Located in the desert and on the sea, many of the reasons people flock to Dubai involve the great outdoors. Whether you are soaking up the sun on the beach, cooling off in the Arabian Gulf, or hurtling through the desert in a 4X4, Dubai is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It also helps that nine months of the year the weather is consistently perfect for being outside.
And it isn’t all about sand. Many areas of Dubai – old and new – are extremely well-pedestrianised, and wonderful places to take an evening stroll.
1. Roar across the sands on a dune buggy tour
Dune bashing is the quintessential UAE experience and something of a rite of passage for new arrivals to Dubai. Myriad companies offer a range of packages, all of which include roaring across sand dunes in a 4X4 usually piloted by a young Emirati petrol-head. But the dune bashing itself is often just one part of the tour, which can also involve falconry, camel rides, sand-boarding, as well as evening meals and coffee out on the dunes and under the stars.
Tip: Book tours in advance through operators like Big Red Adventure Tours or Platinum Heritage and wear sunglasses and a scarf to protect against sand.
2. Stroll through a kaleidoscope of blooms at Dubai Miracle Garden
Open from November to May, Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden – including more than 150 million flowers – and one of the city’s most photogenic spots (just ask social media). Among the heart-shaped archways and floral castles, is a life-sized, flower-clad Airbus A380.
3. Experience culture, shopping and global cuisine at Global Village
Open from October to April, Global Village is the place to go if you want international food coupled with a theme park. It contains some 90 pavilions, representing countries around the world through crafts, food and performances. A good destination for families in particular.
4. Soar above the desert in a hot air balloon at sunrise
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Flights usually depart in the early morning, but it is worth the gruelling pre-dawn wake-up for incredible views of rolling dunes, and – if you're lucky – glimpses of Arabian oryx and gazelles.
Operators like Balloon Adventures Dubai also include falconry displays mid-flight and a picnic once back on the ground.
5. Cool off with family fun at Dubai’s top waterpark
Located at Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure World is the premier destination for families on hot days and arguably one of best waterparks in the Middle East. As well as record-breaking slides (like the death-defying Leap of Faith), Aquaventure includes a meandering lazy river and splash areas for little ones. There is also access to the beach right on the Arabian Gulf.
6. Trek, bike or picnic at Mushrif National Park
One of Dubai’s oldest parks, Mushrif offers shaded picnic areas, cycling trails and a treetop adventure course known as Aventura Parks, noted for ziplining and rope-climbing. If you want to hike or go for a healthy distance run, there is a well-marked 10km route at the park. There is also a camping area where you are allowed to stay overnight, weather permitting.
7. Paddleboard or kayak around Palm Jumeirah
Rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the beachfront operators around Palm West Beach, preferably in the early mornings when the water is calm and there are clear views of the skyline. Rental options are available through SeaYou Dubai and other water sports outlets, many of which offer multi-day courses in kayaking and sailing for children.
8. Visit Dubai Safari Park for a wild day out
Spread across 119 hectares, Dubai Safari Park is home to over 3,000 animals from around the globe, divided into themed villages showcasing African, Asian and Arabian desert and offering walks, safari drives and educational wildlife shows. The park blends conservation with entertainment, making it a top choice for outdoor activities in Dubai for kids and animal lovers.
9. Walk the Dubai Marina promenade by night
Dubai Marina promenade has a 7km waterfront walkway that is perfect for a stroll of an evening. Lined with restaurants and cafes and with seating right up on the beach, it is a key spot for locals and tourists on the warm evenings of the spring, autumn and winter.
10. Explore Al Qudra Lakes for a nature escape
Just outside the city, Al Qudra Lakes are popular for birdwatching, cycling and casual picnicking, especially around the heart-shaped Love Lakes. Pack snacks, rent a bike from TREK Al Qudra, and enjoy the desert sunset with flamingos in the distance.
11. Ski Dubai's outdoor Snow Park (yes, really)
Ski Dubai may be best known for its indoor slopes, but the popular Snow Park features outdoor-style tubing, snowball fights, and even penguin encounters inside a giant refrigerated dome. It might not be technically outside, but it is excellent winter fun for those visiting Dubai during the hot summer months.
12. Zip across the sky at XLine Dubai Marina
The world’s longest urban zipline, XLine Dubai Marina will allow you to fly superhero-style from 170 metres high, zooming past skyscrapers and over the marina at speeds up to 80 km/h. It’s not for the faint-hearted but the thrill is hard to beat.
