Dubai is one of the playgrounds of the world! It is a city in which you can spend the afternoon skiing and the same evening, take a desert safari! Besides all the shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities that the city affords, here are 7 fun things to do there:
1. Sweet High Skydiving
For a unique way to take in the sights of the stunning skyline, choose the most exhilarating experience – Skydive Dubai. Strap onto an experienced instructor as you soar through the skies at a thrilling 120 miles per hour.
Choose to freefall across the desert, or for something really special, over the iconic Palm Jumeriah. What’s more is the experience can be relived time and again, as the package includes photos and a professionally edited video.
2. Visit Dubai From on High!
Another way to experience the city from a height is by visiting the Burj Khalifa. Standing 828 metres high, it is hard to miss. The world's tallest tower naturally dominates the Dubai skyline, but the true majesty of the building is best appreciated up close or, even better, from inside. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 124 is absolutely stunning, topped only by the view from the luxurious At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. And for those who would like to linger for a meal in the clouds, At.mosphere on level 122 is the place to be.
The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and just outside the doors of the famous Dubai Mall, features the world's largest choreographed fountain system. This popular dancing water show jets water streams as high as 150 metres in the air. Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to various musical numbers from around the world, producing what has become the one of the most popular shows in Dubai. Two showings occur in the afternoon (1pm and 1:30pm), except on Fridays (1:30pm to 2pm) and evening displays begin at sundown and take place every 30 minutes until the final song plays at 11pm.
3. Dizzying Dune-Bashing
Dune-bashing is the number one activity for thrillseekers looking to jump out of their seats. An experience to be shared together, tour the desert climbing up and down the sand dunes and dried river beds. Drive through the magnificent mountain passes to cooling water pools for a refreshing dip. The 4x4s are the most extreme way to tour the desert in total comfort, with cooling air-con and music played to enhance the experience.
4. Speedy Slope Style
Not an activity usually associated with Arabia, but Ski Dubai offers guaranteed snow all year round. Unlike natural ski resorts, you’ll never be let down by the weather. Try traditional downhill skiing, or for something a bit different, go tobogganing, roll down the slopes in the Giant Ball or even fly down the Snow Bullet Zip Line! Meet the newest residents and swim with the Snow Penguins for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
5. Uncover Culture by Camel
Get the best of both worlds with a chic city stay and an escape from the hustle and bustle out into the desert. Experience the traditional nomadic life first-hand with a classic camel ride, and submerge into the rich history of this region.
Uncover tales of the distant past, discover 5000 year old archaeological digs and for something truly magical, stop for a picnic at a Bedouin camp. Get a taste of the royal treatment and be entertained by authentic folk music and dance, falconry and henna painting.
6. High Octane Theme Parks
a) IMG Worlds of Adventure
The world's largest indoor theme park. Experience 28 football fields of state-of-the-art rides which bring all your favourite Marvel and Cartoon Network characters to life in five themed zones. With the likes of The Avengers and The Powerpuff Girls to the life-size dinosaurs in The Lost Valley, IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of Dubai’s most exciting theme parks.
b) Motiongate
Dubai's answer to Universal Studios where Hollywood comes to life. This thrilling theme park features epic rides and attractions based on some of the most memorable and successful movie franchises of recent years from mega studios Dreamworks Animation, Sony Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate. The three join forces to create one giant, magical park.
c) Legoland and Legoland Water Park
Perfect for the whole family and particularly for children ages 2 to 12 years. Most of the rides and slides at Legoland Water Park allow tweens to race each other or go in groups. The Duplo Splash Safari caters to toddlers while a few single slides provide thrills for the braver big kids. Children can also exercise their brains with ‘Build-A-Boat’, where they can construct any kind of boat imaginable and test it against the current to see how well it fares, and even customise their rafts with big, soft Legos before sailing down the lazy river.
d) Bollywood Park
Set foot onto the first ever Bollywood-themed park in the world and discover this hidden gem of Indian cinema. An ode to India's prolific Bollywood industry, this exciting theme park in Dubai Parks and Resorts brings the colour and energy which Bollywood is famous for to Dubai. See the energetic style of Bollywood movie-making come to life with a variety of flamboyant rides, shows and attractions. Five different zones make up the park, each one celebrating a different part of India’s film industry.
7. Take a Walk on the Wild Side!
Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. While its solar-powered driving vehicles and world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit are impressive feats, the park has big plans in store as it aims to provide a safe haven for 5,000 animals by 2020. Also Dubai Zoo is well worth a visit.
Information provided by If Only travel and Visit Dubai