Chances are, if you’re in Dubai you’ll have some spare time on your hands. Whether you have time between meetings, or are simply taking a rest stop on your way to the other side of the world, you’ll be looking for something exciting to do. Of course, hitting the world-class shopping malls or the increasingly globally significant art galleries will do for some, but many of you will be looking for something different. A unique experience – something you wouldn’t ordinarily do at home. And what could be better than trying a heart-rate-elevating extreme sport. Here’s our rundown of the top five Dubai adrenaline rushes.
Dune buggying
Harnessed inside a bucket seat wrapped in a roll-cage, you’ll have no fear in unleashing nearly 1,000ccs of power on an unsuspecting desert. The brave will get “air” off dunes in no time.
Morning and evening safaris from $140 per person (www.desertrangers.net)
Skydiving
The only place Dubai’s stunning Palm Jumeirah and The World islands can be fully appreciated from is the air. Strap yourself to an expert and let him/her drag you out of a plane at 12,500 feet.
Tandem jump with digital stills and video from around $500 (www.skydivedubai.ae)
Sandboarding
The snow season’s over and you’re in need of a fix. Who’d have thought it; desert dunes are a boarder’s paradise – for novices and experts alike. Make snow out of sand as you carve your way down dune after dune.
Adult half-day safari from $70 (www.dubaisandboarding.com)
Camel polo
Looking for something you can do only in Dubai? Camel polo is for you. Based on the equestrian game, the Dubai version promises a few surprises. Newcomers can expect polo mallet swinging training and camel riding tuition.
Adult riding from $200 (www.poloclubdubai.com)
Dune bashing
This is what off-roading is all about – a roller-coaster ride over a landscape of thrilling ups and downs. You’ll scream in delight as an experienced driver thrashes the living daylights out of your trusty steed – a powerful 4×4 – across Dubai’s famous dunes.
Half-day safari from $110 per person (www.dubaidunebashing.com)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Images: Dune Buggying – phototvdirector, Skydiving – OnMyWayAroundTheWorld; Sandboarding – Surfing The Nations; Dune Bashing – jemasmith)
