We found the top 10 adrenaline filled activities in Dubai! Are you brave enough?
When I travel, you won’t find me lingering in museums or snapping photos of every monument. I’m all about those heart-pounding, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that buzz you for days.
Give me a skydive or a crazy rollercoaster over a guided tour any day! So, naturally, when I hit up Dubai, I went on a mission to find the absolute best adrenaline rushes the city had to offer.
I’ve compiled the must-try thrills guaranteed to get your heart racing. Keep reading to discover the wildest adventures Dubai has in store!
1. Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
Media credit: skydivedubai
Website: http://www.skydivedubai.ae/
Address: Al Seyahi St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +97143778888
Operating hours: 8 AM–1 PM
Skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is one of those bucket-list items that sounds crazy, but the views alone are worth every nerve-wracking moment. Imagine leaping from a plane at 13,000 feet as you dive toward the stunning skyline and sprawling desert.
The Palm Dropzone is located in the heart of Dubai. It has a state-of-the-art training area with all the bells and whistles, including a vertical wind tunnel for practicing indoor skydiving moves.
My tandem jump was such a thrill! I was harnessed into an expert instructor, which made all the difference. And the best part? They captured every moment with high-quality photos and videos, so I relived the jump and shared those memories.
Pro tip:
For those considering a jump, the best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April, when the weather is ideal for skydiving.
2. Paraglide over the Arabian Desert
Media credit: paraflydubai
Website: https://paramotordesertadventure.com/pdaac
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +97142087422
Operating hours: 6:30 AM–7 PM
There’s something truly magical about taking to the skies over the vast desert dunes. Imagine this: you’re strapped in for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with a professional guide, ready to paraglide over the stunning Dubai landscape.
The best part? You don’t need any experience at all. Your pilot is a pro and takes care of everything. It’s as easy as getting a briefing and then running off the dunes. I’ll never forget that rush of wind hitting my face as I took off.
Gliding low over the desert felt unreal. I spotted gazelles gracefully grazing below and couldn’t resist snapping selfies with the breathtaking view of Dubai Lake. After your flight, they serve lovely hot and cold beverages.
Pro tip:
For an unforgettable adventure, consider booking your paragliding session in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler, and the light is perfect for stunning photographs.
3. Go Quad Biking in Dubai’s Desert
Media credit: bearded_with_bullet
Website: https://buggyridedubai.com/
Address: Warsan Tower – 1st Floor Office 106 Al Rabee’a 2 – Barsha Heights – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
You won’t believe the thrill of exploring the desert on a quad bike or dirt bike—it’s such a rush! Picture this: zooming across the stunning red dunes of the Lahbab Desert in Dubai. It’s this captivating blend of rough terrain and breathtaking beauty.
Most tours pick you up from your hotel, which is pretty convenient. They also equipped me with all the safety gear. Plus, the guides are pros; they ensure you’re comfortable and ready to tackle the dunes.
After all that adrenaline, there’s much more to do, like sandboarding and camel rides. Ending the day with a BBQ dinner at a desert camp is just magical. You sit around enjoying delicious food while traditional entertainment adds to the vibe.
Pro tip:
Book your adventure in the late afternoon or early evening. Not only will you avoid the harsh midday sun, but you’ll also be treated to one of the most breathtaking sunsets over the dunes. This unforgettable sight makes the perfect photo opportunity!
4. Ride Through the Dunes in Desert Safari
Media credit: redduneshummersafari
Website: https://www.dubaidesertsafari.co/products/desert-safari-vip-by-hummer/
Address: Near Al Tayar Motors, Samhan Building – Office 201 Samhan Building Al Garhoud – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971557272545
The Hummer Desert Safari will have you climbing into a massive Hummer H2, ready to take on the golden dunes of the Arabian desert. It’s a luxurious yet adrenaline-fueled journey that immerses you in the beauty of the landscape.
But it’s not just about the rush; there’s a cool blend of adventure and a peek into Emirati culture. They had these fantastic traditional performances and delicious local cuisine waiting for us.
We tried all sorts of activities, such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and even camel rides. However, the highlight of the evening was the belly dancing and Tanura shows. They brought such an authentic vibe to our meal.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, consider booking your trip around November through March when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities.
5. Jet Ski along Dubai’s Coastline
Media credit: doracuzz
Website: https://www.dubai-jetski.com/
Address: Fishing Harbour – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971504717002
Operating hours: 7 AM–7 PM
Another great activity is to cruise along Dubai’s coastline on a jet ski! You’ll be zipping across the water, and in the distance, the iconic Burj Khalifa and the stunning Palm Jumeirah, which spreads out like a palm tree made of green islands, will be visible.
The jet ski scene has taken off in Dubai; it’s been around for about 15 years, and companies like Aone Watersports have set the bar high. The tours take you to stunning spots, like Atlantis The Palm and the glitzy Dubai Marina.
They provide these high-performance Sea-Doo jet skis that are a blast to ride. Plus, there’s this awesome safety briefing by instructors who know their stuff, so you feel confident hitting the waves.
Pro tip:
Consider going jet skiing during sunrise or sunset. The early morning light or golden hour creates a magical backdrop against the skyline. Plus, you’ll avoid the midday heat and crowds!
6. Flyboard over Dubai
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Website: http://www.rideindubai.com/
Address: Po Marinas Harbor – 4 Al Fintaas St – Jumeirah – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971527142600
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–6:30 PM
If you’re looking for something truly wild and unforgettable in Dubai, you’ve got to try flyboarding! Imagine being shot into the air on a board, thanks to powerful jets of water. It’s one of those experiences that just grabs your heart and doesn’t let go.
You’ll stand on a board connected to a jet ski by a long hose. With a blast of high-pressure water, you’ll soar up to 22 meters (about 72 feet!) above the water. They started us off with a quick training session.
The whole session lasted about 30 minutes, just enough time to get the hang of it. And afterward, they treated us to complimentary ice cream, perfect after such an adrenaline-packed experience!
Pro tip:
For those planning to try flyboarding, the best time to go is early morning when the waters are calm and the temperatures are cooler.
7. Try Go Karting at Dubai Autodrome
Media credit: dubaiautodrome
Website: https://www.dubaiautodrome.ae/
Address: Motor City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +97143678700
If you’re a speed lover like me, check out the Dubai Autodrome. Nestled in the heart of Dubailand, this motorsport hub opened its doors in 2004 and quickly became a go-to spot for racing enthusiasts across the Middle East.
The track is impressive, stretching 5.39 kilometers (that’s 3.349 miles, in case you’re wondering). It has multiple configurations, meaning all sorts of racing events can occur there, from endurance challenges to karting competitions.
And get this—it even has an FIA Grade 1 license, so it’s legit capable of hosting Formula One races. For now, Abu Dhabi is the one snagging that spotlight in the UAE. The Dubai 24-Hour race and various championships have gone down there, solidifying its status as a premier racing venue in the region.
Pro tip:
Plan your trip around the annual Dubai 24-Hour race, typically held in January, to catch some of the most exciting action. This event showcases incredible endurance racing and brings an enthusiastic crowd and a festive atmosphere.
8. Conquer Trampolines at Bounce Dubai
Media credit: bouncemideast
Website: http://bounce.ae/
Address: Building #32 4th St – Al Quoz – Al Quoz 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +97143049333
Operating hours: 9 AM–9 PM
Bounce Dubai isn’t your typical trampoline park. It’s like stepping into a world where energy is practically buzzing around you. With 5,000 square meters of pure fun, it’s the largest trampoline park in the Middle East.
What’s cool about this park is how it blends traditional trampolining with parkour elements, ninja courses, and freestyle features. It’s a playground for everyone, from thrill-seekers to those trying to nail a cool jump!
One of my favorite things? The moment I launched myself into the Big Bag after sprinting up The Wall. It felt like I was flying! And the staff are friendly and helpful. They’re always around to offer tips and cheer you on.
Pro tip:
They often host “Glow Nights, “where the park is transformed with neon lights and music for an unforgettable bouncing experience. This unique twist makes it the perfect place to visit if you want something different and exciting during your trip!
9. Soar Above the Dubai Desert in a Hot Air Balloon
Media credit: dubaiballooning
Website: https://www.dubaiballooning.com/
Address: Office M 11, Floor Mezzanine, Dar Al Maha Building Hor Al Anz East – Abu Hail – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971502828485
Dubai Ballooning knows how to make this experience unforgettable. The team is incredibly skilled, with over 45 years of combined piloting experience. They’ve flown in 25 different countries, so you can imagine how passionate and knowledgeable they are.
We helped with the balloon preparations, which added a personal touch and made the event extra special. They even had some pre-flight refreshments to get us excited!
After Wlandin, we indulged in a lovely breakfast in the desert. It was such a great way to connect with fellow adventurers.
Pro tip:
I recommend scheduling your flight during the cooler months from October to April; the weather is perfect for ballooning.
10. Zipline across the Marina
Media credit: x_line
Website: https://xdubai.com/en/xline/experience
Address: Dubai Marina Mall – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971565076366
Operating hours: 9 AM–5:40 PM
One of my most thrilling experiences was at XLine Dubai Marina. You’ll be soaring 170 meters above the ground. It’s one of the longest urban zip lines in the world, stretching nearly a whole kilometer!
Launched back in 2017, it’s not just about the thrill; it’s about the insane views you get while flying at speeds up to 80 km/h (or 50 mph). They provide all the gear you need, and you go through a briefing before considering stepping off that platform.
They also offer personalized photo and video packages that capture “I can’t believe I just did that!” moments. You can spot the Cayan Tower and Princess Tower from above, which look even more amazing.
Pro tip:
Consider booking your zipline experience during golden hour, just before sunset. The golden light casts a beautiful glow over the marina. Plus, it tends to be less crowded during this time, allowing you to enjoy your experience more fully!