Outdoor activities in Dubai

Dubai’s watersports scene is legendary, with dozens of options for excitement on – or in – the water. A great place to start is waterskiing, or wakeboarding which uses a single larger board while a speedboat pulls you across the water – and you try to stay upright. There’s also more novel powered watersports on offer, including flyboarding, jetskiing, parasailing and even miniature submarines.

Some people just cannot resist the thrills to be found among the desert’s majestic dunes – and there are quad bikes, dune buggies and more to satisfy their need for speed. If you’re planning to drive off-road in the desert, it’s important to do it with an established provider which offers appropriate vehicles, and all the safety equipment you’ll need. For quad bikes, try OceanAir Travels, while Big Red Adventure Tours offers plenty of fun offroad options. You can also see our complete guide to offroading in Dubai below.

Desert camping is the ideal way to get away from the city’s noise and energy – and to rediscover your own energy in the process. There are plenty of options for camping in Dubai, from organised trips – including astronomy sessions – with providers including Platinum Heritage, to DIY campsites and even glamping. Have a look at our camping guide below, or see how to combine camping and hiking in Dubai.

Horses are an integral part of Arabian culture, so it’s no surprise Dubai boasts plenty of stables and equestrian facilities. Whether it’s your first time ever in a saddle, you’re an experienced rider or you want to get involved in polo or dressage, you’ll find the right venue – and the right steed – in Dubai. Have a look at our guide to horse riding in Dubai for more information.

Dubai Creek is the ancient heart of the city, making it a perfect place to wander around and discover Dubai’s history. Start at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before heading up the creek, through the Textile Souk and towards Al Shindagha. Then you can cross over to explore Deira’s souks and markets, along with the working Dhow wharfage – all accompanied by the noise of boats, the shrieks of gulls wheeling overhead and all the other sounds of a working waterway.

Scattered throughout the city, Dubai’s peaceful and picturesque parks offer a respite from the city's hustle and bustle, and each has its own unique character. Creek Park sits alongside Dubai’s main waterway, while Safa Park has Dubai Water Canal running through it. Al Mamzar Beach Park is ideal for a barbecue on the coast, and Zabeel Park boasts the majestic Dubai Frame – making it ideal for selfies.