Joanna James
Dubai. The land of sky-high buildings, overflowing shopping malls, and enough gold to blind a dragon. But beneath the glitz and glamour lies a pulse-pounding side to this desert metropolis. Here's a peek at five adrenaline-pumping adventures guaranteed to get your heart hammering!
Experience a whole new level of excitement as you plummet towards Earth from an aeroplane above Dubai, with the iconic Palm Jumeirah archipelago spread out below like a giant, man-made palm tree. Freefall speeds of up to 120 miles per hour will turn your last meal into butterflies, but the breathtaking views of the city skyline and the turquoise Arabian Sea will have you forgetting all about gravity for a few glorious moments. Then, a gentle parachute ride down finalises this heart-stopping experience, allowing you to capture some seriously epic selfies (safety first, of course!). Things to do in Downtown, Dubai are many, and this activity surely tops the list!
Dubai's desert landscape is more than just a backdrop for fancy hotels. Strap into a 4x4 and get ready for a wild ride as your expert driver tackles towering sand dunes in a white-knuckled ballet of off-roading madness. Prepare to be tossed, turned, and thrown about, but the exhilaration of conquering these sandy mountains is unmatched. The desert adventure usually includes a stop at a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can unwind with a cup of Arabic coffee, a spot of camel riding, and maybe even some belly dancing entertainment (all optional, of course).
Beneath the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf lies a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. Explore coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, get up close and personal with playful dolphins, or even come face-to-face with a majestic (and hopefully well-fed) shark. There are diving experiences for all skill levels, from beginner bubble-blowers to seasoned pros. Just imagine the bragging rights - "Oh yeah, I casually hung out with a shark in Dubai."
Dubai defies all logic. One minute you're sweating it out in the desert, the next you're carving fresh tracks down a snowy mountain slope. Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort housed within a massive mall (because, Dubai!), boasts real snow, a penguin encounter (because why not?), and five slopes catering to all skiing and snowboarding abilities. So ditch the flip-flops, rent some skis, and pretend you're somewhere in the Swiss Alps.
Soar high above the Dubai Marina, the city's dazzling skyline stretched out beneath you, as you scream your lungs out while whizzing down a zip line. This high-flying adventure offers a unique perspective of Dubai's architectural wonders and gives you a serious adrenaline rush. There are even zip line courses that take you over man-made islands and crystal-clear waterways, making the whole experience even more epic (and potentially more terrifying). Imagine unwinding after your adrenaline rush with a luxurious stay at a property such as Anantara Downtown Dubai – the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
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.
