Gear up for the ultimate outdoor adventure in the UAE
Hundreds of adventurous travellers head to the UAE all year round because the country offers so many possibilities, even for those who claim to have seen and done it all! So, if you’re planning a memorable trip packed with thrilling activities anytime soon, the UAE is where you should be headed. And our list of great outdoor adventures in the UAE is the perfect start to your journey.
ABU DHABI
KAYAKING AROUND THE MANGROVES
Kayaking in Abu Dhabi is one of the most sought-after outdoor adventures in the UAE. It allows you to experience the capital’s wildlife. The best places to go kayaking in the mangrove forest.
The area is popular amongst thrill seekers who want to experience the fast-flowing water channels of Jebel Hafit.
MEET THE DOLPHINS AT SAADIYAT ISLAND
The Abu Dhabi gulf has two species of dolphins, humpback and bottlenose. The largest population of humpback dolphins are found in the capital, so you can spot a few when you go boating around Saadiyat Island.
And if the dolphins are in a playful mood, they might surf along the bow wave of your boat.
TAKE THE YELLOW BOATS TOUR
The award-winning Yellow Boats Tour in Abu Dhabi is one of the top outdoor activities in the UAE. It’s an ideal way to go sightseeing in the capital and snap a few shots for your ‘gram.
They offer a range of packages, including a 99-minute Corniche and Maya Island Premium Tour, a 60-minute Corniche Tour and a 75-minute Yas Island Tour.
- Location: Emirates Palace, Marina Gate 3, Dock C | Yas Bay Waterfront
- Contact: +971-04-432-8543
DUBAI
GO CYCLING AROUND THE AL QUDRA TRACK
Calling all adventure seekers! Al Qudra Cycling Track is a popular destination to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure in the UAE.
The 86 km long cycling track offers breathtaking views of the desert, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few Arabian oryx wandering around. There are several cycling clubs where you can rent a cycle.
SURF THE WAVES
When you think about the golden city, surfing might not be the first thing to pop into your mind. But rest assured, the thriving surfing culture in Dubai will take you by surprise.
There are plenty of spots around the city where you can surf the waves, such as Kite Beach and Sunset Beach.
RIDE A MOUNTAIN BIKE IN HATTA
The Hatta Mountain, Bike Trail Centre, is a popular spot for mountain bike outdoor adventures in the UAE. The first of its kind in the UAE, the Hatta MBT is home to a cross-country route with trails for all abilities.
The Hatta Mountain bike trails are free to ride. However, mountain bikes can be rented from one of the reputable bike shops in Dubai.
EXPERIENCE SKYDIVING
If you’re ready to take the plunge, how about you jump out of a plane in one of the world’s most phenomenal drop zones, Skydive Dubai? A successful diving attempt at an altitude of over 4,000 metres will help you conquer your fear of heights.
Add it to your list of things to do in Dubai, and don’t forget to check out other fun activities in Dubai Marina that you can also try once the adrenaline wears off.
- Location: Dubai Marina | Ai Ain
- Contact:+971-4-377-8888
RIDE A HOT AIR BALLOON
Feel the thrill of this open-air treat, which is also one of Dubai’s most exciting outdoor adventures. As you fly in the hot-air balloon in Dubai, treat your eyes to the gorgeous skies during the sunrise.
The golden sand in the desert, rising sun, and fabulous mountains will pass below as you fly above the city in this hour-long ride.
Some package deals also combine the experience with a peregrine falcon, which we highly recommend if you are an ornithology enthusiast.
TRY ATHENS SLINGSHOT AT GLOBAL VILLAGE
Looking for new adventurous things to do in the UAE? The Athens Slingshot is yet another addition to the list of must-try outdoor adventures in the UAE. As the name suggests, you are catapulted into the air and made to swing around for a good few minutes before returning to Earth safely.
The ride is a 2-person capsule anchored to the ground, held by two lengths of reinforced chords, attached to a spring box. The capsule tilts back, and the riders find themselves in a reclined position before being launched into the deep blue sky.
- Location: Global Village Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-362-4114
KAYAKING IN HATTA
Kayaking in Hatta is one of the top outdoor activities in the UAE. The lake at Hatta Dam has become a top destination for locals and tourists as the clear waters and exceptional facilities make it a must-visit spot for kayaking.
You can cruise through the lake for unlimited time, exploring the lake and its scenic surroundings. Apart from kayaking, one of the best adventure activities in the UAE, you can also try other fun activities at Hatta, such as water biking, electric boating and pedal boating.
ROCK CLIMBING IN KHAB AL SHAMSI
Rock climbing is slowly gaining popularity in the UAE. If you want to test your fitness and agility, head to Khab Al Shamsi, a perfect rock climbing destination in Musandam. The Wadi’s narrow pathways and high canyon walls are worth exploring for avid climbers. Similarly, climbers can continue their adventure in plenty of shaded areas.
DUNE BUGGY TOUR
When it comes to outdoor adventures in the UAE, Dubai offers plenty of options. One of the most popular outdoor adventures in Dubai is dune buggy rides in the desert. Conquer the untamed Arabian Desert by hopping on to the high-performance dune buggies and quad bikes.
The best part is you don’t need a driving license for this adventure. A professional guide will assist you to ensure your safety. There are quite a few companies which offer quad bikes, dune buggies and other desert adventures in Dubai.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
EXPLORE JEBEL JAIS
Hungry for more adrenaline-pumping activities? Then you should put Jebel Jais mountains on your list. This outdoor adventure in the UAE offers a range of activities, including hiking, sledging and camping. The cloud-piercing mountains are located on the eastern side of Ras Al Khaimah.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING AT WADI SHAWKA
Wadi Shawka is famous for its dam and the amazing backdrop of Jebel Jais mountains. You can go mountain climbing at this wadi and explore the rugged outdoors of RAK. Wadi Shawka runs from the village of Khari to the north of the Shakwa village.
It is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the UAE and isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s also a recreational area near the dam with dedicated BBQ areas and a play area for children.
HIKING AT WADI SHAWKA
Hiking on the dry and dusty mountains of the UAE can be challenging but highly rewarding at the same time. But not many tracks are as exciting as the incredible Wadi Shawka. Hike through the natural pools for an experience of a lifetime.
ZIPLINE AT JEBEL JAIS
Adding to the UAE’s long list of records is the world’s longest zipline, Jebel Jais Flight. Measuring close to 3 km (the same as 28 football pitches put together), this iconic zipline has Ras Al Khaimah’s picturesque hills as a spectacular backdrop and gives you a chance to fly past Jebel Jais at 100 km/hr!
You’ll return from your adrenaline-fuelled adventure with a Jebel Jais Flight certificate announcing your accomplishments to the world. A visit to the northern emirate for ziplining is a perfect weekend getaway from Dubai, offering a mix of outdoor activities, high-octane entertainment and gorgeous views.
You can also try the Jais Sky Tour for a bird’s eye view of the Jebel Jais region as you cover a distance of 5 km via a series of 7 ziplines. This is one of the best ways to admire the beauty of the majestic Hajar mountains.
FUJAIRAH
SCUBA DIVING
Fujairah is blessed with scenic landscapes and beautiful coastlines. The unspoiled diving sites in Fujairah are popular adventure places in the UAE for professional and amateur scuba divers. There are several reefs and underwater pinnacles that you can explore after marvelling at the coastline.
Martini Rock, Shark Island, Dibba Rock, Sharm Rocks, Martini Bay, and Snoopy Island are some of Fujairah’s best scuba diving spots. AlBoom Diving, located at the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, also offers a range of scuba diving services.
GO FISHING
One of the fun outdoor activities in the UAE is fishing. And the picturesque emirate of Fujairah is blessed with plenty of places to do just that. You can contact any of the local fishing companies in the city and try your luck at catching red snapper, striped marlin or yellowfin tuna.
EXPERIENCE PARASAILING
It’s almost impossible to talk about Fujairah and not mention the plethora of water sports available for the adventure seekers to try. One such activity is parasailing, you can ride solo or with two or more people. As you fly into the air, you will enjoy the island’s aerial view.
SHARJAH
CAMPING IN THE DESERT
Mleiha, Sharjah, is a popular adventure destination in the UAE. There’s plenty that visitors can do here, but desert camping under the stars is what Mleiha is known for. If you want to experience the thrill of good-old outdoor camping in the UAE, reserve a camping plot and pitch the tent to spend a night under the stars.
GO TREKKING
Those searching for the best trekking spots in the UAE can visit Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. It takes you on a journey across the ancient tombs, buildings, caves, flora and fauna.
AJMAN
CAMPING AT CARVANA
The Carvana Beach Resort is a major tourist attraction and a popular spot for caravan-style camping. What better way to spend a cool night at the beachside gazing at the stars after feasting on sumptuous food? Or if you need to burn down those calories, you can always indulge in the many activities at the resort, including water sports.
- Location: Al Zorah
- Contact: +971-06-505-8888
UMM AL QUWAIN
TAKE TO THE WAVES WITH KITESURFING
Kitesurfing is a popular adventure sport in Umm Al Quwain. The UAE’s beaches are among the best places for kitesurfing and kiteboarding. Kite Beach Centre, as the name suggests, is inarguably one of the top beaches for kitesurfing in the emirate. Each candidate will undergo safety training to ensure their kitesurfing experience is safe.
BOAT AROUND SINIYA ISLAND
Siniya Island is located between the peninsula of Umm Al Qaiwain and the Gulf coast. The mangrove-fringed island is a beaut and a perfect place to reconnect with nature. The shores of this island are dotted with historical sites from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.
RACE THE CAMELS AT LEBSA
Camel riding is among the other popular outdoor adventure sports activities in the UAE. Al Lebsa Camel Racing Track is famous in Umm Al Quwain.
It was established in the early 80s under the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The track has hosted several races to date, so if you plan on attending one, don’t forget to check the calendar for any upcoming events.
- Location: Al Lebsa Camel Racing Track
- Contact: +971-6-765-6665
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ARE THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR A ROAD TRIP IN THE UAE?
The whole country is dotted with sparkling beaches and picturesque mountains, so there’s definitely no lack of road trip destinations in the UAE. You can go to Dhayah Fort in RAK, Al Hayl Castle in Fujairah and Happy Land City in Umm Al Quwain.
WHICH ARE THE TOP EXTREME ACTIVITIES TO TRY IN DUBAI?
Shark dive at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Seabreacher and Kite Surfing are amongst the top extreme activities in Dubai that you can try.
And with that, we conclude our guide to the outdoor adventures and activities in the UAE you can enjoy. Looking for even more ‘tick off the bucket list’ activities? Check out our post on the top adventures in Dubai for more thrills.
If all these outdoor adventures in the UAE aren’t really your thing, how about a fun-filled visit to the fabulous Warner Bros Park in Abu Dhabi? Or how about visiting the newly opened Al Hayer Oasis Al Ain.
