Dubai may be famous for its ultra-luxurious hotels, upscale eateries and world-class shopping, but the emirate's scenic deserts and azure sea set the stage for a contrasting host of outdoor adventures.
Desert Safaris
The United Arab Emirates landscape is dominated by desert, and many of Dubai's best outdoor offerings, staged amid the rolling sand dunes, can be combined into a single tour. The possibilities for exploring the area are plentiful—have a traditional desert experience atop a camel or horse, or for something a little more heart-pumping, try navigating the dunes in a Hummer, Jeep, dune buggy or quad bike. This is also the perfect place to cross sand boarding off your bucket list.
Cruises and Boat Trips
The Persian Gulf and its golden sandy shores are a large part of what makes Dubai such a beautiful place. Boat excursions from the city come at a range of adrenaline levels, from a romantic dhow dinner cruise to a thrilling speed boat ride around the Palm Jumeirah. Charter a luxury yacht to experience the coast in style, or take a day trip by boat to Oman and its rugged coastline and stunning fjord-like bays.
Water Sports
There's no better way to cool off in Dubai than by getting in the water. On the surface, flyboarding and jet skiing are both popular options for the adrenaline rush and views of the Dubai skyline they provide. At the grand Atlantis Resort, you can also swim with dolphins, scuba dive with sharks or snorkel in the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Fishing, Hunting and Falconry
The calm waters of the Persian Gulf are perfect for deep-sea fishing, and you might catch snapper, grouper, cat fish, barracuda or even baby shark. Come nightfall, head out on a tour into the mangroves of Umm Al Quwain with a spear and lantern to try your hand at crab hunting. Falconry tours are also incredibly popular, and although you won't be catching dinner during this experience, you can still learn about the sport and even practice handling a falcon in the deserts just outside of Dubai.