The Top Things to Do When You Live in Dubai
by Hayley
Picture this: you’re swimming alongside sharks in one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. Later, you’re scaling the rugged peaks of Ras Al Khaimah, feeling the exhilaration of standing atop the world.
This isn’t an ordinary day; it’s an extraordinary adventure in Dubai, a city where the extraordinary becomes the norm. Where the desert meets the sea, where ancient traditions blend with futuristic innovations, Dubai offers a tapestry of experiences that go beyond your wildest dreams.
But what if we told you that there’s more to this city than meets the eye? What if we told you that beneath the glitz and glamour of its towering skyscrapers and bustling markets, there lies a world of unusual experiences waiting to be explored?
From diving into an aquatic wonderland and soaring through the skies to navigating a maze of mirrors and creating your own signature scent, this journey will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Dubai’s most unique and unforgettable adventures – unusual things to do when you live in Dubai.
Discover the Iconic Burj Khalifa
Dubai, a city renowned for its desert landscape, surprises with its remarkable underwater world at the Dubai Mall. Housing over 33,000 aquatic animals, the mall boasts one of the largest suspended aquariums globally.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the marine life that thrives beneath the city’s surface. The Dubai Aquarium offers a variety of experiences, including:
- Navigating a glass-bottom boat tour
- Swimming with rays and sharks
- Watching a scuba diving show
- Feeding the fish
These experiences, led by an experienced instructor, offer more thrills and a splash of adventure, featuring unusual things that transcend the ordinary.
Once you’ve had your fill of underwater exploration, the city unfolds with a plethora of attractions to satiate your thirst for adventure. From the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink to the iconic Burj Khalifa connected to the Dubai Mall and the thrilling Ski Dubai within the Mall of the Emirates, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner. If you’re up for the thrill, why not delve into the heart of the desert and uncover what lies beyond the ordinary, including the charm of Old Dubai?
Ascend New Peaks: Ras Al Khaimah
Beyond the city limits of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah beckons with a rugged landscape that promises thrilling adventures. Renowned for Jebel Jais, where the world’s longest zipline is situated, Ras Al Khaimah offers an exceptional playground for rock climbing and ziplining enthusiasts.
Imagine the thrill of:
- Ascending the rocky peaks and witnessing the world famous skyline
- Feeling the adrenaline rush as you conquer new heights
- Soaring through the air on the world’s longest zipline, which also happens to be the world’s longest urban zipline, a staggering 2.8 kilometers stretch.
The rugged terrain of Jebel Jais is not just for ziplining, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for rock climbing enthusiasts. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, you can test your skills and push your limits, as you ascend the rocky cliffs. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice ready for a challenge, Ras Al Khaimah’s rock climbing experience guarantees an extraordinary adventure, challenging you to reach new heights.
Master the Art of Falconry in the Desert
Dubai’s desert landscape offers more than just awe-inspiring vistas. It’s a window into the rich cultural tapestry that weaves through the city’s history. One such cultural gem is the ancient practice of falconry, a historical method of hunting using birds of prey. In the Bedouin culture, falconry and falcons symbolize values of loyalty, courage, and perseverance, qualities integral to their way of life in the Middle East.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers visitors a chance to engage with these majestic birds and experience the traditional art of falconry within its historical context. As you visit the reserve, you can:
- Watch these magnificent creatures soar against the desert backdrop
- Witness a display of skill
- Participate in a centuries-old tradition that forms the very fabric of Dubai’s culture.
Wouldn’t it be fascinating to step back in time and sample a piece of Bedouin life amid the expansive desert sands?
A Night at the Opera… in the Desert
The desert, known for its silent nights, hums with a different tune as the sun sets and the Dubai Opera comes alive. This versatile performing arts venue, capable of accommodating up to 2,000 attendees, stands as a beacon of culture and entertainment in the heart of the desert. Here, the curtains draw to reveal a world-class performance that transports you to a realm of music, dance, and drama. From Broadway-style theatre to ballet and opera, the Dubai Opera offers a symphony of experiences that echo amidst the desert expanse.
However, the adventure is far from over when the final curtain falls. As the echoes of applause fade, you can step out into the cool desert night and continue your adventure with a camel ride under the stars. As the night deepens and the city’s skyline twinkles in the distance, you’ll realize that a night at the opera in the desert is anything but ordinary.
Expand your Culinary Tastes with Camel Milk Delicacies
Dubai’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering a smorgasbord of flavours that cater to every palate. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, why not embark on a culinary journey with camel milk delicacies? Camel milk ice cream, a delectable treat crafted from three egg yolks, maple syrup, and raw or pasteurized camel milk, offers a taste of Dubai that is as exotic as it is delicious.
Creating this delicacy isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about weaving a story of tradition, culture, and innovation, much like the city itself. As you indulge in the creamy delight of camel milk ice cream, remember that you’re not just indulging in a dessert; you’re partaking in a piece of Dubai’s rich culinary tapestry that extends beyond the dinner table.
Navigate the Dunes in a Vintage Land Rover
If you’re looking to kick up some sand and explore Dubai in a whole new way, then navigating the dunes in a vintage Land Rover is just the adventure for you. With their substantial size and off-road capabilities, Land Rovers are perfectly suited for dune bashing, providing an exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy.
The best time to experience this thrilling ride is between November and March, specifically during the winter months when the sand is firm and the weather is cool. However, the desert offers unique experiences year round. As you manoeuvre through the shifting sands, remember to take precautions and enjoy the ride. After all, the desert is a place of mystery and adventure, where every dune hides a new discovery.
Buckle up and allow the desert winds to lead you on an extraordinary adventure.
Cycle the City’s Hidden Tracks
Exploring Dubai isn’t just about visiting its famous landmarks but discovering its hidden gems. And what better way to uncover these secret spots than by cycling the city’s hidden tracks? From converted camel tracks to mountain bike trails, these paths offer a unique perspective of the city’s diverse landscapes.
Whether you’re taking in the views along the Dubai Creek Cycling Track or pushing your limits on the mountain biking trails in Hatta, each route offers its own unique adventure.
Arm yourself with your helmet, get on your bike, and navigate through Dubai in a way you’ve never imagined before. After all, the city’s hidden tracks are waiting to be discovered, and there’s no better way to do that than on two wheels.
Soar Through Skies with Paramotoring
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring through the skies, then paramotoring in Dubai is just the adventure for you. This type of ultralight aviation allows you to take flight using a motor worn on your back, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city and its stunning coastline.
Paramotoring is considered one of the safest forms of aviation, with the presence of a wing above you providing an additional layer of safety in the event of an engine failure. Gear up, let the wind caress your hair, and embark on a breathtaking aerial adventure.
Indulge in a Secret Dining Experience
After a day of adventures, what could be better than a delicious meal? But this isn’t just any meal; it’s a secret dining experience that takes you on a culinary journey through Dubai’s diverse food scene. These exclusive dining events relocate chefs and fine dining dishes from conventional restaurants to various public or private venues, creating an atmosphere of mystery and exclusivity.
Whether you’re indulging in high-end South Asian dishes or rich Spanish flavours, the clandestine dining events in Dubai offer an experience that goes beyond the plate.
Pull up a chair, raise your glass, and immerse yourself in a dining spectacle as distinctive and memorable as the city of Dubai itself.
Get Lost in a Maze of Mirrors
Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze, and its Maze of Mirrors is no exception. Located in the Museum of Illusions, this captivating maze challenges you to navigate a labyrinth of reflections, offering a mind-bending experience that’s as entertaining as it is challenging.
As you make your way through the maze, you’ll find yourself lost in a world of mirrors where every turn leads to a new discovery. Venture into the maze, allowing the mirrors to lead you through an extraordinary adventure.
Encounter Exotic Wildlife on a Safari at Al Marmoom
From the city’s bustling streets to the tranquillity of its natural landscapes, Dubai offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every kind of adventurer. And for those who prefer the call of the wild, a safari at Al Marmoom offers an unforgettable encounter with the city’s exotic wildlife.
Whether you’re marvelling at the Arabian oryx or spotting various bird species, a safari at Al Marmoom offers a unique perspective of the city’s fauna. Grab your binoculars and prepare for a wild journey that takes you past the city boundaries and into the core of Dubai’s varied ecosystems.
Transform Your Perspective at an Upside-Down House
In a city that’s always pushing boundaries, it’s no surprise that even its architecture challenges the norm. Enter the Upside-Down House, a unique structure that flips your perspective and defies the laws of gravity.
As you navigate through the house, you’ll be amazed at the unique architecture and the mind-bending photographic opportunities it offers. Fasten your seatbelt and brace yourself for an architectural marvel that will turn your world on its head.
Create Your Own Fragrance at a Perfume Workshop
Dubai is a city that engages all senses, and its perfume workshops are no exception. Here, you can immerse yourself in the art of fragrance creation, learning about the various techniques and blending essential oils to create your own signature scent.
Whether you’re a perfume connoisseur or a novice, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to:
- Delve into the world of fragrances
- Create a scent that’s uniquely yours
- Roll up your sleeves
- Let your senses lead the way
- Embark on a unique olfactory journey, much like the city itself.
Stroll Through History at the Coffee Museum
Dubai’s Coffee Museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of this beloved beverage. Here, you can explore a collection of historical coffee items, learn about the journey of the coffee bean, and even sample traditional brews.
From the moment you step into the museum, you’ll be transported back in time, immersing yourself in the rich history of coffee and its significance in cultures around the world. Grab a cup of coffee and journey back in time at this fascinating museum.
Traverse the Mangroves in Eastern UAE
The adventure continues as you venture beyond the city limits and into the mangroves of Eastern UAE. Known for their unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife, these mangroves offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Whether you’re exploring the mangroves on a guided tour or simply taking in the serene surroundings, this experience offers a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty that’s as captivating as it is peaceful. Venture into the wilderness, and let the mangroves of Eastern UAE carry you to a world that is anything but ordinary.
Moving to UAE / Dubai?
Dubai is indeed a city of splendid contrasts, a mesmerizing blend of past and present, where the serene desert embraces the bustling sea, and where the everyday is transformed into the extraordinary. Through this journey, you’ve encountered a world brimming with unusual and breath taking experiences. From plunging into an underwater wonderland to conquering majestic mountain peaks, from getting lost in a labyrinth of mirrors to crafting your unique fragrance, Dubai presents a rich mosaic of unforgettable adventures.
Yet, the allure of Dubai goes beyond these singular experiences. It’s a city constantly in flux, forever pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a curious newcomer, Dubai invites you to embrace its spirit of discovery and step into a world where the extraordinary awaits at every turn.
Eager to start your Dubai adventure? Visit our Removals to Dubai page. With Simpsons International Removals, your transition to Dubai isn’t just a move – it’s the start of an extraordinary new chapter. Let us help you turn your Dubai dream into a vibrant reality.
Recommended Posts
Moving to Dubai with Family: Essential Tips and Insights
Thursday, 12th December 2024
The Essential Guide to Moving to Dubai for Work
Thursday, 26th September 2024
The Benefits of Moving to Dubai: Exploring the Lifestyle and Financial Advantages
Thursday, 20th June 2024