extreme dubai

Extreme Sports Activities in Dubai

By Dom Bewley

Thrill seekers! Are you looking for extreme fun in the sun that will get you off your bum? Rejoice, oh brave adventures. Dubai, the city in the sand, has you well and truly covered. So much so that we had to make a guide dedicated to all of the extreme opportunities on offer. So read on, be brave, and discover the best extreme sports activities in Dubai!

Including:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
  • Ski Dubai
  • Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert
  • iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving
  • E-Kart Zabeel
  • and more!
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Go on an overwater adventure

Want to get extreme? Why not dare to ride some of the best waterslides in the world? Dare to fulfill those dreams at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. It might be a mouthful, but you'll forget all that when you're bombing down a sweet waterslide at a million miles an hour. Well, not a million, but more than two.

Test your mettle on the extreme Leap of Faith, which plummets straight through a shark-filled lagoon at a breakneck pace. Dodge the sharks (don't worry, they're safely imprisoned behind thick glass) and crash into the pool below. Gnarly.

Or challenge the god of the sea himself at Poseidon's Revenge. Enter one of his devious capsules and prepare to plummet down at speeds of 60mph. There's a lot of plummeting going on, which can only mean one thing - it's one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai!

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Ski for your life

Dubai's opulent existence is perhaps best characterized by the biggest indoor winter sports park. Yes, even in the harsh, unforgiving desert, you'll find sweet jumps to catch and sweet hills to descend. That's all thanks to Ski Dubai, a must-visit for any of you snow heads. Is that a real word? Snow heads? Who cares - get extreme!

Whether you choose to attach yourself to skis, a snowboard, or another form of snow traversal, you'll love bombing it around this weirdly cold arena. Much like other snowy locales, expect snow, courses, hills, and even a ski lift for that authentic mountaintop experience.

After all, what's more extreme than braving freezing temperatures when it's hot enough to melt your skin outside? Extreme weather variance!

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Buggin Out

Or, relive your favorite Mad Max: Fury Road scenes by hopping in a dune buggy and tearing it around Dubai's golden seas. Yes, you can do that, thanks to a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert.

You'll kick things off with a lift in a 4x4 to the dunes. After a touch of sightseeing, you'll reach base camp, and then it's buggy time, baby. Hop in your metal hog of choice, and you'll have 30 minutes to tear it across the dunes. Your buddy will be an experienced dune buggy enthusiast, so you needn't worry about going in blind. They'll teach you everything you need to know about controlling the roaring beast, so you can focus on the most important things - sweet skids, supreme jumps, and extreme buggy action. Yeah! Witness you! Just don't get too excited and spray silver paint in your mouth - there's a reason those guys were so pale.

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Fly away

Many things can't come close to the extremeness of jumping from a plane at 30,000 feet. But for many of us, the extreme risk of not living may outweigh the desire to attempt such feats. But never fear thrill seekers because Dubai has a way for you to cheat death and still enjoy the fall. It's called iFly Indoor Skydiving, and it's totally rad, man.

Enter the tube of airy death, feel the 200kph winds lift you off the ground, and then spin, twist, and shout as you mimic the life of a skydiver.

Newbies are welcome, too, with instructors on hand to guide you through the process of controlling your body while falling. And experts can shut their ears and spin to their heart's content.

Never felt the thrill of the wind rushing past you as you defy gravity? Then this is one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai you cannot miss.

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Kart life

If you're a fan of racing, or racing-adjacent media, you might wonder what it feels like to drift around corners and beat the competition to the finish line. Wonder no more, you extreme legend, and burn some rubber thanks to E-Kart Zabeel.

You'll have 7 minutes to race your state-of-the-art go-kart around a specially designed track, taking corners and leaving your enemies in the dust.

Got friends? Lucky. Show them off by bringing them along, and then rub their faces in it when you inevitably win. No friends? No matter - join a group of randoms and rub their faces in it. Why make friends when you can spark lifelong rivalries that no one will write about?

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Red go fast?

You know what's extreme? Rollercoasters. Breakneck speed, gravity-defying movement, and the ejection of one's stomach contents are all hallmarks of these beloved beasts. You know what's more extreme than your average rollercoaster? The fastest rollercoaster ever created by mere mortal minds. And where do you find this insane creation? Why, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, of course!

The rollercoaster in question is called Formula Rossa, and it boasts speeds of 240kmph. If you think you can handle 4.8Gs of force squishing your body back in your seat, then you might be extreme enough to survive.

Other than that terrifying trial, you can challenge your friends to a drag race at Fiorano GT Challenge, hop on a military bi-plane at Flying Aces, and test your resolve on the Turbo Track, which purports to offer a fast vertical climb followed by an epic zero-g fall. Not for us. Nope.

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Work your quads

And finally, we end our extreme list of sports activities in Dubai on four wheels. Ever wanted to live out your wildest desert fantasies that include camels? Well, now you can, thanks to this camel, sandboarding, and quad biking adventure over Dubai's dunes.

You'll be driven to the desert, ride on camels, and then ride these 4-wheeled wonders along a track designed with the extreme in mind.

Picture yourself in slow motion as you dip, turn, and jump. Hear the 80s hair metal in your mind as you pull off extreme maneuvers. Embody the extreme, don't simply flirt with it.

And that's our list of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Wondering what to do with the rest of your vacation? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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dubai in april
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Dubai in April

Dubai is fast becoming one of the most exciting places to visit on the planet. Thanks to an explosion of outside investment, a growing expat community, and year-round sun, plenty of folks flock to its shores every year to see what all the fuss is about. If you're one of them, or you're teetering on the edge of decision, let us help. Is April the perfect month to plan your vacation in Dubai? Read on, and discover our guide to Dubai in April. Including: Dubai in April - weather Water parks Beaches Desert shenanigans and more! Dubai in April: What to Expect Unlike most places in the northern hemisphere, where summer kicks into gear at the end of May/early June, Dubai sees its summertime rise in April. With highs of 93°F and lows of 72°F, it's probably the most comfortable summer weather you'll get if you're not into baking heat and mid-afternoon siestas. Leave the jackets at home, ladies and gentlemen - you won't need them. Instead, pack light, airy clothes that will keep you as cool as possible. As this is peak summer temperatures in much of the world, let's explore some fun summertime experiences that will help you make the most of the heat and let you cool off too! Dubai in April: What to Do Water is wet, and you can be too When the temperatures reach the 90s, are there many better places to cool off than a water park? Turns out Dubai feels the same way, as you'll find a number of brilliant water parks around the city. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides to tickle the fancy of kids and big kids alike. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, you'll find a world of wet wonder within its walls. You'll also find a kids-only area for the really little ones. And, if you need a break from all the excitement or just a sliver of shade, head to the park's beach area and lounge beneath a parasol. Over on Yas Island, one of the landmasses around Dubai's coast, you'll find another amazing waterpark at Yas Waterworld. Visitors will be treated to a wealth of over 40 rides, including the world's largest sheet wave machine for your surfing pleasure and Slithers Sliders, which sees you twisting and turning through a snake's body before crashing out of its open maw. And then, for a kid-centric water park, you have LEGOLAND® Water Park. Featuring a colorful cast of LEGO characters made popular by the companies' cinematic outings, your little ones will enjoy over 20 rides of varying shapes and styles. Into the dunes April might be the last time to make the most of Dubai's dunes before the long and unforgiving summer grips the city. And rather than venture in on your own with no idea how to survive the sea of sand, why not take a curated tour of the dunes and take part in some activities? For the grease monkeys out there, you can try your hand at quad-biking or driving a dune buggy. Animal lovers might prefer a slower, natural tour atop a camel. And, if you're in the market for some good food and great relaxation, you'll want to check out the desert BBQ tour. No matter which you'll choose, you can expect 5-star service. A kitted-out 4x4 replete with delicious air-con and comfortable seats will pick you up from your hotel and take you out of the city. And, when the experience is over, they'll bring you right back. The perfect way to avoid all the hassle of booking cabs or planning public transport routes, our desert tours ensure you get to see stunning sights and thrilling experiences without worrying about planning! Refuel at one of Dubai's amazing restaurants After all the excitement of Dubai's myriad experiences, you'll need to get some food in you. Thankfully, Dubai has a metric ton of restaurants of all shapes, sizes, and cuisines within its walls. Italian-lovers will appreciate the upmarket sophistication of Armani/Ristorante, which has delicious lobster, wagyu beef, foie gras, and braised lamb ravioli, among many, many others. For a modern take on Indian culinary classics, waddle over to Masti. Thanks to award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, you'll be surprised by the small plates and delight at the variety of spicy delights on offer. And, for a more aquatic affair, try Long Teng and its specialist seafood dishes. Thanks to its large aquarium, you can pick out the perfect fish or crustacean for your dinner, or sit down to some of its many vegetarian choices. View from the top If you want to see Dubai from up on high, why not ascend the world's largest building and get another perspective on this desert oasis? Thanks to Burj Khalifa, you can do just that. At over 2,700ft, you won't be taking the stairs. Thankfully, a double-decker elevator is there to help you on your way. Traveling at 10 meters per second, it still takes long enough for you to read the video displays that explain Dubai's history and how the Burj Khalifa came about. Then, when you reach your destination above the clouds, you'll find telescopes to zoom in on the people and places below. Then, head up to the top deck, snap some pics on your camera, and speak to the attendants to learn more about the landmarks visible below. Beach life And finally, we couldn't let you go without mentioning Dubai's sandy shores. There's plenty of spots to choose from, but we recommend you hit up Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. You can't swim after sundown due to the lack of light in the water, but you can certainly pitch your tent on its shores all night long. So, no matter the weather, you'll find the perfect time to lay a towel, slip on your shades, and kick back. And that's our guide to Dubai in April! Want to know what other delights await you in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
Sunset over Dubai Creek
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Things to do in Bur Dubai

Contradictorily meaning ‘mainland Dubai’, Bur Dubai is an island separated from the rest of the emirate by Dubai Creek. The term can be used to describe the entire island that results – stretching across to the At the Top observation decks of the Burj Khalifa in downtown. However, it’s more generally used to describe the area immediately opposite the Deira neighborhood around the Al Fahidi Historic District. You’re sure to find yourself here at some point, so what are the main things to do in Bur Dubai? Site of the original settlement that developed into the modern day city, Bur Dubai has plenty of history and atmosphere. Still an important hub for everything from culture to commerce, you won’t want to miss this neighborhood when visiting the region. Grab a bird’s eye view Whilst Dubai as a whole isn’t short of lofty panoramas, the historic nature of Bur Dubai means most of its structures only rise to three or four stories. One way to take in the mix of old and new is at Dubai Frame, whose upper reaches stand 150 meters over Zabeel Park. Forming a physical link between the historic and the contemporary, the frame’s interior contains a museum detailing the city’s past, and features suggesting how it may develop in future. Its upper levels have the expansive vistas you would expect alongside glass-bottomed floors so that visitors can look roughly 40 stories directly down. Described as the world’s largest picture frame, it may be better to think of it as a magical door between one world and another... Explore the quiet streets of Al Fahidi The Al Fahidi Historic District, lining the northernmost parts of Dubai Creek, takes visitors back to Dubai’s humble origins as a trading post between the sea routes of the Middle East and the home of pearl divers. An unofficial living museum, its alleyways are a huge contrast to the thoroughfares of downtown Dubai, whilst many of its structures date back to the nineteenth century when barjeel wind towers provided cooling air currents in homes long before the advent of modern air conditioning. Although home to important historic documents and photographs, it’s the structure itself of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House which holds our fascination, being the residence of one of Dubai’s most important rulers from 1912 until his death in 1958. However, the district’s oldest structure is Al Fahidi Fort, now Dubai Museum. Perhaps best reached as part of a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus tour, it is Dubai’s oldest surviving structure, dating from 1787. As well as slightly twee dioramas of everyday life before the oil boom, there are some real treasures worthy of any museum in the world. Delve into the culture of Bur Dubai If your visit to Dubai Museum has you yearning to discover more about Emirati culture consider making your next stop the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). Established in 1998 to foster cross-cultural comprehension, it organizes a range of events designed to bridge the gap between Dubai’s traditions and visitors’ understanding of them. There are regular visits to Jumeirah Mosque whatever your religious beliefs, as well as the chance to take part in a traditional tea ceremony or Emirati meal, with a host of dishes laid out on the floor in the time-honored manner. For dining with a view, we’d instead recommend a dhow dinner cruise of Dubai Creek. Taking place as the sun sets and the lights flicker on over landmarks including the National Bank of Dubai building, you can tuck in to an all-inclusive buffet dinner of international scope. Hit the shops For shopping in Bur Dubai with a touch of the OTT it’s difficult to beat the ancient Egyptian theme of WAFI Mall. Its name means trustworthy in Arabic, and there are few more trustworthy places to laden your arms with shopping bags than here. Passing the ranks of Anubis sculptures, obelisks and giant pharaonic statues you’ll enter a space that’s home to 350 stores and stained glass pyramids decorating the interior with splashes of color. If money’s no object, check out the designer stores, which include Burberry. They stand beside a range of smaller independent boutiques with just as much to recommend them. The same can be said for the Textile Souk back beside Dubai Museum. Each trader’s wealth of silks, cottons, damasks and colorful linens are ideal for anyone planning some interior design or looking for the next viral post on Instagram – in which case why not share them with @GoCity? Pay a visit to Dubai’s ‘Little India’ Bur Dubai has long been a bastion of the emirate’s Indian diaspora. Al Nahdha Street’s Meena Bazaar will whisk you away to the subcontinent, with a blend of wedding jewelry, ceramics and spices forming the stock of the hundreds of merchants eager to sell their wares. Shopping aside, there’s a choice of spots to satisfy your hunger, from stalls selling takeaway samosas for a few dirham to restaurants serving up authentic curries originating as far afield as Kathmandu in Nepal and Karachi in Pakistan. Keep a look out for the too-good-to-be-true prices of some goods, and thanks to its ambience, there’s a good chance you’ll consider it one of the best places to visit in Bur Dubai! How to visit Bur Dubai When it comes to things to do in Bur Dubai visitors aren’t limited in choice. Though it may not offer the beach vibes of other neighborhoods, it’s one of the easiest places to discover Dubai’s often forgotten history, as well as the culture of the emirate and the people who call Dubai their home. Remember too that the rest of Dubai is only a short metro, boat or taxi journey from Bur Dubai, and there’s no reason you can’t explore Bur Dubai one morning or afternoon before heading to Deira, downtown or Dubai Marina. But whatever you decide to do with your time in Dubai, be sure to do it with Go City. That way you’ll get reduced admission to many of the region’s top attractions, meaning more cash for shopping at WAFI Mall or dining at Meena Bazaar!
Ian Packham
Dubai
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