activities in Dubai Destination GuiDe

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.
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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