Thrilling watersports in Dubai

The closest thing to flying freely above water, flyboarding lets you enjoy elevated views as you soar like a superhero. Take off on a one-person water-propelled flyboard, which can shoot up to nine metres in the air. A 20m hose is connected to a personal watercraft, pumping water at extreme force and redirecting the water output to two jets on the bottom of the board to keep you airborne. It’s an exhilarating experience and the perfect addition to any adventure holiday in Dubai.

Wakesports are very popular in Dubai, especially in the cooler winter months. Beginners and professionals alike can book some wakeboarding, wakesurfing or waterskiing time with the expert team at Seawake for an unforgettable day in the sun. The watersports facility, located right next to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, includes easy access to boats and the beach – with quick prep times so you can spend more time participating in the aquatic action.

If you'd prefer a slower pace, book a stand-up paddleboard ride with the experts at Kite N' Surf. The company organises sessions at the city's best beaches, including Kite Beach.

To truly witness Dubai's love for kitesurfing, all you have to do is visit its namesake, Kite Beach. It's here that both amateurs and pros try their luck at this extreme sport, thanks to plenty of lessons and hiring facilities, like Dukite. The sport requires you to grip onto a handle attached to a parachute – which you then manoeuvre to increase speed and change direction. Not only is it a wild ride, it's also a great full-body workout.

Swap the board for just a parachute, and you’ve got parasailing. This sport doesn’t require experience navigating through the wind, because you are pulled behind a boat on a parasail that will lift you up almost 150m in the air. It’s an amazing way to experience a new thrill and enjoy elevated views of Dubai.

Dubai’s warm waters offer scuba divers year-round diving opportunities, and a host of epic experiences under the sea. Both first-timers and experienced divers are catered for at Atlantis Dive Centre, which has a qualified team of PADI instructors and several certification courses. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis Dive Centre offers a variety of marine experiences in the Ambassador Lagoon – the largest open aquarium in the region. Explore a range of snorkelling and diving options for kids, families and expert divers. Want to experience something a bit more daring? Dive into the depths of ruins among rare sea creatures, or embark on a dive to hand-feed up to 14 species of sharks and rays.

Want to combine sightseeing with a thrilling adventure? Explore Dubai from the water by taking a self-drive boat tour with Sea Riders UAE. You won't need a boat licence either, so the whole family can join in the fun. The boats are easy to operate, and the starting point of the tour is from Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. Zoom across the water and take in sights such as Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, with the opportunity to snap unobstructed pictures from a unique angle.

If you'd prefer to be a spectator, book a tour with The Yellow Boats that combines the sights of the city and jet-set speed. The company caters to all group sizes and durations, from a short evening trip around Dubai Marina to a full-length tour of all the key landmarks.

A thrilling addition to the city's thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational centre's 60.02m-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a 'sunken city', alongside year-round freediving and scuba diving courses and guided experiences.

The turquoise waters of Hatta Dam provide a calm respite just 90 minutes away from the city of Dubai. Located near Hatta Fort Hotel and the popular outdoor activity centre Hatta Wadi Hub, this body of water is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, a stark contrast to the desert sands you’ll pass en route to Hatta. The best way to take in the views is directly from the water; Hatta Kayak offers rental services starting at AED60 for kayaks, canoes, paddle-boating and more, so you can paddle your way across the smooth waters (note that you can't bring your own equipment, and must use gear from Hatta Kayak).