palm Jumeirah, this sprawling aqua park is an extension of the striking Atlantis The Palm situated on the tip of Dubai’s iconic manmade island. Opens daily from 10am to sunset (depending on time of year). +971 (0) 4 426 1040 www.atlantisthepalm.com Atlantis, The Palm Destination Guide – Activities in Dubai – Aerial adventures Take to the skies in a thrilling aerial adventure, taking in spectacular sights including the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. Seawings seaplane over Downtown Dubai Morning Helicopter aerial tour See Dubai’s flamboyant sights from a 15- or 25-minute helicopter flight. Hop aboard a five-seater chopper with clear glass sides and soar above The Palm Jumeirah and World Islands, before looping around the city’s cloud-high skyscrapers for a unique aerial tour. +971 (0) 50 248 3714 helicoptertourdubai.com Afternoon Seawings seaplane Enjoy an aerial sightseeing tour in a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian aircraft. Experience the World Islands, The Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Creek and many more popular sights from the sky. +971 (0) 4 883 2999 www.seawings.ae All day At The Top, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 metres high. Take an elevator ride to the At The Top observation deck for unbeatable city views. Opens daily from 10am to 10pm, with tours lasting an average of 90 minutes. Nearest metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. + 971 (0) 4 888 8124 www.burjkhalifa.ae