8 Adventure destination to visit in Dubai

 

        "Since the turn of the 21st century, Dubai has rocketed up its popularity rankings. The city has implemented an ambitious tourism strategy to attract 25 million visitors a year by 2025, and it’s already almost there".

      Thanks to its iconic skyscrapers, unrivaled adventure activities, fantastic tourist attractions, family friendly theme parks, world-class entertainment and exclusive experiences (dinner in the sky, anyone?), Dubai has established itself as a global leader in innovation, technology, and tourism. But the City of Gold is also rich in vibrant history and culture, which exquisitely complements its modern flare.

        From learning the fascinating history of Falconry to walking through the streets of Old Dubai, it may seem that the city has been busy at work running into the future, however, its cultural ties and humble beginnings remain true parts of the city’s appeal.    

1) The Dubai Desert

image by viator.com

        Less than 20 minutes drive from the modern streets of Downtown Dubai, lies the mystique-filled Arabian desert. Go on a Dubai-style desert safari, complete with thrilling activities such as quad biking and sandboarding. Those looking for luxury can book a safari with leading tour companies Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures.

        From the unforgettable offroad drive to cultural fun with henna painting and camel rides, and a feast of local cuisine under the stars, it's an only-in-Dubai treat. Want to stay a little longer? Treat yourself to an unforgettable night amid the dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.

2) Deep dive Dubai

image by deepdivedubai.com

          This is the world's deepest pool with a depth of 60 meters. It boasts a sunken city for diving enthusiasts to explore and holds 14 million liters of water. Tailored entirely to water lovers, deep diving is for those with certifications only, while snorkeling on the surface and scuba-diving up to 12 meters can be undertaken by anyone over the age of 10. 

        Given Deep Dive Dubai also acts as the region’s largest underwater film studio, packed with 56 cameras and the ability to create different moods, it is definitely a must-try experience. Tickets are required and can be pre-purchased or bought online.

3) The Dubai fountain

image by visitdubai.com

       The world's tallest fountain puts the ones in Vegas to shame. Multiple fountain shows are scheduled every day, shooting 22,000 gallons of water up 500 feet in the air within the 30-acre Burj Lake. Plus, a new floating viewing platform means you can get much closer to the action than before.

         Even better, it's free. If you visit the Dubai Mall, you'll likely see the fountains while you're there, so pause for a moment and enjoy the show.  

4) The Dubai Mall

image by tripadvisor.in

           Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. 

       Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. Even an entire day spent here is not enough to see it all. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the venue is home to a range of other fun attractions.

5) Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

image by tripadvisor.in

          Situated on the main floor of the sprawling Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium houses a 10 million liter water tank full of over 33,000 diverse aquatic animals — including one of the world’s most giant crocodiles.

        See marine creatures of all sizes from the bottom surface of the 11-meter high and 48-meter long tunnel. Get behind the scenes of the Underwater Observatory with Researcher Experience, or that plus a glass-bottom boat tour with Explorer Experience.

If you’re brave enough, you can feed and even swim with rays and sharks! Say hello in person to one of the deadliest sea creatures — while you’re safe inside a dive cage.

        For the best bang for your buck, grab a ticket that combines the aquarium with a trip to Burj Khalifa’s viewing platform.

6) Take a helicopter flight over the city

image by thrillophilia.com

          

         Forget about New York City — the world’s most breathtaking skyline now belongs to Dubai. While harborside views are special, there’s no perspective more impressive than that of a bird’s-eye view.

        During your once-in-a-lifetime helicopter experience, you’ll soar over incredible landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah islands, Burj Al Arab hotel and Ras al Khor wetlands.

       Hover above The World Islands on the Persian Gulf and imagine having a live satellite view of the Earth, looking at the artificial archipelago replicating the seven continents.

        Take the adventure to a whole new level by booking a gyrocopter tour, flying up to 1,500 meters up in the sky, and viewing all the man-made sights.

7) Aventura Parks

image by groupon.ae

          Swing from treetop to treetop at Aventura Parks, the city’s largest zipline park covering 35,000 square meters of lush Ghaf tree forest in Mushrif Park.

        With 85 obstacles in the park to choose from, including a wide selection of ziplines, high ropes courses and giant swings, it’s suitable for every interest and level of competence.

        This family-oriented destination has something for all ages — from a miniature rock-climbing wall for toddlers to the most extreme 25-meter Tarzan jump and aerial surfboard for daredevils.

8) Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

image by tripadvisor.in

          Voted the region’s No.1 water park by a popular travel website, Atlantis Aquaventure is the essential Dubai destination for thrill-seekers.

        Slide through shark-filled lagoons, dance with dolphins, cannon down corkscrew chutes into perfectly temperate waters, and so much more. Adrenaline junkies, look no further than the near-100-foot death-defying drop on the Leap of Faith.

        For the cherry on top, get to interact with dolphins from petting to hugging. Typically groups of no more than 10 will get into the same water with the dolphins for anywhere from 30-35 minutes.