Things to Do in Dubai

🏜️ Desert Adventures

• Evening Desert Safari: Dune bashing, BBQ dinner, shows (AED 150-400)
• Overnight Desert Camping: Sleep under stars in Bedouin camp (AED 450-800)
• Quad Biking: Self-drive ATV in desert dunes (AED 250-500)
• Dune Buggy Safari: High-speed desert adventure (AED 600-1,200)
• Hot Air Balloon: Sunrise flight over desert (AED 900-1,200)
• Sandboarding: Snowboarding on sand (AED 200-400)
• Camel Trekking: Traditional desert transport (AED 100-300)

🌊 Water Activities

• Jet Skiing: Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah views (AED 350-600)
• Parasailing: Aerial views from 300 feet (AED 350-500)
• Flyboarding: Water-propelled flight (AED 350-500)
• Scuba Diving: Discover scuba or certified diving (AED 350-800)
• Kayaking: Mangrove kayaking in Ras Al Khor (AED 250-400)
• Yacht Charter: Private yacht rental (AED 800-5,000/hour)
• Fishing Trip: Deep-sea fishing in Arabian Gulf (AED 400-800)

🕌 Cultural Experiences

• Jumeirah Mosque Tour: "Open Doors, Open Minds" cultural tour (AED 25)
• Al Fahidi Walking Tour: Heritage district exploration (AED 100-200)
• Arabic Coffee Making: Traditional coffee preparation class (AED 150-300)
• Henna Design: Traditional body art experience (AED 50-200)
• Falconry Experience: Meet hunting falcons, photo opportunities (AED 200-500)
• Heritage Village Visit: Traditional Emirati life demonstrations (Free)
• Souk Shopping Tour: Gold, Spice, Textile souks with guide (AED 150-300)

🍽️ Culinary Experiences

• Emirati Cooking Class: Learn traditional dishes (AED 350-600)
• Old Dubai Food Tour: Souks and traditional eateries (AED 280-450)
• Friday Brunch: All-you-can-eat with unlimited drinks (AED 250-800)
• Desert Dining: Bedouin-style BBQ under stars (AED 250-800)
• Rooftop Dining: At.mosphere, skyline views (AED 400-1,500)
• Spice Souk Tour: Learn about Middle Eastern spices (AED 100-250)

🎢 Theme Parks & Entertainment

• Aquaventure Waterpark: Atlantis The Palm (AED 299)
• Wild Wadi Waterpark: 30+ rides and slides (AED 295)
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor theme park (AED 345)
• Ski Dubai: Indoor skiing and snow park (AED 200-300)
• VR Park Dubai: Virtual reality experiences (AED 100-200)
• Dubai Aquarium: Underwater tunnel + zoo (AED 150)
• Global Village: 90+ country pavilions (AED 20, Oct-Apr)

🌃 Evening & Night Activities

• Dubai Fountain Show: Every 30 min from 6 PM (FREE!)
• Dhow Cruise Dinner: Marina or Creek (AED 100-250)
• Rooftop Bars: At.mosphere, Level 43, Mercury Lounge (AED 60-150/drink)
• Night Desert Safari: Stargazing and astronomy (AED 350-600)
• Dubai Opera: Shows and performances (AED 150-1,500)
• Beach Clubs: Zero Gravity, Barasti, Nikki Beach (AED 100-500)

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight

Soar over the Arabian Desert at sunrise in a hot air balloon. Watch the sun rise over golden dunes, spot wildlife (oryx, gazelles), and enjoy gourmet breakfast. Includes hotel pickup and falcon show.

Price: AED 900-1,200 | Duration: 4 hours (1-hour flight)

🪂 Skydive Dubai

Tandem skydive over Palm Jumeirah or the desert from 13,000 feet. Experience freefall with iconic Dubai landmarks below. Professional instructors and video packages available.

Price: AED 1,999-2,199 | Duration: Half day

⛷️ Ski Dubai Experience

Ski or snowboard in the middle of the desert! Indoor ski resort with 5 slopes, snow park, and penguin encounters. Escape 45°C heat to -4°C winter wonderland.

Price: AED 200-300 | Location: Mall of the Emirates

🚁 Helicopter Tour

See Dubai from above with aerial views of Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and coastline. Various tour durations available from 12 to 40 minutes.

Price: AED 795-2,995 | Duration: 12-40 minutes

🏎️ Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Visit the world's first Ferrari theme park featuring Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster at 240 km/h. Day trip from Dubai with transport.

Price: AED 450-650 with transport | Duration: Full day

🍴 Dinner in the Sky

Dine at a table suspended 50 meters above the ground with 360-degree views. Unique fine dining experience with international cuisine and skyline vistas.

Price: AED 650-1,000 | Duration: 90 minutes

🐪 Platinum Heritage Desert Safari

Luxury desert experience in vintage 1950s Land Rovers through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Wildlife spotting, falconry, gourmet dinner, and cultural entertainment.

Price: AED 850-1,200 | Duration: 5-6 hours

🏖️ Beach Club Day Pass

Spend the day at exclusive beach clubs like Zero Gravity, Nikki Beach, or Barasti. Includes pool access, beach loungers, and food/drink credit.

Price: AED 200-500 | Duration: Full day

📸 Instagram Dubai Tour

Visit Dubai's most photogenic spots: Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, Alserkal Avenue street art, colorful doors of Al Fahidi, and skyline viewpoints with a professional photographer.

Price: AED 400-800 | Duration: 3-4 hours

🧘 Desert Sunrise Yoga

Practice yoga as the sun rises over the Arabian Desert. Peaceful morning session in serene desert setting followed by healthy breakfast.

Price: AED 300-500 | Duration: 3 hours

🛩️ Seaplane Tour

Take off and land on water! Seaplane tour offering unique aerial perspectives of Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai coastline.

Price: AED 1,500-2,500 | Duration: 25-40 minutes

🏇 Dubai Polo Experience

Watch world-class polo matches at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. VIP packages include hospitality, champagne, and meet-and-greet with players.

Price: Free-AED 500 | Season: October-April

Winter Activities (Nov-Mar) ⭐ BEST TIME

Perfect weather 20-30°C for outdoor activities!

• Desert safaris and camping (ideal temperatures)
• Beach days and water sports (warm water, sunny)
• Outdoor dining and rooftop bars
• Hiking Hatta and Jebel Jais (cool, comfortable)
• Golf courses and outdoor sports
• Global Village (Oct-Apr only)
• Dubai Miracle Garden (Nov-May only)
• All outdoor attractions open with extended hours

Summer Activities (Jun-Sep) 🔥 INDOOR FOCUS

Extreme heat 40-48°C - indoor activities recommended!

• Indoor theme parks (IMG Worlds, VR Park)
• Ski Dubai (escape to snow!)
• Shopping malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates)
• Dubai Aquarium and underwater experiences
• Museums (Museum of the Future, Dubai Museum)
• Indoor ice skating and entertainment
• Spa and wellness centers
• Beach/pool only before 10 AM or after 5 PM
• Desert safaris (evening only, 4 PM start)

Ramadan Activities (Dates Vary)

Special cultural experiences during holy month

• Iftar tent experiences at hotels (AED 100-350)
• Night bazaars and Ramadan markets
• Charity events and cultural programs
• Evening entertainment (malls open until 2 AM)
• Suhoor dining (pre-dawn meals, 2-5 AM)
• Mosque visits during Taraweeh prayers
• Note: Respect daytime fasting, no eating/drinking in public

Year-Round Indoor Activities

Perfect any time of year

• Burj Khalifa observation decks
• Dubai Mall shopping and entertainment
• Ski Dubai snow activities
• VR Park virtual reality
• Dubai Aquarium
• Museum of the Future
• Dubai Opera shows
• Indoor golf simulators
• Escape rooms and gaming centers
• Cooking classes

Best Times to Book

• Desert Safaris: Book 2-3 days ahead (very popular)
• Hot Air Balloon: Book 1-2 weeks ahead (weather dependent)
• Skydiving: Book 3-7 days ahead
• Theme Parks: Can book same day, but online saves 10-20%
• Burj Khalifa: Book few days ahead for preferred time slot
• Peak Season: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for all activities

What's Usually Included

• Desert Safaris: Hotel pickup/drop-off, all activities, dinner, shows
• Water Sports: Equipment, safety gear, basic instruction
• Tours: Guide, entrance fees, transport (check listing)
• Theme Parks: All rides, shows (food separate)
• Ski Dubai: Equipment rental, snow clothing, lift access

Safety & Requirements

• Age Limits: Check minimum age for adventure activities
• Weight Limits: Apply for skydiving, hot air balloon, ziplines
• Health: Some activities require medical clearance
• Pregnancy: Most adventure activities not suitable
• Swimming: Required for most water activities
• Travel Insurance: Recommended for adventure sports

Money-Saving Tips

• Book online in advance (10-30% cheaper than on-arrival)
• Combo packages save money (e.g., Burj + Desert Safari)
• Summer discounts on many activities (but extreme heat)
• The Entertainer app for BOGO deals on dining/activities
• Free activities abundant (beaches, souks, fountain shows)
• Group bookings often get discounts (4+ people)
• Weekday activities sometimes cheaper than weekends