Dubai has transformed itself from a barely inhabited desert to a top tourist destination. While the sun and the sea attract well heeled travelers looking for a chance to grill on the beach, the city has a number of exciting outdoor activities that are quite unique to the region. From camel riding to hot air ballooning, sand skiing to falconry, here are some thrilling options for the more actively inclined.

Desert Safari

This is an action packed adventure that includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand skiing and a number of other activities in one evening. As the name suggests, dune bashing is just that. Expect an adrenaline packed ride where your 4x4 crashes through dunes and kicks up a storm of sand around you. If you’re attempting your first camel ride, here’s a tip that’ll come in handy. Fight tooth and nail for the seat at the back. It’s far more comfortable and there’s a much lesser chance of falling off from here. Sand skiing is a new rage in Dubai. You basically get to the top of a dune and ‘ski’ down the dune. If you love skiing the traditional way, i.e. on snow, you’ll find this a pretty unique way of enjoying your favourite sport all year round. http://www.desertsafaridubai.com

Hot Air Balloon Rides

This is the best way to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views the desert has to offer. Like an early morning sunrise breaking out on the horizon, a stray camel walking along the desert or a gazelle running off into the distance. This is ideal for those who'd like to enjoy the majestic beauty of the desert. Relax and watch the endless dunes pass by beneath you as life takes on a surreally peaceful tone. Find out more with the ballooning specialists in Dubai at http://www.ballooning.ae

 Falconry

Here’s another uniquely Arab outdoor experience. Falconry has long been a part of the local Arab culture. At the Al Sahra Desert Resort, you can experience one of the world’s most ancient sports from the comfort of a shaded camp. If you’d like to be more hands on, you can also get involved with training these amazing birds. http://www.shaheenxtreme.com/index.html

Quad biking

If your idea of fun is driving through the constantly changing dunes, quad biking is for you. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will enjoy revving up quad bikes and blazing trails through the desert. The quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to ride. Minimum age is 15 years. Find out more at http://www.arabiahorizons.com/Quad-Bike-Safari

Wadi bashing

This is for the truly adventurous. Wadis are dry river beds that follow the course of seasonal streams in rocky valleys. As these riverbeds weren’t made for driving, wadi bashing can be quite a back jolting ride. Not for the faint hearted.
http://www.middleeasthub.com/dubai/things-to-do/wadi-bashing.html

Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter based out of Munich

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