Joanna James
A cutting-edge urban fantasy wrapped in the enchantment of undulating amber dunes and sparkling deep blue waves, Dubai stuns the senses from multiple vantage points and provides ample scope for adventuring. Here are some unforgettable Dubai escapades to savour.
The old-world glamour and irresistible opulence of this innovatively traditional Gulf cityscape are enough of a diversion, from Al-Fahidi’s ochre mud-rendered homes and intricate carvings and the lushly therapeutic Deira Souq, where anything you imagine can be customised, to larger-than-life visionary phenomena like Expo City Dubai and record-breaking retail dreamscapes like Dubai Hill Mall. Yet, if you can resist the allure of these captivating experiences, the expansive desert offers an abundance of thrills for adventurers of all kinds. From traversing the sand dunes in a luxurious four-wheeler and racing quad bikes across towering waves of sand to galloping on Arabian stallions through the undulating desert landscape and gliding down scorching golden slopes on a sandboard, there is something to satisfy every adrenaline-seeker.
Aquatic fantasies are amplified to another level in this multi-faceted Gulf jewel, whether it’s getting incredible adrenaline highs through kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and flyboarding, piloting mini-submarines under the turquoise waves, or submerging in an open aquarium with exotic marine life and eerie shipwrecks. However, if you were enamoured by the dreamlike experience of floating through Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow as you explored the jewel-toned, spice-soaked old enclaves of the city, then kayaking through the velvety, wildlife-rich mangroves at sunset will thrill you like nothing else.
While camel safaris, Bedouin-style stargazing campouts, and desert wildlife sanctuaries housing flamingos, cheetahs, and oryxes, are waiting to be experienced, there’s nothing quite like floating high above the ethereal waves of textured sand in varying shades of red and gold in a hot air balloon at sunrise. If you’re questing for premier hotel suites in Dubai proffering prime access to its diverse escapades, venture no further than the likes of Oaks Liwa Heights.
After your thrilling foray into the enigmatically gorgeous desert, there is nothing more desirable than even more hair-rising exhilaration, but this time in cool, rejuvenating water! The Wild Wadi water park is an exuberant haven for aquatic antics, from the stomach-plummeting Jumeriah Sceirah slide and pulse-raising Flood River Flyer to the high-octane tornado twists of Tantrum Alley and the addictively adrenaline-infused Master Blasters. For more toned-down excitement, you can also enjoy the numerous wave pools, racing slides, water playgrounds, and artificial waterfalls.
From tunnelling through transparent surf-perfect swells and water jet-packing over the ocean to bone-tingling banana boat excursions and vibrant sun-kissed parasailing, Dubai has no shortage of all-out euphoric escapades. However, you’re bolder than brass when it comes to thrill-seeking, get in touch with XLine Dubai for an unforgettable ziplining experience at 70kmph with Dubai’s striking skyline 1800 feet below you
Board an express bus and get ready for a luxuriantly fulfilling immersion in the great outdoors at cinematically beautiful Hatta, with its honeybee farms, rugged mountain hikes, crystal-clear turquoise pools, and panoramic wilderness treks.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
