The 10 Best Outdoor Activities to Try in Dubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

The 10 Best Outdoor Activities to Try in Dubai

When the weather is fantastic in Dubai, we have the opportunity to try out these 10 top outdoor activities across the Emirate.

Posted on

8 January 2013

Last updated on 14 January 2020
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities to Try in Dubai

When the weather is cooler, it's great to take advantage of the many activities on offer in Dubai and the rest of the country... Here's our top 10 favourites!

Ahh the great outdoors! We are so lucky in the UAE that from October to April the weather is on the whole gorgeous and it's a lovely time to get outdoors and get active. From swimming, to BBQs, to a lovely evening stroll, when the summer is over and the temperatures cooler, it's the best time to take advantage of what's on offer across the country. 

 

Here's our top 10 outdoor activities we highly recommend doing regularly or experiencing while living here.


1. Camping

One of our favourite pursuits. You can get camping gear very cheaply and you don't often need to plan for wet weather. We have a whole guide to camping in the UAE that can help you plan and prepare. You'll no doubt love the views on offer when you're out in the open air of the desert... The sunset will most definitely be photo-worthy! 

SEE ALSO: Top 10 art galleries to visit in Dubai


2. Swimming

Whether it's in a pool or in the sea there is plenty of wet stuff to be had. Take care in the sea though as it is deceptively calm- there are very strong currents and many people have been swept away. Make sure you wear a water resistant sun tan lotion too. There are a few public pools in Dubai but most belong to housing communities or schools. Mamzar Beach Park has a large pool you can pay to use.


Swimming outdoor activity in Dubai

3. BBQs

Many parks have dedicated barbeque areas or you can go out into the desert and have a barbeque. You can buy small portable ones or use the disposable ones. Make sure you take any rubbish home with you and protect nature.


4. Kite Surfing

This is a popular Dubai hobby with many followers or you can even just go and watch. Activities take place on the aptly named "Kite Beach", which is just off Beach Road before you get to Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

 

5. Dune Bashing and Quad Biking

You can either head off for the dunes in your own 4x4, making sure you go in pairs and have a GPS, or you can go on organised tours or to dedicated hire places for quad biking. There are many places out on the Hatta Oman Road just by the Big Red Dune. Make sure you have adequate health insurance before embarking on any adventure sports like these.


6. Cycling

As Dubai's communities have grown there are more off the busy main roads places to cycle. We do not recommend cycling on Sheikh Zayed Road! Try going to places like Al Qudra, The Springs, Arabian Ranches, Al Barsha Park, the Sevens Stadium or Dubai Autodrome. You'll soon find some routes to cycle in safety. Make sure you wear a helmet and have lights on your bike if you are cycling at night.

SEE ALSO: 10 ways Dubai has changed over 10 years


7. Walks

There are many places to walk in Dubai and we have found some great routes for you. You can walk nearly the whole length of Palm Island for instance- park where you can at the beginning and just keep walking! Other places are Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek Park, The Greens, The Walk JBR, the walk/ run around the outside of Safa Park is always a popular venue too.


Horse riding outdoor activity in Dubai

8. Horse Riding

Horse riding is available at a couple of places in Dubai including the Mushrif Equestrian Centre, Arabian Ranches Polo Club, the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Dubai Desert Palm resort. Emirates Equestrian Centre offers everything from pony rides for small children to desert hacks and private lessons.


9. Mountain & Rock Climbing

If you drive out of Dubai there are some places of outstanding beauty with majestic mountains such as Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Dibba and Hatta. There are routes ranging from single pitch to almost alpine single pitch to almost alpine in scale, sports routes up to three pitches in length, bouldering and Deep Water Soloing... it's really important to go climbing as part of an organised group as there are many dangers and peculiarities specifically to climbing in the UAE.


10. Hot Air Ballooning

If you've always fancied going up, up and away over the desert landscape there are lots of companies in Dubai that can provide this experience for you. It must be an amazing sight- the sun rising over the amazing red dunes outside of Dubai! Make sure the company you use is reputed and has the correct licences and insurance before booking a balloon trip.


Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Dubai

 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY