Stand at the top of the highest building in the world, whizz down the longest zipline, or have dinner overlooking dancing fountains – the sheer variety of things to do in the United Arab Emirates is more than enough to fill your dance card for weeks at a time. From family friendly activities like snowball fights and penguin encounters to high-octane experiences at Ferrari World, buckle in for the adventure of a lifetime in the UAE.
1. Take tea at the top of the world
Take the elevator up to the viewing deck of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. On floor 124, you can get 360-degree views of the Arabian Gulf, or if the vertigo doesn’t get you, climb an additional floor to the outdoor terrace. You can book tickets online in advance or buy on the day – there are also tour tickets which give you a little more information about the history of the building and the wider emirate. Pick off-peak times (first thing in the morning or later in the evening) to avoid the crowds, and if you want to splash out, book into At.mosphere Burj Khalifa on the 122nd floor for afternoon tea.
2. Hit the slopes and feed the penguins
Dubai’s famous indoor ski slope is a huge draw for tourists and residents alike. Here you’ll find a family friendly snowpark, where you can snowball fight to your heart’s content (yes, the snow is real) and even meet one of the resident penguins and get a snap with them (fair warning, they’ve been known to poop on visitors). The real draw though is the excellent skiing and snowboarding – a thrilling sight in the middle of the desert! Book lessons here or hire equipment if you’ve already got experience on the slopes.
3. Kayak through the mangroves in Abu Dhabi
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the country with a serene paddle through the mangrove forests in Abu Dhabi. A guide will take you through the winding waterways, explain all about the unique ecosystem on the emirates’ coastline and help you spot wildlife including flamingos, crabs, turtles and herons. You can book onto a two-hour trip that is suitable for adults and children alike given its relatively slow pace; groups are kept relatively small and usually include a pickup from your hotel (arrange transfers and tours in advance).
4. Get on the racetrack at Ferrari World
The Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island is a must for petrolheads and adrenaline junkies. Here you’ll find the world’s fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa (which goes at a heart-stopping 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds) as well as less nail-biting rides for smaller kids (try the Ferrari-themed go karts or smaller coasters – there are scores of car-theme rides).
The big draw here though, for Ferrari fans, is the driving experience, which sees you behind the wheel of the classic sports car alongside a specialist instructor. You can also book a passenger experience if you don’t hold a valid licence. It’s not a cheap day out, but keep an eye out for offers – there are often deals to be found online.
5. Go dune bashing on a desert safari
There’s plenty of sandy fun to be had in the UAE and one of the most popular things to do is hit the dunes in a 4x4. Here you’ll drive up immense walls of sand and plummet down the other side in a way that will make you question how these vehicles stay the right side up (we’ve known people to keep sick bags handy, depending on the thrill-seeking nature of the passengers). There are lots of outlets offering dune bashing tours and many also combine this with sandboarding, camel and horse racing, and a dinner in the desert under the stars – you can choose between half- or full-day activity bookings.
6. Take in some culture at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a huge draw for visitors. Open to thousands of worshippers daily, the mosque is also open to non-Muslim visitors, who can tour the immense building and grounds and learn about the history of the mosque and Islam itself. The architecture alone is a visual treat, with beautiful minarets and intricate domes surrounded by a smaller set of domed structures (there are 82 domes in total on the stunning marble structure).
There are plenty of things to see and learn here, as well as impressive Arabic glasswork, pillars and carvings inside (even the carpets here are stunning). If you want to learn more about the mosque, you can take a tour with knowledgeable guides who will explain more about the building’s history.
The mosque is open to visitors from Monday to Sunday (except Friday) from 9am-10pm, and on Fridays from 9am-12pm and from 3pm-10pm. You don’t have to book in advance, but it’s useful.
7. Get your adrenaline pumping in Ras Al-Khaimah
Hit Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah for all the adrenaline-filled adventure your heart can handle. Kick things off with the longest zipline in the world, where you can whizz over the mountains and valleys at speeds of up to 160km per hour. There’s also Jais Sledder that will send you straight down the mountain at a still hair-raising 40km/h. Provided your children don’t scare easily, there’s something for all the family here. Stop in at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, where you’ll find a high ropes course that kids can try, as well as a camp where you can learn vital survival skills.
*Please note the Jais Sledder and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp are closed during the hot summer months.
8. Watch the fountains at the Time Out Market
Combine two big ticket items in one go – the Dubai Fountain and the Time Out Market. The fountains, which are outside of Dubai Mall, draw huge crowds as people come to see the spectacle of water jets shooting high up in the air and ‘dancing’ to music. The best place to enjoy the fountains is from the terrace of the Time Out Market, where you’ll find 17 eateries from some of the city’s most loved restaurants, as well as bars, live entertainment and periodic special events. The vibe here is buzzing, especially as the weekend rolls around. Come early to bag a table overlooking the fountains, sample food from more than one place and let the good times roll.
9. Take an abra to the Grand Souk
For a glimpse into an older part of Dubai, away from the glitz and glamour of its modern high-rises, visit the Dubai Creek area and wander round the Grand Souk in Bur Dubai. Here you can pick up everything from gold and jewellery to spices (the rows and rows of different ingredients make for a pretty picture as well as adding flavour to numerous dishes).
Jump on a traditional abra boat to explore the markets on both sides of the creek. The boats only cost around 1AED and there’s no need to book – just jump on at the water’s edge and enjoy the experience. Haggling is very much encouraged, but the final price is just that. Don’t get involved in serious bartering unless you plan to buy.
10. Spot whale sharks on a dive
There’s some excellent diving to be had off the coast of the UAE, with numerous sites on the Arabian Gulf boasting warm waters, clear visibility and varied species of coral and marine life – sea turtles, reef sharks, schools of fish and even the elusive whale shark, which has been spotted in the waters here (the water off Abu Dhabi is noted for its sightings). You can arrange dives to wrecks as well as snorkelling trips to suit the whole family. If you’re looking for an easy snorkel off the coast, you can hire equipment and visit one of the many sites close to the shore.
