You Wouldn’t Mind Being Under the Sun While Trying These Outdoor Activities in Dubai
Let’s face it: Dubai’s sweltering heat makes us want to stay indoors and bask in the glory of our air conditioning units.
But when winter comes, it would be a sin to not experience the many outdoor activities in Dubai – whether you like to just chill while watching the sunset or feed your adrenaline with some adventure.
So, as we wait for the temperatures to go down, let’s start planning our next winter escapade with this list of the best outdoor activities in the city – and beyond.
See the Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Website: https://www.dm.gov.ae/discover-dubai/ras-al-khor/
Address: Ras Al Khor Road – Ras Al Khor – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 900
Operating hours:
- 7:30 AM to 5:30 AM from October to March (Winter Season)
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April to September (Summer Season)
Price:
- Free
Who would’ve thought that a city in the middle of the desert would have its own wildlife sanctuary? Visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai, and you might just be surprised.
If you haven’t seen flamingoes like me, you won’t just see one but an entire flock of these beautiful pink creatures – and shed a tear or two while you’re at it.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll have a grand time spotting hundreds of migrant bird species that call the reserve their home during winter.
Pro tip:
Head to the reserve right when it opens, so you can find the best spot to go sightseeing. And don’t forget to bring your binoculars, so you can see these beautiful birds up close.
Travel Around the World at the Global Village
Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/en/
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 362 4114
Operating hours:
- 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Saturday
- Tuesdays are exclusive for couples, ladies and families
Price:
- AED 25 for value day ticket
- AED 30 for any day ticket
- Free entry for children under three, senior citizens above 65 and people of determination with one attendant
Do you want to travel the world but don’t have the budget? What if we tell you that you can explore different countries as one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai?
The Dubai Global Village celebrates the culture of over 90 countries through attractions and food offerings, so you don’t need to travel – and spend a lot of money – to experience the world.
Oh, you’ll never run out of things to do here, whether you’re into rides, games or food! So, wear your most comfortable shoes and prepare your appetite for a real global treat.
Pro tip:
Exploring the Global Village is an all-day activity, so prepare to spend an entire day – and night – here.
Be Mesmerized by the Flowers at the Dubai Miracle Garden
Website: https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Address: Street 4 – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 422 8902
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- AED 95 for adults and seniors over 12 years old
- AED 80 for children 3-12 years old
You’ll be surprised that the largest natural flower garden in the world – and one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai – can be found in the desert.
Every winter, you get to witness the Dubai Miracle Garden in full bloom. That’s more than 150 million flowers beautifully curated over 72,000 square meters of space!
We guarantee you’ll be overwhelmed with everything you’ll see, but make sure to take a photo with the massive Emirates airplane and the large Mickey Mouse covered in flowers.
Pro tip:
Are you planning to propose to your girlfriend on your trip to Dubai? Do it in front of the beautiful Lost Paradise installation for the most memorable proposal ever!
Get Some Sun and Tan at Palm West Beach
Website: https://www.westbeach.ae/
Address: West Beach – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 365 9441
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Monday to Friday
- 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Free
Winter time in Dubai means one thing – beach time! One of the best outdoor activities in Dubai this time of year, there’s no better way to get some tan and sun than at the chic Palm West Beach.
That 1.5-kilometer stretch of sand in Palm Jumeirah that’s lined with hotels, beach clubs and restaurants is the perfect destination for a beach day in the city.
You can even make it your address while you’re in Dubai and enjoy beach day every single day of your trip.
Pro tip:
Here for the party? Check out Koko Bay or Surf Club for the best party atmosphere in Palm West Beach.
Test Your Stamina at Aventura Parks
Website: https://www.aventuraparks.com/
Address: Gate 1 – Mushrif Park – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 178 7616
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Price:
- AED 225 – Limit Breaker
- AED 205 – Adrenaline
- AED 165 – Forest Explorer
- AED 149 – Kickstarter
- AED 50 – AED 95 – Discovery (From 1-3 hours)
- AED 35 – Park Visitor
- AED 110 – One Circuit
- AED 75 – Aventura Challenges
If your idea of outdoor activities in Dubai include ziplines, obstacle courses and nature walks, then you’ll have a blast at Aventura Parks.
And why not? This 35,000-square meter adventure park with zipline is the largest of its kind in Dubai, so you’re sure to have plenty of options to satisfy your craving for adventure.
In fact, Aventura is on our list of the top zipline spots in Dubai because of its 24 zip lines! Now, if you like to test your stamina and patience, you’ll have 80 obstacle courses and five circuits to choose from.
Pro tip:
Aventura is a popular spot for team buildings, school field trips and company outings in Dubai.
So, if you don’t want to miss out on the fun, make sure to book your slot ahead, especially if you’re traveling as a group.
Ride an Abra to See Old Dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/abra-creek-crossing
Address: Dubai Creek – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 90 90
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- AED 1 per ride
Believe me, riding an abra is one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai and a must-try during your visit.
This traditional boat has been sailing through Dubai Creek for centuries and it’s still a preferred ride by locals who want to avoid Dubai traffic.
But more than being a mode of transportation, riding an abra is an unforgettable experience that takes you to the historic Old Dubai, from Bur Dubai to Deira.
Being on the water also gives you a different perspective of Dubai back when it was a small fishing village. And it’s only AED 1, so you have to try it!
Pro tip:
Plan your itinerary in Old Dubai, so you’ll know what abra stations to hop on and off. This will help you make the most of your day in this part of the city.
Cool Down at Dubai Hills Park
Website: https://properties.emaar.com/en/properties/hills-park/
Address: Dubai Hills Estate – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 567 2030
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- AED 55 for local residents
- AED 85 for travelers
Dubai Hills Park is your dream park in a chic neighborhood and offers some of the best outdoor activities in Dubai.
Even if you’re not a resident of the luxurious Dubai Hills Estate neighborhood, you can still enjoy this beautiful 18,000-square meter park with the entire family.
Just imagine being surrounded by 1,800 palm trees as you enjoy amenities like a skate park, ice rink and splash park where kids and adults can play in the puddle pool.
Pro tip:
Want to jog with a view? Dubai Hills Park has a 2.5-kilometer long running track to get you sweating while being surrounded by greenery.
Experience Beautiful Hatta
Website: https://visithatta.com/
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 48 205 5555
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Free
If you don’t mind traveling an hour away from central Dubai, you’ll be treated to one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai in the beautiful Hatta mountains.
What used to be the home of farms and forts is now a haven for adventure enthusiasts, thanks to its warm weather and beautiful scenery.
Spending the day here, you get a bit of history at Hatta Heritage Village, a lot of adrenaline at Hatta Wadi Hub and a slow paced afternoon paddling on Hatta Dam.
Believe us, the trip to Hatta will surely be worth it and we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to come back.
Pro tip:
Don’t know how to get to Hatta from Dubai on a budget? Take the Hatta Express Bus from the Dubai Mall for only AED 25.
Once you arrive in Hatta, you can also take the hop on and off bus from the bus station to the different attractions in the area for only AED 2 per person.
Enjoy Tee Time at Emirates Golf Club
Website: https://dubaigolf.com/emirates-golf-club/
Address: 17/2 Al Naseem Street – Al Thanyah 3 – Hadaeq Mohammed bin Rashid – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 417 9999
Operating hours:
- 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Price:
- Green fee starts at AED 1,250
If your idea of an outdoor activity in Dubai involves some puts and tees, well the Emirates Golf Club is the best there is in the city.
But this isn’t just your typical golf course because it’s an entire neighborhood with 84 villas and a luxury clubhouse.
Here, you can enjoy a round of golf with some friends, watch the pros do it if you’re a non-golfer or just go around the golf club to experience what it’s like being in such a prestigious neighborhood.
Pro tip:
If you’re a big golf fan, catch the Dubai Desert Classic Event, Ladies European Tour Event and Omega Dubai Ladies Classic that’s hosted by the Emirates Golf Club every year.
Beat the Heat at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Website: https://www.aquaventureworld.com/
Address: Atlantis the Palm – Crescent Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 426 0000
Operating hours:
- 9:45 AM to 6:30 PM daily
Price:
- Day pass starts at AED 345 for adults and AED 295 for children
You think you have the best waterpark back home? Wait until you see Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Europe, and undoubtedly one of the best outdoor activities in Dubai.
Still not convinced yet? Think about a massive 17-hectare water park with more than 105 water slides to choose from! It even has its own 2.3-kilometer river and white sand beach.
Whether you’re into simple water slides or you dare to take a literal leap of faith as you plunge at 60 kilometers per hour almost vertically, you’ll have something to satisfy your sense of adventure at Aquaventure.
Pro tip: Get the full Aquaventure experience for less by going for the 1-day Super Pass where you get access to both the waterpark and aquarium. Want to save more money? Book your tickets as early as possible to get the best deals, especially if you’re visiting as a group.
Experience Sundowners at Cana by Tamoka
Website: https://www.tamokadubai.com/cana-by-tamoka
Address: Al Mamsha Street – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 318 6724
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 380 for two people
Ask the locals and they’ll tell you that no outdoor activity in Dubai beats having a sundowner’s session at one of the beach bars in the city. And we tell you, Cana by Tamoka is the best there is.
This beach club right in the heart of JBR has one of the best party vibes in this part of town.
Here, you can bury your toes in the sand as you relax in one of those bean bags with a drink in hand as you enjoy the beautiful Dubai sunset.
Cana by Tamoka’s Latin American menu is also to die for. And what’s a party without drinks? This bar has some of the best concoctions you can find in JBR.
Pro tip:Treat yourself to an exciting shisha session with friends during sundowners at Cana by Tamoka. For AED 250, you get to enjoy a combination of flavors that you’ll surely love.
Camp in the Desert
Website: https://www.desertsafaridubai.com/overnight-safari-dinner.html
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 932 8261
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Rates available upon booking
If you ask us what the best outdoor activity in Dubai is, we’d easily say an overnight safari. Where else in the world can you get this experience, after all?
The Arabian desert is already beautiful during the day. But it becomes more magical at night when the stars become your roof and the vast dunes become your home.
An overnight desert safari is the most authentic way to enjoy Dubai. Whether you prefer an adventure on a tent or a little bit of luxury on a suite, we guarantee you won’t forget this experience.
Pro tip:
Pack light for this overnight camp, but make sure that you have the basic necessities including your toiletries and towels.
Go on an Adventurous Hike at Mushrif National Park
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/mushrif-national-park
Address: Al Khawaneej Street – Mushrif – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 288 3624
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Wednesday
- 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Thursday to Saturday
Price:
- AED 3 per person
This city has no shortage of parks and Mushrif National Park must be one for the books. Offering some of the best outdoor activities in Dubai, this is heaven for anyone craving for adventure.
Whether you want to run around and sweat it out or just relax and have a picnic, Mushrif National Park is the perfect place to hang out with the entire family.
This park is also home to an entire forest of ghaf trees and a diverse wildlife that will make you feel like you’re somewhere in the Amazon and not in the middle of the desert.
Pro tip:
Wondering how you can reach Mushrif National Park. Drive on Sheikh Zayed Road and head towards the other side of Dubai Creek where you’re going to City Center Deira.
From there, take D89 and continue driving while you’re crossing Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road.
Spend the Afternoon at Al Barsha Pond Park
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-barsha-pond-park
Address: Al Barsha 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 900
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Free
If your idea of an outdoor activity in Dubai involves a relaxing afternoon of walking, playing sports and chilling after, Al Barsha Pond Park is the right place for you.
Believe me, you’ll have plenty of space here – 50 acres to be exact – so expect to splend a day covering most of the park’s activities.
Al Barsha Pond Park has several playgrounds and courts as well as a 1.5-kilometer running track if you’re into fitness.
Pro tip:
If you don’t want to be under the sun, visit Al Barsha Pond Park at night when the entire park is lit by beautiful floodlights.
Feel the Irish Vibe at The Irish Village
Website: https://www.theirishvillage.com/
Address: 31A Street – Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 282 4750
Operating hours:
- 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 325 for two people
Who says that drinking beer, feasting on good Irish food and enjoying a great party atmosphere isn’t a great outdoor activity in Dubai?
The Irish Village isn’t only one of the best Irish pubs in Dubai. It’s an institution for locals who want to relax after a tiring work day and mingle with a great crowd.
Here, you can enjoy a diverse menu of classic Irish comfort fare paired with some of the best beverages in town.
Pro tip:
The Irish Village can easily get packed, especially on the weekends. So, if you want to get the best spot in the outdoor dining area – and see the famous ducks – head to the pub early.