13 epic adventures to plan in the UAE for next week’s long weekend
Adventures in the UAE await this long weekend
A long weekend is coming soon, which means more time to do the things you’ve been putting off. If you’re a thrill seeker, adrenaline-junkie, or just generally into adventures of all kinds, there is no shortage of experiences across the UAE. Take your pick.
For the desert lovers…
Night Safari with Arabian Adventures
View this post on Instagram
This evening desert safari with Arabian Adventures ensures that you get a taste of that quintessential UAE experience wile staying out of the daytime summer heat. Discover the charm of the Dubai desert, a world of natural wonder, indigenous wildlife, and Bedouin culture, along with fun desert sports.
Offer: Starts from Dhs431
Location: Dubai Desert
Contact: (800) 272 2426
Overnight Safari by Arabian Adventures
View this post on Instagram
This all-inclusive overnight desert safari is a UAE staycation must. Camp out in a deluxe tent on a raised platform with a world of amenities and experiences to complete your stay. Included in the package is a thrilling dune drive, camel ride, walking night safari, waiter service, set menu BBQ dinner and more.
Offer: Starts from Dhs1,790
Location: Dubai Desert
Contact: (800) 272 2426
Heritage Desert Safari with Platinum Heritage
View this post on Instagram
This is Dubai’s most authentic and eco-conscious desert safari. Your professional Conservation Guide will take you on a nature safari through the Dubai Desert Conservation Drive while telling you all about the desert fauna and flora and how the Bedouin used to survive. A traditional Emirati dinner, a majlis, falconry, yola drumming – it’s as traditional as it gets.
Offer: Starts from Dhs695
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Contact: (0) 4 412 6333
For the street crawlers…
Parkour at XPark
View this post on Instagram
Located just a few hops, kick-flips and jumps away from Kite Beach – XDubai has long been a half-pipe haven for the UAE’s skatewardly mobile. Traceurs can explore the Path of Discovery, challenging themselves on the parkour loop, scaling new heights at the 20-foot climbing tower.
Offer: Starts from Dhs75
Times: Sunday to Friday, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm, Saturday, 8am to 11.30am, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm
Location: XPark Dubai, Kite Beach
Contact: (0) 56 416 3585
Skateboarding at Circuit X
View this post on Instagram
Hudayriat Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive alfresco adventure hubs and amongst its many assorted attractions is the Circuit X skate park. You can try three separate bowls of varying difficulty level, practice lip tricks on ledges, grind rails, smash quarter pipes, and cruise through a simulated urban skate section.
Offer: Starts from Dhs40
Times: Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 10pm, Friday, 2pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 11pm
Location: Circuit X, Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: (0) 2 691 0302
For the water babies…
Sailing with Wind Rises
View this post on Instagram
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or dipping your toes into the world of sailing for the first time, the Wind Rises sailing experience promises thrills, stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, and a whole lot of joy. They have a number of sailing options to choose from, and you can even prepare with them for competitions.
Offer: Starts from Dhs200 per person on weekdays
Location: Wind Rises, Port Rashid, Dubai
Contact: (0) 58 106 5026
Surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi
Seasoned and budding surfers, head over to Surf Abu Dhabi, the world’s biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility. You can choose from open sessions tailored to beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers, as well as 1-on-1 surfing lessons, and an entire 90-minute surf trip for you and 5 other surfers.
Offer: Starts from Dhs600
Times: Daily, 9am to 10pm
Location: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriat Island
Contact: @surfabudhabi
Scuba diving at Deep Dive Dubai
View this post on Instagram
Deep Dive Dubai has the worlds largest indoor pool for diving, with the terrifying depth of 6o metres. Of course, if you’re an experienced diver with a license you can go all the way and explore, but if you’re a beginner or looking to get into diving, the expert instructors will guide you through the whole process.
Offer: Starts from Dhs1,800
Times: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Location: NAS Sports Complex, Dubai
Contact: (0) 4 501 9444
Wakeboarding at Wake Dubai
View this post on Instagram
Wake Dubai has long offered instructor-led and independent-led sessions, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers. A professional team of captains and instructors are at your service to ensure a safe and thrilling ride that will have you up on the waves in no time.
Offer: From Dhs350
Times: Daily, 6am to 5.30pm
Location: Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek
Contact: (0) 56 108 4599
For the sky-high thrill seekers…
XLine
View this post on Instagram
The XLine zipline is as thrilling as it gets, with a one-kilometre-long zipline that will see you soaring over Dubai Marina at up to 80 kilometres per hour. This is the longest urban zipline in the world, and offers stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline as you soar away.
Offer: From Dhs350
Times: Daily, 9.45am to 12.20pm, 1.45pm to 5pm
Location: Dubai Marina
Contact: (0) 56 507 6366
Skydiving at Skydive Dubai
View this post on Instagram
A bucket list attraction for many, Skydive Dubai attracts divers from far and wide. If jumping out of a plane several thousand feet above the ground sounds like your idea of fun, take this weekend as your sign to book in your slot. It’s a one-of-a-kind Dubai experience.
Offer: From Dhs2,199
Location: Dubai Marina
Contact: (0) 4 377 8888
Jebel Jais Zip Line in Ras Al Khaimah
View this post on Instagram
This zipline in the longest zipline in the world and you can only imagine how amazing the views would be. The journey takes thrill seekers on a 2.83km journey through the Hajar mountains at an eye-watering 1,680 metres above sea level. Riders can expect to reach speeds of up to a hair-raising 120km/h.
Offer: From Dhs250
Location: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Contact: (0) 4 815 7333
Flying at Jazirah Aviation Club
For something a little different, head to Ras Al Khaimah’s unique Jazirah Aviation Club. This centre has been running for 25 years, and invites budding pilots and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy tours of the skies in its colourful small planes and even get a go at flying the plane yourself.
Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 6pm
Location: Jazirah Aviation Club
Contact: (0) 7 244 6416
Images: Socials
