Posted by 
Activities
You will never be bored in the UAE. You may decide that your hotel, swimming pool and beach are all that you require. However, if you are feeling a little more adventurous you can choose from a huge range of exciting sports and other activities or tour the cities and surrounding countryside.
Bird-Watching
The United Arab Emirates has been acknowledged as one of the top four destinations in the whole of the Middle East for bird-watching tours. The fact that it is a meeting point for migration routes means that it is visited by several million birds every year. But even if you are not a Twitcher, with a good pair of binoculars and information from the birdlife section of this website or a good bird guide (The Emirates-A Natural History, The Shell Birdwatching Guide to the United Arab Emirates by Simon Aspinall or The Birds of the United Arab Emirates by Colin Richardson, Birds of Abu Dhabi Checklist by Simon Aspinall), you should be able to identify some of the more common bird species. Green areas such as Al Wathba camel track and the cities parks are particularly good for bird-watching, so too are the numerous lagoons and offshore islands which are host to important seabird colonies.
More accessible is Khor Dubai Bird Sanctuary. During the migrating periods (Sept/Oct and March/April) enormous flocks of wading birds can be found towards the top of the Creek. The flamingos that feed here are always a spectacular sight. Several of Dubai’s parks are also good birdwatching sites.
Week by week records of birds seen in the UAE were kept for over 13 years by a small group of keen birdwatchers. These records, known as the Twitchers Guide, are obtainable on this website
Camel Riding
The camel, a symbol of Arabia, is a major tourist attraction. Camel rides form part of some tours and desert safaris. Tour operators and hotels can also arrange camel rides separately.
Caving
There is an extensive cave network in the Hajar Mountains, just beyond Buraimi and also near Al Ain in the Jebel Hafit area. Gaining entrance can be extremely difficult and it is definitely not recommended for inexperienced sightseers. To date, there are no guided tours to the caves.
Desert and Mountain Safaris
Few visitors can resist the allure of the desert, vast sandy plains stretching as far as the eye can see, broken only by windswept dunes. The mountains of the UAE also have their own special attraction, spectacular canyons, steep winding tracks and terraced mountain slopes.
Desert safaris are a regular feature of local tours and can include overnight trips into the dunes with barbecues by bedouin-style tents under starry skies (see section on Organized Tours). You can either take the trip in a 4 WD convoy or a more romantic camel caravan. Longer trips take the visitor deeper into desert or mountains in the company of local guides.
You will need a 4WD if you intend to explore on your own. Please be careful and take the obvious precautions such as travelling in convoy, informing someone about your route, taking a mobile phone and/or a GPS, carrying adequate water and sun protection.
You should also purchase one of the invaluable guides to off-road exploring in the Emirates, in particular The Off-Road Explorer, published by Explorer Publishing.
Dhow Trips
Blue Dolphin Company LLC, Intercontinental Hotel (02 6262200) offers hour-long trips on a traditional Arab dhow from the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi. You can also hire a traditional dhow to take you further afield during the day.
The Abu Dhabi Grand (02 6742020) and Sunshine Tours (02 4449914) also run hour-long sunset cruises on the yacht Shuja. Coastline Leisure (04 3984867)
Danat Dubai (04 3511117) and Sharjah National Tourist and Transport Authority (SNTTA, 06 5684411) organize cruises in Dubai and Sharjah.
Diving and Snorkelling
The waters of the UAE offer a range of diving and snorkelling to suit all levels of experience. Dive the reefs and spectacular wrecks along the Abu Dhabi/Dubai coasts where there is relatively little tidal movement and currents are few in the shallow Gulf waters. Diving on the East Coast is different again with upwellings from the Indian Ocean encouraging a greater diversity of marine life. Off the coast of Khor Fakkan there are more than ten dive sites within just a few minutes boat ride from the shore. Typically some of the best sites are submerged rocks that have been colonized by soft corals. There is abundant tropical fish life and turtles are commonly sighted. During winter months grey reef sharks are often seen. The diving gets steadily more demanding and more varied as the coast runs northwards. From the ancient town of Dibba it is possible to reach a wealth of deeper dive sites within half an hour’s boat ride. Mountains that plunge directly into the ocean are covered in soft corals to depths of 40 metres and a cave system offers exciting diving for experienced and suitably qualified divers. Nurse and leopard sharks are regularly seen and whaleshark sightings are not unknown during the cooler months.
Contact the Emirates Diving Association (04 3939390 www.emiratesdiving.com) for more information or check out UAE Underwater Explorer. The latter lists the more popular dive sites in the Emirates, along with maps and GPS co-ordinates.
Certified divers must produce their certification card if they wish to avail of diving facilities in the UAE. Equipment and boat hire are available at the dive centres and shops listed below. Many of these are located at hotels. However, you can avail of the facilities even if you are not a guest or a club member, but it is advisable to book well in advance. If you are a novice you can earn your PADI qualifications through most of the centres. Courses are usually for 2–5 days duration.
A B Divers, Méridien Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi. (02 6974216 abdivers@emirates.net.ae)
Al Boom Diving, Dubai, (04 3941267 franky@emirates.net.ae)
Blue Dolphin Company, Hotel Intercontinental, Abu Dhabi (02 6666888 sindbad@hotmail.com)
Fun Sports, Jumeirah Beach Club (04 3445333)
Golden Boats, Le Méridien, Abu Dhabi (02 6659929)
Inner Space Diving Centre, Shop 3 & 4 The Dubai Heritage and Diving Village (04 3937775 innerspc@emirates.net.ae)
Leema Coast Sea Travels & Diving, Diving House, Corniche Rd, Khor Fakkan (09 2383638 dive4fun@emirates.net.ae)
Marina Divers, Abu Dhabi (02 6775687)
Ocean Divers’ Centre, Oceanic Hotel, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah (09 2385111)
Pavilion Dive Centre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai (04 3480000)
Pearl Marine Sports Centre, Al Quasimia Rd, Sharjah (06 5663626 anas2522@emirates.net.ae)
Sandy Beach Diving Centre, Sandy Beach Motel, Fujairah (09 2445050 sbdiving@emirates.net.ae)
Seven Seas Divers, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, (09 2387400 diving@emirates.net.ae)
Scuba Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre Apartments (04 3317433)
Dive School (04 3314014 sindbad@hotmail.com, scuba@emirates.net.ae)
Scubatec, Shop no.15 Sana Building, Karama, Dubai (04 3348988 scubatec@emirates.net.ae)
Scuba Sheraton, Sheraton Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 67773333 scuba@emirates.net.ae)
Scuba 2000 Diving & Watersports, Al Bidiya Beach, Dibba, Fujairah (09 2388477)
Sirenia, Marina Club, Abu Dhabi (050 6134583 vpappin@emirates.net.ae)
Sun Divers Diving Centre, Al Diar Jazira (02 5629265 www.sundivers.net)
Return to top / Return to Recreational Centre – Main Index
Dune Buggies
Great fun but not very good for the dunes. Dune buggies are for hire on Fridays at Nazwa dunes, by the roadside, about 40km along the Dubai to Hatta road. Some local tour companies also include dune buggy rides on their desert trips (see section on Organized Tours).
Exploring The Wadis
A wadi is a dry river bed, often the location of rock pools and unexpected vegetation, especially higher in the mountains. Wadi bashing trips run by local tour operators involve driving helter skelter over rocks and streams, marvellous fun, but not necessarily environmentally friendly! Exploring the wadis at a gentler pace is a great way to discover plant and animal life. In any event be extremely careful, wadis can be subject to flash floods in heavy rainfall.
Fishing
The Gulf waters are teeming with fish – charter a boat and fish for marlin, sailfish and barracuda, mackerel, tuna, jack and bonito. September to April is the most productive period, although it is possible to catch sailfish and kingfish in the hot summer months. You can either bring your own gear or use equipment onboard. Fishing charters can be tailored to suit your needs. Prices vary considerably so it is wise to ring around.
Beach or surf fishing is also popular, especially along the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi.
Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi (02 6732266) has four dhows for hire but their fishing equipment is limited. Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 6443000) has its own well-equipped boat that can be hired by the day or for a shorter trip. Blue Dolphin Company (02 6669392 sindbad@hotmail.com) Palms Resort at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 6773333) run regular expeditions or special trips can be arranged on request.
Fishing operators in Dubai and the Northern Emirates include the following:
Bounty Charters, Dubai (04 3483042 forries@emirates.net.ae)
Creek Cruises, Dhow Wharf, Creekside, Dubai (04 3939860)
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (04 2956000)
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai (04 3993333)
Oceanic Hotel, Beach Rd, Khor Fakkan (09 2385111 www.oceanichotel.com)
If palaeontology is your speciality, you will be interested to know that, according to scientists from the Natural History Museum in London, who have been conducting research in the area for some time, the UAE has the finest locations for discovering Middle East Cretaceous marine invertebrates and late Miocene Arabian continental vertebrate fossils. The three areas of importance are the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the slopes of Jebel Hafit and the eastern mountains.
Flying
Have a trial flight at Fujairah Aviation Centre, Fujairah International Airport (09 2224747); a spectacular night flight with Emirates Flying School, Dubai International Airport (04 2995155); a half hour sightseeing air tour from Umm al-Qaiwain Aeroclub (06 7661477) or break-out and charter a plane for a longer trip – a wonderful way to see the countryside. Contact Desert Air on 04 2994411. For a virtual trip, the simulator at the Emirates Training College allows guests to ‘pilot’ two of the world’s latest aircraft from take-off to touchdown.
Microlight aircraft also fly from Al Jazira Flying Club (07 2363622).
Go-Karting
Leisure Games Centre, Tourist Club Area (02 6793330) has a karting track.
Speed fanatics should try the UAE’s fully equipped, air conditioned indoor go-kart facilities at Formula One, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai (04 3388828). Outdoor tracks are located at Wonderland in the centre of Dubai (Chevrolet Grand Prix 04 3241222 wonderld@emirates.net.ae ) and beside the Jebel Ali Hotel, where Dubai Kart Club (04 3497393 graham@emirates.net.ae) organizes the UAE championships from January to April and September to December.
Kartdrome at Dubai Autodrome in Dubailand has world-class facilities (Kartdrome, PO Box 24649, Dubai. tel 04 3678744; karting@dubaiautodrome.com; www.dubaiautodrome.com
Emirates Motor Sports Federation, Emirates Kart Centre.
Ferrari Park, Abu Dhabi
Horse Racing
Horses have always played a central role in traditional life in Arabia but contemporary horse racing with local jockeys as well as top jockeys from overseas, has taken off dramatically over the past decade. Race meetings are held weekly during the winter at one of the UAE’s four racecourses.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (02 455500) in Mushrif is one of the region’s most impressive venues for horse racing and showjumping events. In addition to the golf course, the club has excellent equestrian facilities. Up to 16 race meeting are held from November to April each year, including The President’s Cup, National Cup Day and Emirates Championship.
Racing at the well-appointed Nad al-Sheba Racecourse in Dubai takes place from November to April. The Racing Festival commences in January for nine weeks, culminating in the Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com), the world’s richest horse race. Other races in the World Cup Festival include the UAE Derby, the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, The Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile. General admission is free, but the reserved area is accessible only to badge holders and members.
Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club (06 5311155), located just off the Sharjah–Dhaid highway at intersection no.6, also holds race meetings from November to April.
Going to the races in the UAE is as exciting and glamorous as anywhere in the world. Nevertheless there is one significant difference: in accordance with the precepts of Islam, gambling is prohibited at all racetracks.
Endurance racing over long distances using purebred Arabian horses that are renowned for their stamina is also a sport in which UAE nationals excel at home and abroad. International races are held at frequent intervals in the UAE throughout the winter months. Check the newspapers for details
Island-hopping
Abu Dhabi emirate is blessed with numerous islands off its shallow coast. Tour companies such as Sunshine Tours (02 44449914) can arrange for you to visit some of these, either on a day trip or overnight. Boat charters for excursions to the islands or elsewhere are also possible from fishing charter companies – just explain that you would like to skip the fishing – or not as the case may be.
Mini Golf/Pitch and Putt
Al Diar Gulf Hotel & Resort (02 4414777 www.aldiarhotels.com) has a nine-hole crazy golf course.
You can also play at the Aviation Club, Al Garhoud, Dubai (04 2824122 aviation@emirates.net.ae) on a nine-hole, par 27, well-manicured pitch and putt course.
At Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta, Dubai (04 8523211 www.hattaforthotel.com) try the American style mini golf course which is set against a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Alternatively play the hotel’s nine-hole par 27 course.
Hyatt Golf Park, Hyatt Regency, Deira, Dubai (04 2096741) has nine-hole pitch and putt grass course set amidst lush vegetation, a pond and waterfall.
Sand Skiing
A novel and exciting experience, sand skiing has been attracting a keen band of followers both in the Emirates and abroad. The only equipment you will need is a snowboard! Popular venues are the large dune on the road between Dubai and Hatta and the gigantic dunes near the Liwa oasis on the edge of the legendary Empty Quarter. Trips to the latter must be organized by one of the local tour operators who will also provide instruction.
Skydiving
If you are not an experienced skydiver, try a hair-raising tandem jump at the Umm al-Qaiwain Aeroclub (06 7681447 www.uaqclubs.com).
Walking
In winter, it is always very pleasant to walk along the waterfronts (Corniches) or parks, especially in the cool of the evening when these areas are a hive of activity. It is also fun to walk or indeed hike off-road. But this requires more careful planning and for short-term visitors it would be better to take a local guide unless you are experienced in orienteering.
WATER PARKS
Aqua Park-Dreamland, Umm al-Qaiwain (06 7681888 www.dreamlanduae.com) is one of the largest water parks in the world. High-speed water rides are set amongst extensive grassy areas. It also features a go-kart track, and an amusement centre, numerous food stalls and restaurants. Fridays are for families only.
The Breakwater, Abu Dhabi is a man-made resort area that can be reached by a causeway off the Abu Dhabi Corniche, just below the Hilton Hotel. The Breakwater has a wide variety of amusement centres, green areas and restaurants. Can be extremely busy on holiday evenings.
Hili Fun City & Ice Rink, Al Ain (03 7845524 funcity@emirates.net.ae) is one of the largest amusement and leisure parks in the Gulf, with over 200 rides and games. Open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends and public holidays. Admission Dh10, Thursday and Friday Dh15, children under three years are free.
Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Rd, Dubai (04 3484444/ 3990000 www.jumeirah-beach.com), located next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, offers 24 interconnected gigantic water rides on a spectacular 12-acre site. It boasts the longest (32.6 metres!) and fastest (up to 80 km/hr) water ride of the Middle East. The park is diligently patrolled by lifeguards and has several food outlets.
Splashland Theme & Waterpark, in the centre of Dubai near Garhoud Bridge (04 3241222), is divided into three areas: Main Street, an air conditioned indoor family entertainment centre with lots of activities; a Theme Park; and Splashland which features nine water rides, and has three restaurants and a swimming pool.
Opening hours are weekdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday is Ladies day, closed on Sundays. Opening hours can vary according to the season so check before you go.
Source: UAE Interact